What is the difference between a medical assistant registered and certified assistant?

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) and certified medical assistants (CMAs) are both healthcare professionals who assist doctors and other healthcare providers with a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. However, there are some key differences between the two roles.

Education and training

* RMAs must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the RMA certification exam.

* CMAs must complete a nationally recognized medical assistant training program and pass the CMA certification exam.

Scope of practice

* RMAs are typically responsible for more clinical tasks than CMAs, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and performing laboratory tests.

* CMAs are typically responsible for more administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and billing.

Salary

* RMAs typically earn a higher salary than CMAs.

* The median annual salary for RMAs is $36,000, while the median annual salary for CMAs is $32,000.

Career opportunities

* RMAs may have more opportunities for advancement in the healthcare field, such as becoming a physician assistant or a nurse.

* CMAs may have more opportunities to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Conclusion

RMAs and CMAs are both important members of the healthcare team, but there are some key differences between the two roles. RMAs are typically more experienced and have a wider scope of practice than CMAs, but CMAs may have more opportunities to work in a variety of settings.