Here is all of the info, procedures, forms, and contacts you need to become a certified medical assistant in New York. Census data produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics displays New York possessing 23,970 medical assistants currently employed alongside a projected 23 percent growth between 2014 thru 2024. Medical Assistant salaries in NY average $34,280 annually.
New York is unlike most other states and has strict guidelines over medical assistants, see NY state law on medical assisting.
More CMA Info for New York:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certifications in New York
In order to compete as a medical assistant in New York you’ll want to earn certification as many employers require certification. The AMA (American Medical Association) accepts 2 certifications for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Having either certification will greatly enhance your occupation possibilities and compensation.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the agency that produces the certificate providing the credentials of CMA. To achieve a RMA certificate, you must follow the certificate steps offered by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The table below displays the requirements needed for both the RMA and CMA 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 |
NYSSMA Board Contact Info
The New York State Society of Medical Assistants is the New York AAMA state chapter for medical assistants. Learn more here on the NYSSMA website.
Medical Assistants
Sue Avetter
Why Be a CMA in New York?
If the east cost isn’t already your home then consider being a CMA in New York for slightly above average compensation and plenty of accredited program options.
- The average CMA salary in New York is above the average medical assistant salary in the U.S.
- There are a number of accredited CMA programs in New York if you’re a student.
