On this page is everything you need to become a medical assistant in Georgia. The BLS’ most current record shows 20,740 medical assistants with employment in Georgia earning around $30K annually on average. Boasting an estimated twenty-three per cent increase by 2024, the medical assistant profession is growing at a high rate.
More CMA Info for Georgia:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Georgia
The Georgia Medical Board doesn’t define medical assistant functions but offers guidance on who in the medical field does.
The State of Georgia doesn’t require medical assistants to obtain national certification for employment, however many employers do require a certificate. The American Medical Association – AMA acknowledges two certificates for medical assistants, the CMA – Certified Medical Assistant and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Earning either certification will considerably enhance your occupation possibilities and salary.
The AAMA – American Association of Medical Assistants is the agency that produces the certification providing the status of CMA. To attain a RMA certification, you must follow the certification steps offered by AMT – American Medical Technologists. The chart below lists the requirements needed for each of the RMA and CMA certifications.
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 |
GSMA Board Contact Info
The Georgia Society of Medical Assistants offers information and resources for medical assistants in Georgia through their website.
Toni G. Thurman, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Georgia?
If you are considering becoming a medical assistant in Georgia, then follow these links to find CMA salary data by city in Georgia as well as all of the available accredited MA programs.
