No, Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) typically earn nearly identical salaries. While they are distinct certifications, the compensation for both roles is largely comparable due to their similar scope of practice and job responsibilities within healthcare settings.
Understanding the Certifications
Both RMA and CMA certifications validate an individual's competency to perform a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office or clinic. The primary distinction between the two lies in the organizations that administer their respective certification exams:
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): The RMA certification is offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT).
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): The CMA certification is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Despite originating from different certifying bodies, both certifications are nationally recognized and highly respected within the medical community.
Salary Parity and Scope of Practice
The reason for the nearly identical salary levels between RMAs and CMAs stems from their shared job functions and responsibilities. Medical assistants, regardless of their specific certification, generally perform a similar array of duties, which can include:
- Taking patient histories and vital signs
- Assisting physicians with examinations
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic laboratory tests
- Sterilizing medical instruments
- Administering medications as directed by a physician
- Handling administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing.
Because their day-to-day tasks and the value they bring to a healthcare practice are essentially the same, employers tend to offer similar compensation for both RMA and CMA professionals. Factors such as experience, geographic location, type of healthcare facility, and additional skills (e.g., specialized software proficiency) are generally more influential in determining a medical assistant's salary than the specific certification held.
Key Similarities and Differences
To further clarify, here's a brief overview of how these two certifications compare:
| Feature | Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Certifying Body | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Scope of Practice | Broad, encompassing clinical and administrative tasks. | Broad, encompassing clinical and administrative tasks. |
| Salary Outlook | Nearly identical to CMA salaries. | Nearly identical to RMA salaries. |
| Recognition | Nationally recognized and accepted. | Nationally recognized and widely accepted. |
In essence, while the pathways to obtaining these certifications differ slightly, the professional outcomes, including earning potential and career opportunities, are largely the same. Both RMA and CMA certifications demonstrate a medical assistant's commitment to professional standards and provide a strong foundation for a career in healthcare.
For more information on medical assistant careers and salary data, you can refer to resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
