Everything you need to begin your CMA career in Oregon is on this page. Career data produced by the BLS shows Oregon possessing 9,520 medical assistants employed and earning an avg salary of $34,730. The medical assisting occupation is estimated to increase 23 percent from 2014 to 2024.
More CMA Info for Oregon:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Oregon
Though you’re able to lawfully be employed as a Medical Assistant in Oregon with no certification, to be competitive in the employment market most Medical Assistants are certified as their employers frequently demand a certificate. The AMA (American Medical Association) accepts two certifications for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Earning either certificate will significantly improve your work options and payment.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the agency that produces the certificate granting official credentials of CMA. To attain a RMA certificate, you must complete the certification steps offered by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The table 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 |
OSMA Board Contact Info
The Oregon Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Christina Lee Oldenstadt, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Oregon?
Oregon offers accredited medical assisting programs as well as competitive salaries after graduation. Learn more about a CMA career in Oregon at the links below:
