Here is all of the info, procedures, forms, and contacts needed to begin working as a CMA in Alabama. The BLS’ most recent record shows 6,660 medical assistants with employment in Alabama earning $26,740 on average annually. Boasting a projected twenty three % increase through 2024, the medical assistant profession is growing rapidly.
More CMA Info for Alabama:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certifications in Alabama
The Alabama State Medical Board does not determine the scope of medical assistants. As in most states, nurse practitioners and licensed doctors obtain the authority to assign responsibility relating to health-care.
In order to compete as a medical assistant in Alabama you will need to gain certification as many employers require a certificate. The AMA (American Medical Association) acknowledges two certificates for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Obtaining either certification will significantly improve your job opportunities and payment.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the agency that produces the certification providing official credentials of CMA. To attain a RMA certificate, you must complete the certificate steps offered by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The chart below lists the requirements for each of the RMA and CMA credentials.
Certification Requirement | CMA | RMA |
|---|---|---|
| Meet 1 of the eligibility requirements. (CMA requires graduating a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program, RMA also offers eligibility from military education, work experience and instructing.) | View Eligibility Details | View Eligibility Details |
| Submit required supporting documentation for exam application process. | Documents | Documents |
| Apply for exam and pay application fee. | Application, $125 | Application, $120 |
| Schedule your exam date. | Schedule | Schedule |
| Complete your exam. (Upon completion, the CMA exam will show whether you pass/failed immediately and RMA exams taken online will provide your actual score immediately.) | Yes | Yes |
| Wait 8-10 weeks (CMA candidates will receive official test scores at this time and RMA candidates will receive their certification.) | Yes | Yes |
| Passing CMA applicants then wait another 10 weeks after receiving scores to receive their certification and card. | Yes | No |
| You have the ability to retest if you fail for both the CMA and RMA | Retest info | Retest info |
| Continuing Education, membership fees, and recertification are required for both the CMA and RMA | Recertify info | Recertify info |
Alabama Chapter Contact Info
Syble L. Buntin, CMA (AAMA)
Membership@aama-ntl.org
Why Be a CMA in Alabama?
The job market for medical assistants in Alabama is growing. CMA salaries are competitive and there are a number of accredited medical assistant programs to choose from. Learn more about a CMA career in Alabama at the following links.
