This page contains the info, contacts, procedures, and forms you need to become a certified medical assistant in New mexico. The BLS’ census data reveals 4,840 medical assistants employed in New Mexico while projecting 23% growth 2014-2024. MAs in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $28,790.
The New Mexico Medical Board does not define the role of medical assistants or offer MA licensing. As in most other states, it is the nurse practitioners and licensed physicians whom withhold the official power to delegate health care responsibilities.
More CMA Info for New Mexico:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in New Mexico
Even though you’re able to lawfully be employed as a Medical Assistant in New Mexico with no certification, to be competitive in the job market nearly all Medical Assistants are certified because their employers frequently require certification. The AMA – American Medical Association acknowledges two certificates for medical assistants, the CMA – Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Possessing either certification will drastically improve your job possibilities and payment.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the agency that provides the certification granting the status of CMA. To obtain a RMA certification, you must follow the certificate procedure offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The following table shows the requirements to complete a CMA or RMA certification.
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 |
NMSMA Board Contact Info
The New Mexico Soceity of Medical Assistants is a state organization that provides professional networking opportunities, resources and information. Learn more here on the NMSMA facebook group.
Medical Assistants
Nancy C. Moorhead, CMA (AAMA), CPC, COC, BAAS
Why Be a CMA in New Mexico?
Home of gorgeous mountains, sunsets, and a wonderful climate New Mexico is a great state to live in. Medical assistants in New Mexico also benefit from good salaries, job opportunities, and a number of accredited programs to choose from. Learn more about a CMA/RMA career in NM on these pages:
