On this page you will find all the info, contacts, procedures, and forms you need to get your medical assistant certification in NJ as well as a complete list of medical assistant schools in NJ.
The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most current data shows 16,100 medical assistants working in New Jersey and earning an annual avg salary of $34,340. Meanwhile, the medical assisting profession is also predicted to grow much faster than average through at least 2024.
There are many job opportunities for those with a medical assistant certification in NJ.
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Steps for Medical Assistant Certification in NJ
The New Jersey state legislature and New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners determine the role of medical assistants, see admin code. Unlike many other states, New Jersey has strict guidelines over medical assisting and even requires graduation from an accredited CAAHEP or ABHES MA program and earning a national certification of CMA or RMA.
The AMA – American Medical Association acknowledges 2 certifications for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Possessing either certificate will considerably improve your job options and salary.
The AAMA – American Association of Medical Assistants is the association that provides the certificate giving CMA credentials. To complete a RMA certificate, you need to follow the certification steps provided by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The table just below displays 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 |
NJSMA Board Contact Info
The New Jersey Society of Medical Assistants is a statewide group offering resources and information here on their site.
Medical Assistants
Terry Silvia, MS,CMA (AAMA)
Why Get a Medical Assistant Certification in NJ?
If the east coast doesn’t already draw you in, then you should at least know that Certified Medical Assistants in New Jersey are paid well and have good educational options.
- Medical Assistant Salaries in NJ are some of the better salaries in the United States for medical assistants.
- There are a number of Medical Assistant schools in NJ for prospective students to compare.
You can learn more about these opportunities using the above links to our nationwide medical assisting salary data and accredited school data.
Medical Assistant Schools in New Jersey (NJ)
There are 5 accredited medical assistant schools in NJ listed in the table below.
You must graduate from one of these (or another accredited medical assistant program) in order to be eligible to take the national exam to complete your CMA Certification; the National American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Exam.
See All Medical Assistant Programs
See Online Medical Assistant Programs
List of Medical Assistant Programs in NJ
| Medical Assistant Programs in NJ | Accreditation Status |
|---|---|
| Bergen Community College Paramus, NJ | Status: Accreditation |
| Berkeley College Berkeley College | Status: Accreditation |
| Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJ | Status: Accreditation |
| Sussex County Community College Newton, NJ | Status: Accreditation |
| Warren County Community College Phillipsburg, NJ | Status: Accreditation |
The above five programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Comparing Medical Assistant Schools in NJ
There are a number of considerations whenever finding medical assistant schools. Here is a short list of a few of the most essential aspects to consider as you browse for your medical assistant program:
- Size of the college and program
- Pass rates of the CMA (AAMA) exam
- In-class and research facilities
- Program prices and prospective possibilities for financial assistance
- School admission criteria
As you bring these medical assistant program aspects into consideration, it can be worthwhile to chat with present-day university students as well as former students of the CMA colleges of interest. Also, finding organizations which have hired these students may provide you additional insight into each school’s strengths and weaknesses.
Medical Assistant Salaries in New Jersey (NJ)
The average Medical Assistant salary in NJ is above the national average at $35,250.
When looking at how much Medical Assistants make across the country you’ll find the average Medical Assistant salary is $29,960, according to the BLS.
Below is a table that breaks down medical assistant salaries in NJ by major city.
Medical Assistant Salaries in NJ by City
New Jersey City | Annual Median CMA Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City, NJ | $35,513 |
| Bayonne, NJ | $38,901 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $37,753 |
| Bloomfield, NJ | $37,753 |
| Camden, NJ | $34,731 |
| Clifton, NJ | $37,753 |
| East Brunswick, NJ | $38,901 |
| East Orange, NJ | $38,901 |
| Jersey City, NJ | $38,901 |
| Middlesex, NJ | $38,901 |
| Newark, NJ | $38,901 |
| Somerset, NJ | $38,901 |
| West New York, NJ | $38,901 |
| West Orange, NJ | $38,901 |
See Medical Assistant Salaries by State
As you can see, medical assistant salaries in NJ are above the national average in all of the above cases. That being said, when looking at how much a medical assistant makes in New Jersey, it is important to note that the cost of living in New Jersey is often higher than the national average cost of living as well.
So, although a medical assistant salary in New Jersey is high, it must be in order to meet the higher cost of living.
- Compare medical assistant schools in NJ
- See requirements for medical assistant certification in NJ
