All that you need to begin your career as a medical assistant in Maryland is on this page. The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most current record reveals 10,610 medical assistants employed in Maryland earning avg annual salaries of $34,120. The medical assisting position is predicted to increase at an impressive rate of 23 percent between 2014 thru 2024.
More CMA Info for Maryland:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Maryland
Although not a legal requirement, in order to compete as a medical assistant in Maryland you’ll need to gain certification as many employers require certification. The AMA – American Medical Association recognizes 2 certifications for medical assistants, the CMA – Certified Medical Assistant and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Having one of the certifications will significantly improve your work opportunities and compensation.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the organization that offers the certification giving official status of CMA. To complete a RMA certification, you must complete the certification process provided by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The chart just below displays the requirements for each of 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 |
MSMA Board Contact Info
The Maryland Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Maggie Burkhead, CMA
Why Be a CMA in Maryland?
If you are trying to decide if Maryland is where you want to become a medical assistant, the following links will provide you info on accredited MA programs in MD as well as average MA salaries in Maryland.
