Everything you need for your medical assisting career in South Carolina is on this page. The BLS’ census reports shows 8,960 medical assistants employed in South Carolina earning average salaries of $29,320. Offering an approximated 23 % increase through 2024, the medical assistant profession is growing rapidly.
More CMA Info for South Carolina:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in South Carolina
Even though you can legally work as a Medical Assistant in South Carolina without certificate, to be competitive in the job market most Medical Assistants are certified as their employers often demand a certificate. The AMA (American Medical Association) recognizes 2 certifications for medical assistants, the CMA – Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA – Registered Medical Assistant. Possessing either certification will drastically improve your work possibilities and compensation.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the agency that produces the certificate providing CMA status. To achieve a RMA certificate, you need to complete the certificate process offered by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The following table displays the requisites to earn a CMA or RMA certificate.
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 |
SCSMA Board Contact Info
The South Carolina Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Twana Triplett, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers competitive salaries and accredited programs for medical assistants. Learn more about an MA career on these pages:
- Research South Carolina’s Medical Assistant Programs
- Compare average CMA Salaries in South Carolina’s major cities
