If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant in Massachusetts, everything you need to know and get started is on this page. The BLS’ census information reveals 16,470 medical assistants employed to work in Massachusetts earning average annual compensation of $38,090. The medical assisting position is forecast to expand much faster than a lot of others reaching 23 per cent growth between 2014 – 2024.
More CMA Info for Massachusetts:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Massachusetts
MAs functions are defined by the MSMA and are not required to be certified in Massachusetts. However, in order to compete as a medical assistant in the MA marketplace, you will need to earn certification as most employers require a certificate. The American Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges two certifications for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Having either certification will considerably increase your job possibilities and earnings.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the organization that provides the certificate providing CMA credentials. To obtain a RMA certification, you must follow the certification steps provided by AMT – American Medical Technologists. Below are the requirements needed for each of the CMA and RMA 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 |
MSMA Board Contact Info
The Massachusetts Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Dawn Jordan, CMA (AAMA), RMA, JP
Why Be a CMA in Massachusetts?
If you’re considering working as a medical assistant in Massachusetts then follow these links to learn more reasons why you would want to. Find out about Massachusetts’s accredited Medical Assisting programs and salary data across the state.
- Research Massachusetts’s Medical Assistant Programs
- Compare average CMA Salaries in Massachusetts’s major cities
