How to Become a Registered Medical Assistant: A Comprehensive Guide
As a medical assistant (MA), you play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of a medical clinic or hospital. With the rapid growth of the healthcare industry, becoming a registered medical assistant (RMA) has become an attractive career option for many aspiring professionals. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of becoming an RMA.
What are the Prerequisites to Become a Medical Assistant?
Before we delve into the process of becoming an RMA, let’s discuss the basic prerequisites:
Key Skills and Qualities:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to lift and move medical equipment and supplies
• Basic anatomy and physiology knowledge
Education and Certification
To become an RMA, you need to complete a post-secondary program in medical assisting, which typically consists of:
Certificate in Medical Assisting (less than 1 year)
These programs are designed to provide students with practical hands-on training and theoretical knowledge essential for a medical assistant.
Assisting Associate’s Degree Program (2 years)
Aspiring medical assistants can also complete an associate’s degree program that prepares them for a more comprehensive healthcare career.
How to Gain Experience and Certification
Gain Practical Experience
On-the-Job Training: Many states require medical assistants to complete on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.
Certificate Programs: Some institutions offer hands-on training programs that provide students with laboratory experience and clinical training.
RMA Certification
To achieve RMA certification, you need to:
• Pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
• Or pass the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam offered by the American Medical Technologies (AMT)
Below is a table summarizing the various certifications and their requirements:
| **Certification** | **Eligibility Criteria** | **Exam Format** | **Certification Organization** |
| Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | Graduate from an accredited MA program | Multiple-choice exam and a clinical skills test | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | High school diploma or equivalent | Multiple-choice exam only | Professional Resources Inc. (PRI) American Medical Technologies (AMT) |
Additional Requirements to Maintain Certification
• Completing continuing education requirements to update your skills and knowledge
• Adhering to the certification organization’s policies and guidelines
What to Expect Once You’re Certified
Upon achieving RMA certification, you:
• Enhance your job prospects, increasing your chances of being hired for lucrative positions
• Increase your salary potential, with certified medical assistants typically earning higher salaries
• Develop a sense of pride, knowing you’ve earned a mark of excellence in your profession
To conclude, becoming a registered medical assistant is an excellent career choice for those with a passion for healthcare. By following this step-by-step guide, you can begin your journey towards a fulfilling and rewarding RMA career.
Additional Resources:
• American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA): https://www.aama-ntl.org/
• American Medical Technologies (AMT): https://www.amt1.com