Yes, the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential is nationally recognized. It is awarded by the American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA), which is identified as one of several national organizations that register and certify medical assistants across the country.
Understanding National Recognition for Medical Assistants
For medical assistants, national recognition is crucial as it signifies that a credential meets a consistent standard of quality and competency across different states and healthcare settings. Organizations like the American Registry of Medical Assistants play a vital role in establishing these national benchmarks.
The RMA credential indicates that an individual has met the specific requirements set forth by a national body, which generally includes a combination of education, experience, and passing a standardized examination. This national acknowledgment helps employers and healthcare facilities confirm a candidate's qualifications, regardless of where they obtained their training.
Registration vs. Certification for Medical Assistants
Within the field of medical assisting, you may encounter both "registration" and "certification." While both are forms of professional recognition, they are distinct designations offered by national organizations. The American Registry of Medical Assistants is one such national organization that offers both types of distinctions:
| Designation | Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Medical Assistant | RMA | This credential signifies that a medical assistant has met the national registration standards established by a recognized body like the American Registry of Medical Assistants. |
| Certified Medical Assistant | CMA | This credential typically indicates that a medical assistant has met national certification standards, often involving a comprehensive examination and specific educational prerequisites. |
Both the RMA and CMA are valuable credentials that demonstrate a medical assistant's professional competency and commitment to the field, and both are recognized nationally by employers and within the healthcare industry.
Key Takeaways
- The RMA is a nationally recognized credential for medical assistants.
- It is granted by the American Registry of Medical Assistants (ARMA), a national certifying and registering organization.
- National recognition ensures that the credential is widely accepted across different states and healthcare facilities.
- Both registration (RMA) and certification (CMA) are important national distinctions available to medical assistants.
