The BLS’ census reports shows 46,320 medical assistants with an occupation in Florida earning an avg annual salary of $30,170. Boasting an estimated 23 percent increase through 2024, the medical assistant profession is growing rapidly.
Keep reading to find all the info, forms, and contacts you will need to start working as a medical assistant in Florida.
More CMA Info for Florida:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certifications in Florida
Florida doesn’t require medical assistants to obtain certification for employment, however many employers do demand a certificate. The American Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges two certifications for medical assistants, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Possessing either certificate will drastically enhance your job opportunities and earnings.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the association that provides the certificate giving official credentials of CMA. To earn a RMA certification, you need to follow the certification process offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The following chart shows the requirements to earn a CMA or RMA certification.
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 |
FSMA Board Contact Info
The Florida Soceity of Medical Assistants is a local organization providing information and resources on their site here.
Medical Assistants
MARIA WIEGELMANN, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Florida?
If Florida’s sunshine and beaches don’t already attract you, then here are a few more reasons to be a CMA in Florida:
- A CMA salary in Florida is above the U.S. average salary for CMAs.
- There are plenty of accredited CMA Schools in Florida for prospective students.
