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Medical assistants have a few certification options, one being the credential of registered medical assistant (RMA). If you’re considering whether to pursue becoming an RMA, you may be wondering what this credential means, why you might want it, the qualifications (such as completing a medical assistant training program), and what the process looks like. In this guide, we dive into all these areas and more!

What Is a Registered Medical Assistant?

To understand what a registered medical assistant is, you must first understand the medical assistant role. Medical assistants help healthcare offices run more efficiently by assisting with clinical tasks such as taking patients’ vital signs or drawing blood for testing, and by performing administrative functions like scheduling appointments or maintaining office supplies.

A registered medical assistant is a medical assistant who has passed a competency exam. Passing this exam says the healthcare professional knows how to perform common medical assistant job duties because it tests the candidate’s knowledge and application of these tasks, as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements to take the RMA exam.

Benefits of Pursuing the Registered Medical Assistant Credential

One reason to pursue the RMA credential is that it may be required. Each state sets requirements for working in a medical assistant role. Some may require you to complete an accredited medical assistant program, for instance, obtain a license, and/or earn your certification. Pursuing the RMA certification helps prepare you to meet these requirements.

Employers may also require or prefer that you be certified to work in this role. Having the RMA credential tells them that you have the knowledge and skills needed to perform the necessary tasks. Even if the employer doesn’t require this designation, taking the steps to pursue it may help you stand out as a job candidate. It says that you take your role as a medical assistant seriously.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RMA?

Because there are several pathways to becoming an RMA, there is no singular answer to this question. To get a better idea of how long it may take you, let’s look at the offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT) since this is the exam Ultimate Medical Academy’s Medical Assistant diploma program prepares you to sit for, if you meet the AMT’s eligibility requirements.¹

Some AMT pathways require that you have education or training before applying for the RMA exam. How long it takes to complete medical assistant training varies depending on whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or degree — which can range from less than one year to two years or more. Other pathways involve acquiring work experience (up to three years), which can take some time as well.

Once you meet the AMT’s qualifications, you can apply to take the RMA exam either in person or online. According to their Candidate Handbook, it typically takes 1-2 business days to process your application (or up to 30 days if you are seeking special accommodations) and then, if approved, you must schedule the exam and take the test, after which you will receive your official certification 7-14 days later if you pass.²

How to Become a Registered Medical Assistant

If you are interested in pursuing RMA certification, here are some steps you can take:

Step #1: Complete medical assistant training

Two of AMT’s pathways to becoming an RMA involve completing a medical assistant program. This type of program can teach you what you need to know to work in this healthcare role. You learn the clinical skills needed to perform basic lab procedures, draw blood (phlebotomy), and assist with minor medical office surgeries. You also gain the knowledge needed to perform administrative tasks and office procedures.

AMT’s requirements specify that the medical assistant training program must include at least 160 hours of externship.¹ An externship gives you the opportunity to practice your medical assistant skills in a real-world setting, under supervision. If pursuing a work experience-based pathway, you will need to meet those requirements too.

Step #2: Apply and prepare for the registered medical assistant exam

After meeting all of the AMT’s requirements, the next step is to apply for the RMA exam. There is a $150 fee to apply, which includes both the exam fee and the first annual fee.¹ You can schedule to take the exam online or in person at a Person VUE testing center.

While waiting for the test, take the time to prepare. Look over the contents of the exam so you know which areas to focus on during your preparation.

The AMT’s RMA exam covers the following topic areas:³

• Anatomy and physiology – 20.9% of the exam
• Administrative medical assisting – 26.7% of the exam
• Clinical procedural tasks – 18.6% of the exam
• Clinical patient interaction – 33.8% of the exam

Step #3: Take the RMA exam

On your scheduled day and time, take the RMA exam. AMT’s test consists of 210 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. A score of 70 or higher is needed to pass the exam and earn the credential of RMA. If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam 45 days (or more) later to try again.²

UMA’s Medical Assistant Training Includes RMA Exam Prep

If you want to pursue RMA certification, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers two medical assistant programs that each include a 220-hour externship and preparation to sit for the registered medical assistant exam offered by American Medical Technologists, if you meet their eligibility criteria:

• A Medical Assistant diploma program, which can be completed in 15 months or more⁴
• A Health Sciences – Medical Assistant associate degree program, which can be completed in 21 months or more⁴ and includes general education courses for a rounded education

Why choose UMA? We believe in supporting our learners every step of the way. Whether you are struggling with your coursework or want assistance after graduation with your job search, our team of caring and compassionate professionals is here to help. We may even be able to connect you with one of our employer partners who prefers to hire UMA grads.

Contact us to learn more about our medical assistant programs or to discuss how we can help you pursue your healthcare career goals!

Registered Medical Assistant FAQs

• What does a registered medical assistant do? A registered medical assistant has the knowledge and skill to perform the same duties as a medical assistant. The difference is that someone with an RMA credential has passed a competency exam administered by a credentialing agency like the American Medical Technologists.
• What’s the difference between a registered medical assistant vs. certified medical assistant (CMA)? Both of these credentials indicate that the person has passed a competency exam, just with different names: RMA versus CMA. There may also be some testing differences in the steps required to pursue a CMA designation since the qualifications for these tests are set by the certifying agencies.
• Which organization offers the registered medical assistant credential? American Medical Technologists offers the RMA credential, which is the exam preparation offered in UMA’s medical assistant programs, though other organizations may offer this certification as well.