This page explains the steps, eligibility requirements, required forms, fees, and official contact information necessary to obtain certification for medical assistants in Colorado. While the national BLS predicts 12% job growth and a median annual salary of $44,200, pursuing medical assistant certification in CO is promising: Colorado medical assistants earn a higher average annual salary of $47,650, contributing to the 12,910 employed MAs.
There are 6 medical assistant programs in Colorado accredited by the CAAHEP and ABHES where you can begin your medical assistant certification.
Explore Medical Assistant Programs & Careers in Colorado:
Medical Assistant Certification in Colorado
The Colorado Bar Association doesn’t officially license Medical Assistants. However, to be competitive in the marketplace most Medical Assistants are certified as their employers typically require certification. The American Medical Association – AMA acknowledges two certificates for medical assistants, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Possessing either certificate will considerably enhance your job possibilities and salary.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the agency that provides the certificate giving official credentials of CMA. To attain a RMA certificate, you must follow the certification steps provided by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The following chart shows the requirements 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 |
CSMA Board Contact Info
The Colorado Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Chris Hollander, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Colorado?
Colorado is a beautiful state and medical assistants earn good salaries here above the national average with a number of accredited MA programs to choose from. Follow the links below to learn more about becoming a medical assistant in Colorado.
Explore Medical Assistant Programs & Careers in Colorado:
