No, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is not permitted to call themselves a nurse in any U.S. state or Canadian province. Doing so is considered title misappropriation and can lead to serious legal and professional consequences.
Key Differences in Titles and Scope
- Nurse is a legally protected title that applies only to licensed professionals such as:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) These professionals must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX exam (or equivalent), and hold a state-issued nursing license.
- Medical Assistant (MA or CMA) is a separate allied health profession. CMAs complete a postsecondary medical assisting program (usually 9–12 months) and pass the AAMA certification exam, earning the credential CMA (AAMA). The title “medical assistant” is not protected in most states, but the title “nurse” is strictly protected everywhere.
Legal Ramifications
Presenting oneself as a nurse when not licensed as one violates state Nurse Practice Acts and can result in:
- Civil penalties and fines
- Cease-and-desist orders
- Loss of CMA certification
- Criminal charges in extreme cases (practicing nursing without a license)
Even casual use of terms like “I’m the nurse,” “nurse MA,” or wearing a badge that says “nurse” can trigger complaints and investigations by state boards of nursing.
How CMAs Should Identify Themselves
Correct introductions include:
- “Hi, I’m Sarah, a certified medical assistant.”
- “I’m John, one of the medical assistants here.”
- Name badge: “Sarah Jones, CMA (AAMA) – Medical Assistant”
Summary
No, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) may not call themselves a nurse. “Nurse” is a protected title reserved exclusively for licensed RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and advanced practice nurses. Using the title “nurse” when not licensed as one violates state Nurse Practice Acts and constitutes title misappropriation. Consequences can include disciplinary action by the state board of nursing, loss of CMA certification, fines, or even criminal charges for practicing nursing without a license. Medical assistants should always identify themselves accurately as “certified medical assistant,” “CMA (AAMA),” or simply “medical assistant” in both verbal introductions and on name badges. Accurate title use protects patients, maintains professional integrity, and ensures compliance with the law.