Use the resources on this page to begin your medical assisting career in Virginia. The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s most recent record displays 12,510 medical assistants employed in Virginia who earn salaries averaging $32,610. Additionally, the medical assisting field is estimated to grow twenty-three per cent growth between 2014 by 2024.
More CMA Info for Virginia:
See Medical Assistant Certification by state
Medical Assistant Certification in Virginia
To be competitive as a medical assistant in Virginia you’ll want to become certified as many employers require a certificate. The AMA (American Medical Association) accepts 2 certifications for medical assistants, the CMA – Certified Medical Assistant and the RMA or Registered Medical Assistant. Earning one of these certifications will drastically enhance your job options and earnings.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is the association that offers the certification granting CMA credentials. To obtain a RMA certificate, you need to complete the certificate steps provided by American Medical Technologists (AMT). The table below lists the requirements needed for both the RMA and CMA credentials.
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 |
VSMA Board Contact Info
The Virginia Society of Medical Assistants offers resources and information here on their chapter website.
Medical Assistants
Deb Benson, CMA (AAMA), CPC, CCVTC, CGSC
Why Be a CMA in Virginia?
Learn more about salaries, education and a career as a medical assistant in Virginia on the following pages:
