The acronym CMA in a medical context stands for Certified Medical Assistant. This designation identifies an allied health professional who performs a blend of administrative and clinical duties within various healthcare settings, such as physician offices and clinics. The Certified Medical Assistant serves as a foundational member of the healthcare team, facilitating smooth operations and directly supporting patient care under the supervision of a physician. They are often the first point of contact for patients, assisting the flow of the entire practice.
The Primary Role of a Certified Medical Assistant
The daily work of a Certified Medical Assistant encompasses tasks across both the front and back offices of a medical facility. Administratively, the CMA manages the patient’s journey, including scheduling appointments, updating medical records, and handling billing and insurance claims. They are also responsible for general office support, such as answering telephones and arranging for hospital admissions or laboratory services.
Clinically, CMAs perform direct patient care activities supporting the physician and nurse staff. These duties include taking vital signs (like blood pressure and temperature) and gathering patient medical histories. They prepare patients for examinations and assist the physician during various procedures.
Clinical skills extend to performing basic laboratory tests and preparing specimens for outside testing. CMAs are trained in phlebotomy (drawing blood) and administering medications, including injections and immunizations, as directed by a licensed provider. They also provide patient education, instructing individuals about special diets or medication usage.
Achieving and Maintaining CMA Certification
Earning the Certified Medical Assistant credential requires a specific educational pathway. Prospective CMAs must complete a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This formal education, which typically takes nine months to two years, includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
Once the accredited program is completed, candidates must pass the CMA Certification Exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The exam assesses knowledge across clinical, administrative, and general areas, including medical ethics and patient care coordination. Passing this national exam grants the individual the CMA (AAMA) designation.
To maintain this professional status, CMAs must recertify every five years (60 months). Recertification can be achieved by either retaking and passing the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, or by completing 60 continuing education units (CEUs). These CEUs must cover a balanced mix of administrative, clinical, and general subject matter to keep the assistant’s skills current.
Clarifying Similar Medical Designations
The term medical assistant is sometimes used generally, but the CMA designation specifies a certified professional, which employers often prefer. A standard Medical Assistant (MA) may perform similar duties but lacks the formal national certification recognized by the AAMA. The CMA is frequently confused with other credentials, such as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
The key difference between the CMA and the RMA is the administering organization; the RMA credential is provided by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Both CMAs and RMAs perform a similar mix of administrative and clinical functions, but their certifying organizations have different eligibility and recertification requirements. The CCMA, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), often places a greater emphasis on clinical responsibilities compared to administrative tasks.