To become a medical assistant in Pennsylvania use the resources on this page. The BLS’ census studies displays 26,490 medical assistants employed to work in Pennsylvania and earning $30,590 on average. This occupation is expected to increase quickly gaining 23 per cent growth between 2014 to 2024.
More CMA Info for Pennsylvania:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania doesn’t require medical assistants to obtain certification for employment, however many employers do require a certificate. The American Medical Association – AMA recognizes two certificates for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Earning either certification will considerably improve your work opportunities and salary.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the organization that provides the certificate granting the status of CMA. To achieve a RMA certificate, you must complete the certificate procedure provided by AMT (American Medical Technologists). Below are the requirements needed for both the CMA and RMA 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 |
PSMA Board Contact Info
The Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Mary Lou Ninehauser, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers competitive salaries for medical assistants as well as a number of accredited MA programs, learn more about a medical assisting career with these links:
- Research Pennsylvania’s accredited Medical Assisting Programs
- Compare average CMA Salaries in Pennsylvania’s major cities
