How to Become Registered Medical Assistant
How to Become Registered Medical Assistant
Meta Description: A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a medical assistant who has earned the RMA accreditation after passing the AMT Certification Exam.
Take this RMA Practice Test to get an idea of the types of questions you'll find on a medical assistant certification exam. If you're ready to take the next step on your career journey, get your application package and be prepared to work hard at a medical assistant school.
Medical assistants who want to improve their work prospects should take a certification exam. The American Medical Technologists (AMT)-accredited Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam is one of the most reliable ways to obtain the certificate.
The test includes 50 questions, which must be completed within 75 minutes. If you have your answers, you will be able to sit for a computer-based examination that lasts about three hours. The score that emerges from this exam can give you an idea of where you stand in terms of preparation for the real thing. Some medical assistants choose to work toward the additional credential of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) after learning about the demands and responsibilities required by this certification process.
The RMA criteria are a little more extensive than the CMA requirements. In some cases, work experience can be utilized instead of academic coursework to qualify for the test. Although registration, like certification, is not required to work as a medical assistant, it might help you stand out to potential employers. Earning this certificate demonstrates that you have mastered the skills and knowledge required to work in your area. Many states have scope of practice rules that limit what a medical assistant can do if they haven't achieved appropriate certifications through school or credentialing institutions.
Education and work experience requirements for a medical assistant certification exam.
Needless to say, these are comprehensive requirements and may take some time to fulfill. Aspiring medical assistants should start gathering documentation right away in order to be able to sit for the exam within two years of receiving their formal training. Some healthcare workers choose to pursue this certification through an AMT-accredited program while they are still working with patients in a clinical capacity. This will help them get accustomed to the work environment while being able to participate in the preparation process simultaneously.
If you have been a medical assistant for some time and want to certify as an RMA, you need to complete the AMT RMA Candidate Program. You will receive your RMA certificate immediately upon completion of the 60-hour program consisting of 12 contact hours of classes and 15 hours of clinical training. The course will provide you with the skills necessary to take the RMA Certification Exam which is a computer-based test that lasts 2 hours. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions in three different sections: patient care; fundamentals; and laws affecting medical assistants. Your score will determine if you passed or failed this exam.
Compared to CMA, the RMA certificate has less stringent education requirements. As a result, the time required to complete the certification is longer. However, you can still finish in a few months if you choose to work toward this credential while you're pursuing your careers as an employer or in other professional roles. The exam and all of its associated paperwork (including additional fees) are available online and must be completed within two years of amending your registration with AMT.
RMA and CMA credentials offer similar certifications for those who have passed the tests.
