How to Become a Registered Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who help physicians with patient paperwork, patient greeting, and minor procedures such as checking blood pressure or performing blood draws. Certification is usually voluntary, although some employers may require it as a condition of employment. The two recognized types of certification, which are generally equivalent, for medical assistants are CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) and RMA (Registered Medical Assistant). The RMA credential is awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) board.

Instructions

1. Locate an approved medical assistant training program, ideally one that includes a clinical training component. Complete any necessary prerequisites and apply to the program.

2. Graduate from your medical assistant training program, which will most likely be between one and two years in length.

3. Fill out an application to take the certification exam to become a registered medical assistant. The form is available on the website of the AMT.

4. Study for and pass the registered medical assistant certification exam. (Study materials are available on the AMT website.)

5. Find a job working as a medical assistant (if you are not already employed).

Tips & Warnings

• If you have been working as a medical assistant for five years or more, even if you have not completed an accredited training program, you can still be eligible for certification as a Registered Medical Assistant. Check the AMT website for details.

Resources

• Registered Medical Assistant Certification