The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) designation identifies a professional credential within the allied health sector. This certification signifies that an individual has met national standards of competence to perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in an outpatient healthcare setting. The RMA is one of the most recognized certifications for medical assistants, validating the knowledge and skills required for entry-level practice.
The Role of the Registered Medical Assistant
The scope of practice for a Registered Medical Assistant is diverse, requiring proficiency in both administrative duties and clinical support. RMAs are often the first point of contact for patients, managing patient flow and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility. Administrative responsibilities commonly include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing and insurance claims, often utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems.
On the clinical side, RMAs support physicians and other providers by preparing patients for examinations and assisting during minor procedures. They routinely perform venipuncture for blood draws and collect other specimens for laboratory analysis, adhering to strict infection control protocols. A core part of their role involves measuring and recording patient data, such as vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and temperature, which provides foundational information for the provider’s assessment.
The RMA may administer medications and injections, including immunizations, as directed by a licensed practitioner. They are also responsible for patient education, instructing individuals on proper medication usage, dietary restrictions, or pre-procedure preparation. This blended skill set makes the RMA a versatile member of the healthcare team, bridging the gap between patient care and office management.
The American Medical Technologists Credential
The Registered Medical Assistant credential is specifically granted and overseen by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), a national agency that certifies various allied health professionals. This certification provides professional recognition and validates a medical assistant’s adherence to a defined standard of practice. The AMT’s certification process ensures certified individuals have demonstrated competency across the core domains of medical assisting.
The RMA credential sets a benchmark for quality by validating a standardized body of knowledge and professional ethics. The AMT’s standards emphasize patient well-being, meticulousness in duties, and respect for patient rights and confidentiality. The rigorous examination developed by the AMT ensures the assessment reflects current healthcare practices and industry standards.
Steps to Achieve RMA Certification
Achieving the RMA credential requires meeting one of several eligibility pathways established by the American Medical Technologists. The most common route is through education, which requires graduation from a medical assisting program accredited by a recognized agency, typically within the last four years. These programs generally must include a minimum of 720 hours of instruction, including at least 160 hours dedicated to a clinical externship to provide hands-on experience.
Another pathway accommodates experienced professionals who have not pursued formal education but possess significant on-the-job training. This requires a minimum of three years of full-time employment as a medical assistant, equivalent to 5,616 hours, within the past seven years. This work experience must encompass both administrative and clinical duties to qualify for the exam. Individuals who have recently completed a formal medical services training program within the United States Armed Forces are also eligible to apply.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the candidate must apply to the AMT and schedule the certification examination. The RMA exam is a multiple-choice assessment consisting of 200 to 210 questions, which candidates must complete within a two-hour time limit. The content is organized into four main work areas:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Administrative Medical Assisting
- Clinical Medical Assisting
- Clinical Patient Interaction
A passing score is required to earn the Registered Medical Assistant designation.
Keeping the Credential Active
Maintaining the RMA designation is a continuous process that ensures the professional remains current with evolving healthcare practices and regulations. Certification is subject to an annual renewal fee to keep the status active. Beyond the annual payment, the AMT requires certified RMAs to participate in a three-year Certification Continuation Program (CCP) cycle.
Over this three-year period, a Registered Medical Assistant must accumulate a minimum of 30 CCP points, which are earned through various continuing education (CE) activities. This equates to earning an average of 10 points per year, although points can be accrued at any time within the cycle. Qualifying activities for these points include professional education courses, relevant academic coursework, and even full-time employment in the field.
RMAs are encouraged to log their continuing education activities annually to track their progress and avoid non-compliance at the end of the three-year period. If the necessary points are not earned by the deadline, the individual may be required to retake the RMA certification exam to regain active status.