Registered medical assistant vs certified assistant?

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) are both important certifications for medical assistants. While both RMAs and CMAs perform similar tasks in a medical setting, there are some key differences between the two.

Education and Training:

* RMA: To become a Registered Medical Assistant, individuals must complete an accredited RMA program, which typically takes 12-18 months. These programs cover a wide range of medical topics and skills, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, administrative procedures, and clinical skills.

* CMA: To become a Certified Medical Assistant, individuals must pass the CMA exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). There is no formal education requirement to take the CMA exam, although many candidates choose to complete a medical assisting program or coursework to prepare.

Certification and Licensing:

* RMA: Once an RMA program is completed, graduates are eligible to sit for the RMA exam offered by the American Medical Association (AMA). Passing the exam is required to obtain the RMA credential. Some states also require RMAs to be licensed.

* CMA: Passing the CMA exam offered by the NHA is required to obtain the CMA certification. Unlike RMAs, CMAs are not required to be licensed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

RMAs and CMAs typically perform similar duties in a medical setting, such as:

* Patient care: taking vital signs, administering medications, assisting with procedures, and providing patient education

* Administrative tasks: scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing insurance

* Clinical tasks: assisting with minor surgical procedures, performing laboratory tests, and administering injections

However, the scope of practice for RMAs and CMAs may vary depending on state regulations and individual employer requirements. In some cases, RMAs may have additional responsibilities, such as drawing blood or performing more advanced procedures.

In general, RMAs and CMAs play a vital role in providing efficient and compassionate care to patients in various medical settings. While there are some key differences between the two certifications, both RMAs and CMAs are valuable members of the healthcare team.