Start your medical assisting career in Tennessee using the resources on this page. The BLS’ census data displays 14,380 medical assistants employed in Tennessee and earning on average $29,920 annually. Offering a predicted twenty-three per cent increase thru 2024, the medical assistant profession is growing rapidly.
More CMA Info for Tennessee:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Tennessee
To be competitive as a medical assistant in Tennessee you will need to become certified as most employers require certification. The AMA – American Medical Association acknowledges 2 certificates for medical assistants, the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Earning either certificate will drastically enhance your occupation possibilities and salary.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the organization that provides the certification granting official status of CMA. To attain a RMA certification, you must complete the certification steps 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 |
TNSMA Board Contact Info
The Tennessee Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Monica Case, CMA (AAMA)
Why Be a CMA in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers medical assistants competitive salaries and accredited programs. Learn more about each city’s salaries and colleges on these pages:
