Everything you need to become a medical assistant in Iowa is on this page. The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most current record reveals 4,810 medical assistants employed in Iowa. Furthermore, the medical assisting profession is forecasted to grow quickly with an expected 23 percent increase between 2014 to 2024.
More CMA Info for Iowa:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Iowa
In Iowa, neither the Medical Board or the state legislature require medical assistants to be state licensed or certified nationally. However, to be competitive in the job market most Medical Assistants are certified as their employers typically demand a certificate.
The American Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges 2 certificates for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Obtaining either certification will greatly increase your occupation opportunities and compensation.
The AAMA – American Association of Medical Assistants is the association that offers the certificate providing official status of CMA. To attain a RMA certificate, you must follow the certificate steps offered by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The chart just below displays the requirements needed for both the RMA and CMA certificates.
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 |
Iowa SMA Board Contact Info
The Iowa Society of Medical Assistants offers networking opportunities, resources & other useful info here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Denise Gregory CMA (AAMA) CPPM, CPA, AA1
Why Be a CMA in Iowa?
The links below will help you decide if becoming a medical assistant in Iowa is a good option for you. Learn more about MA education and salaries in Iowa:
