The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most current report shows 82,830 medical assistants working in California earning an average annual salary of $35,440 with an estimated national growth of 23 percent from 2014 by 2024.
This page contains all of the forms and contact information you will need to become a CMA or RMA in California.
More CMA Info for California:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in California
The Medical Board of California regulates medical assisting in the state.
Though you can lawfully be employed as a Medical Assistant in California without certification, to be competitive in the marketplace most Medical Assistants are certified because many employers often require a certificate. Additionally, if trained on the job rather than in an accredited medical assistant program one must meet the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants requirements.
The American Medical Association – AMA accepts 2 certificates for medical assistants, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Possessing one of the certifications will considerably improve your job possibilities and compensation.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the organization that offers the certification granting CMA status. To complete a RMA certification, you need to complete the certificate steps offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The following chart displays the requisites to obtain a CMA or RMA certificate.
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 |
CMAA Board Contact Info
The California Medical Assistants Association offers information and resources for medical assistants on their website here.
Medical Assistants Association
Susan Gouig, CCMA-AC
Why Be a CMA in California?
Besides getting to live in “sunny California” below are some great reasons to consider becoming a CMA in California.
- For those looking into CMA schools, California has plently of CMA Schools for you to consider.
- Compensation for CMAs in California is very competitive with some of the highest CMA salaries. Go and compare CMA Salaries in California.
