This page containts all that you need to begin your career as a medical assistant in Louisiana. The BLS’ most recent study displays 5,950 medical assistants working in Louisiana with an annual mean wage of $26,980. The medical assisting field is estimated to grow at a rate of 23 per cent between 2014 to 2024.
More CMA Info for Louisiana:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Louisiana
Although you can legally be employed as a Medical Assistant in Louisiana with no certificate, to be competitive in the marketplace nearly all Medical Assistants are certified because employers often demand certification. The AMA – American Medical Association acknowledges two certifications for medical assistants, the CMA – Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Earning one of these certifications will significantly improve your occupation opportunities and compensation.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the association that produces the certification giving the credentials of CMA. To earn a RMA certification, you must complete the certification procedure provided by AMT – American Medical Technologists. The table below displays the requirements for both 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 |
AAMA Board Contact Info
Louisiana doesn’t have a chapter or society for medical assistants, so you can learn more through the American Association for Medical Assistants here.
Why Be a CMA in Louisiana?
The following links will help you decide if becoming a medical assistant in Louisiana is best for you. Learn about the education and salary opportunities in Louisiana for medical assistants:
