Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Yes. You must have a valid CPR certification to qualify for RMA certification. Your CPR training must include both theoretical instruction and an in-person, hands-on demonstration of CPR proficiency. A copy of the front and back of your valid CPR card is required when applying. 

Full-time work experience is defined as an average of 36 hours per week. On-call, PRN, and as-needed positions are not accepted. The amount and type of experience required depend on your eligibility route: 

Work Experience Route: Three years of medical assisting experience within the past seven years. The experience must include both clinical and administrative duties. 

Instructor Route: Teaching and clinical experience requirements vary depending on the number of years you have taught medical assisting. Review the Instructor Route requirements for specific details. 

Your employer must verify your qualifying experience using the RMA Employment Verification Form. Job descriptions are not accepted in place of the completed form. 

If you graduated from your medical assisting program more than four years ago, you are no longer eligible under the Education Route. If you began working as a medical assistant after completing your program or have continued working in the field, we recommend reviewing the Work Experience Route to determine whether you may qualify based on your employment history. 

Yes, students in their final semester or those finishing their externship can begin the application process. However, final transcripts are needed after graduation.

Required documents vary by eligibility route. Review the eligibility routes above to determine which route applies to you and confirm the documents you need before applying.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a medical assistant is about $45,690. Salaries may vary depending on location, employer, experience, and education.

Technically they perform the same duties. The words Registered and Certified are really interchangeable. They both mean the professional has passed the test of an independent certification organization. There may be different eligibility routes required by different certification organizations. AMT offers a highly valued Registered Medical Assistant certification with flexible eligibility routes, secure testing, and a high-quality vetting process to ensure professionals are ready to deliver exceptional patient care from day one.

Medical assistant jobs are projected to grow 12% by 2034, much faster than average. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

About 112,300 openings projected each year through 2034.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A medical assistant performs clinical and administrative functions in a variety of settings, such as physician offices, hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and more. Some clinical duties performed by RMAs include direct patient care and preparation, phlebotomy, ECG, and pharmacology, ensuring patient safety and confidentiality. Some administrative duties they may also perform include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing and coding insurance.

The career of a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) typically starts with an accredited training program or education, followed by certification with AMT. RMAs can advance careers through specialization, leadership roles, or progressing to higher level medical roles. RMAs can easily stack other AMT credentials to gain additional expertise, such as RPT, CMAS, or CMLA certifications, and EKG, Immunization, Point of Care Testing (POCT), and Telehealth Certificates, on their way to building a strong allied health career.

Yes. The non-refundable application fee includes the application, certification examination, and first annual renewal fee.