You will find all you need on this page to become a medical assistant in North Carolina. The BLS’ census statistics shows 14,810 medical assistants working in North Carolina with average salaries of $30,500. Boasting an estimated twenty-three per cent increase through 2024, the medical assistant profession is growing rapidly.
More CMA Info for North Carolina:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in North Carolina
Although you can lawfully work as a Medical Assistant in North Carolina with no certification, to be competitive in the job market nearly all Medical Assistants are certified because many employers typically demand a certificate. The American Medical Association – AMA acknowledges 2 certifications for medical assistants, the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Obtaining one of these certifications will considerably increase your work possibilities and compensation.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the agency that provides the certificate granting CMA credentials. To complete a RMA certificate, you need to follow the certification procedure offered by AMT – American Medical Technologists. The chart just below lists 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 |
NCSMA Board Contact Info
The North Carolina Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Paula Cooke, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers many accredited MA programs and slightly above average salaries for medical assistants. To learn more about medical assisting career in NC, checkout these pages:
