Medical assistants (MAs) occupy an important position in healthcare, linking patient care and administrative operations. These professionals ensure the smooth function of medical facilities by managing both clinical and clerical duties. Earning a recognized credential validates a medical assistant’s professional competency to employers and patients. The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a premier credential signifying a high standard of qualification in the profession.
Defining the Registered Medical Assistant
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a professional credential issued by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), a national certification organization. Individuals earn this designation by successfully passing a standardized examination, demonstrating mastery of necessary administrative and clinical skills. Obtaining the RMA credential signifies that a medical assistant has met a recognized, national standard of competency and professionalism. The AMT has offered this respected credential since 1972, establishing it as a mark of quality in allied health.
Core Responsibilities of a Registered Medical Assistant
Registered Medical Assistants execute a wide array of duties divided between the front and back offices of a medical practice. Administrative duties focus on managing the office environment and patient records efficiently. These tasks include scheduling patient appointments, managing telephone communication, and handling billing and coding procedures for insurance claims. RMAs are also responsible for maintaining electronic health records (EHR), documenting patient information, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
The clinical responsibilities of an RMA involve direct patient care and assisting physicians or other licensed practitioners. Preparing patients for examinations is routine, including taking and recording vital signs like blood pressure and temperature. RMAs frequently assist with minor surgical procedures and perform basic laboratory procedures, such as collecting specimens and conducting in-house tests. Phlebotomy (drawing blood) and administering medications or injections as directed by a physician are also common clinical tasks.
The Path to Becoming an RMA
To qualify for the RMA certification examination, candidates must satisfy specific eligibility requirements established by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). One common pathway involves completing a formal medical assisting program accredited by a recognized agency. This educational route requires at least 720 hours of instruction, including a minimum of 160 hours dedicated to a supervised clinical externship.
Alternative routes exist for candidates with different professional backgrounds. Individuals who completed a formal medical services training program through the United States Armed Forces may also qualify for the exam. The AMT offers a pathway for experienced medical assistants who document at least three years of full-time clinical and administrative work experience within the past seven years. Official documentation, such as transcripts or an employment verification form, is required to prove the candidate meets the criteria.
Understanding the RMA Certification Exam
The RMA certification examination is a computer-based assessment evaluating a candidate’s readiness to perform medical assistant duties. The test consists of approximately 210 multiple-choice questions completed within a two-hour time limit. The exam content is divided into several major domains to ensure comprehensive testing of the required knowledge.
Core areas covered include general medical knowledge, administrative medical assisting, and clinical medical assisting, focusing on clinical patient interaction. General knowledge encompasses subjects like medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. Administrative sections test skills in areas like insurance and medical law. To pass the examination and earn the credential, candidates must achieve a scaled score of 70 or higher.
Maintaining Your RMA Certification
Maintaining the Registered Medical Assistant certification ensures the credential holder’s knowledge remains current. RMA holders must renew their status every three years to keep the credential active. This renewal process requires the completion of 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the three-year period.
These continuing education hours can be earned through various sources, including programs offered by the American Medical Technologists or other approved organizations. An annual fee must also be paid to the AMT to maintain membership and good standing. Adhering to the AMT Code of Ethics is another component of renewal, reinforcing the professional and ethical standards expected of registered professionals.
RMA vs. CMA: Key Differences in Certification
The healthcare field recognizes two primary medical assistant credentials: the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The fundamental difference lies in their issuing organizations and eligibility pathways. The RMA is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), while the CMA is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The eligibility requirements for the CMA are more restrictive, requiring candidates to graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). In contrast, the RMA offers more flexible routes, allowing military training or documented work experience to qualify. Renewal cycles also vary: the RMA requires 30 CEUs every three years, while the CMA requires 60 CEUs every five years. Both credentials are nationally recognized, though the CMA is sometimes considered the industry standard due to its longer history and stricter educational entry criteria.
Career Outlook and Benefits of RMA Certification
The career outlook for medical assistants is promising, reflecting the continuous growth of the healthcare sector. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 12% from 2024 to 2034, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This high demand is expected to result in approximately 112,300 job openings each year over the decade.
The median wage for medical assistants was $44,200 as of May 2024, providing solid earnings potential. Holding the RMA credential offers specific advantages, including increased marketability and professional recognition among employers. Certification helps candidates stand out in the job market, often leading to better job prospects and higher earning potential compared to non-certified medical assistants.