The CMA medical abbreviation most often stands for certified medical assistant, a medical assistant who has completed an accredited training program and passed a national certification exam. Printed after a staff member's name, it is the certified medical assistant abbreviation showing a verified credential.
CMA has other meanings too. In genetics it is chromosomal microarray, a detailed test for missing or extra pieces of chromosomes. In pediatrics and allergy care it can mean cow's milk allergy, and in some nursing homes it means certified medication aide. Each is explained below.
At a glance
Stands for
Certified medical assistantOther meanings
Chromosomal microarray; cow's milk allergy; certified medication aideWritten as
CMA, often shown as CMA (AAMA) after a nameJob title
MA, medical assistantRenewal
Every five years, by continuing education or examDo not confuse with
CMP, a blood test panel
What the CMA credential means
Medical assistant, or MA, is a job title. CMA is a credential on top of it. To earn the certified medical assistant credential, a candidate generally graduates from an accredited medical assisting program and passes a national exam covering clinical skills, office procedures and general topics such as medical law and terminology. The credential is commonly written CMA (AAMA), naming the national association that awards it.
Certification is renewed every five years, either by earning continuing education credits or by retaking the exam. Two other national options are the RMA and the CCMA, awarded by separate organizations with their own exams.
What a certified medical assistant does
Day to day, a CMA does the same broad work as other medical assistants, with a recognized proof of training. Typical tasks include rooming patients, measuring vital signs, recording history and medicine lists, preparing patients for exams, collecting specimens, performing an EKG, and, where state law allows, drawing blood and giving certain injections.
Office duties include scheduling, handling referrals and prior authorization paperwork, and patient messages. Diagnosing and prescribing stay with the supervising clinician. State law and employer policy shape the exact scope.
Reading the CMA medical abbreviation in a visit note
Intake section: "Vitals obtained and med list updated by J. Lee, CMA. BP 128/82, HR 74." A certified medical assistant took the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate and checked the medicine list before the clinician came in. The name and numbers are an example only.
Notes often sign each part of the visit with the name and credential of the person who did it, so a single record may show CMA, RN and MD entries in sequence.
Other meanings of CMA
| Meaning | Setting | Sample clue |
|---|---|---|
| Certified medical assistant | Clinics, badges, notes | Name followed by CMA |
| Chromosomal microarray | Genetics, pediatrics, prenatal care | Test ordered, results, copy number |
| Cow's milk allergy | Pediatrics, allergy | Infant formula, dairy, rash, reflux |
| Certified medication aide | Nursing homes, assisted living | Med pass, under nurse supervision |
A chromosomal microarray looks for small missing or extra sections of genetic material and is often used to investigate developmental delay or birth differences. A certified medication aide is usually a nursing assistant with added state approved training to give routine medicines under nurse supervision, where state rules allow it.
CMA compared with similar credentials
Badges can carry a string of letters, and a few are easy to confuse with CMA.
- CMA: certified medical assistant, outpatient clinical and office support.
- CNA: certified nursing assistant, hands on personal care, often in hospitals and nursing homes.
- RN: registered nurse, a licensed nurse with a wider scope.
- PA: physician assistant, a licensed clinician who diagnoses and prescribes, explained on the PA page.
For more letters after names, see the healthcare credentials abbreviations.
This is a general guide to a credential and its other meanings. Questions about your own care or test results should go to the clinician who ordered them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the abbreviation for certified medical assistant?
The abbreviation is CMA, often written CMA (AAMA) to name the certifying association. It shows the person passed a national certification exam after accredited training.
Is a CMA the same as an MA?
Every CMA is a medical assistant, but not every medical assistant is certified. CMA means the person earned a specific national credential.
How often does a CMA renew certification?
The CMA credential is renewed every five years. Renewal is done by continuing education or by retaking the exam.
What does CMA mean on a genetic test?
On a genetics report CMA usually means chromosomal microarray, a test for small missing or extra pieces of chromosomes. A genetic counselor or the ordering clinician can explain results.
Is a CMA the same as a CNA?
No. A CMA, certified medical assistant, mostly works in clinics with both clinical and office tasks. A CNA, certified nursing assistant, gives hands on personal care, often in hospitals and nursing homes.