On this page learn everything you need to know about medical assistants in Minnesota and access all the resources you need to get started on your career. The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s census reports reveals 8,730 medical assistants employed in Minnesota earning an avg salary of $32,600. Additionally the practice is predicted to grow rapidly at twenty three per cent by 2024.
More CMA Info for Minnesota:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Minnesota
Note: The Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants is an affiliate of the AAMA and thus the CMA certification is more widely recognized by employers in Minnesota compared to the RMA offered by the AMT and any other medical assisting credentials.
Minnesota law doesn’t require medical assistants to obtain a certificate for employment, however many employers do require a certificate. The AMA – American Medical Association recognizes two certificates for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Earning either certification will significantly improve your occupation options and salary.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the association that produces the certification giving the credentials of CMA. To achieve a RMA certification, you must follow the certificate procedure provided by AMT – American Medical Technologists. Below are the requirements for both the CMA and RMA credentials.
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 |
MNSMA Board Contact Info
The Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants gives resources and information as well as updates on networking opportunities here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Charlene Metzer, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Minnesota?
Want to know more about opportunities for medical assistants in Minnesota? Learn more about all of Minnesota’s accredited MA programs and average salaries on these pages:
- Research Minnesota’s Medical Assistant Programs
- Compare average CMA Salaries in Minnesota’s major cities
Most employers here don’t know what the RMA is.
Hi there, thanks for your comment! It does appear that the AAMA has a stronger influence than the AMT in Minnesota, and as a result more employers could be familiar with the CMA certification that the AAMA offers. This statement is from the the MNSMA.org:
“The offical website of the Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants We are the state level affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National organization that oversees the profession of Medical Assisting. We serve as an information source and networking group dedicated to the occupation of Medical Assisting.”
As you can see, they are affiliated with the AAMA and make no mention of the AMT.
I have updated this page accordingly. Thanks for your feedback!