Q: What is the difference between a medical assistant and a certified medical assistant?
A: The core difference is that a medical assistant is a job title for someone performing clinical and administrative support in healthcare, while a certified medical assistant (CMA) is an individual who has earned a nationally recognized credential by passing a rigorous exam, proving they meet a high standard of knowledge and skill. A CMA is always a medical assistant, but a medical assistant is not necessarily certified.
Q: What are the key distinctions in their qualifications?
A:
- Medical Assistant: A person who may have learned skills on the job, through an unaccredited program, or through experience. Formal education or standardized testing is not legally required in most states, though employers often prefer some training.
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): An individual who has graduated from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, and has passed the national CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination. This validates their competency against a national benchmark.
Q: How does their scope of practice or job duties differ?
A: In terms of daily tasks, both may perform the same clinical and administrative duties. The difference lies in the assurance of competence and professional recognition.
- A CMA has a credential that assures employers, physicians, and patients they possess the validated knowledge and skills to perform the full range of duties safely and effectively.
- A non-certified assistant's skill level can vary widely, and they may be limited from performing certain advanced procedures depending on state law or office policy.
Q: How does certification affect career prospects?
A: Certification is a major career advantage for medical assistants:
- Employer Preference: Most healthcare employers strongly prefer or require certification for hiring and promotion.
- Higher Earning Potential: CMAs typically earn 10% to 15% more than their non-certified peers.
- Job Mobility & Security: The CMA credential is recognized nationwide, making it easier to find jobs in different states and providing greater job security.
- Professional Credibility: Certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and adherence to a code of ethics.
Q: Is certification required by law?
A: In most states, no. Anyone can be hired as a medical assistant. However, some states, like Washington, now require medical assistants to be certified. Many other states have regulations that require certification to perform specific advanced tasks, such as administering injections.
For a detailed look at the duties a certified assistant is qualified to perform, you can review the role of an AAMA certified assistant.