A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a medical professional who performs administrative and routine clinical tasks in various medical settings. They work alongside licensed doctors and other medical professionals and are often responsible for general patient treatment and care. The CMA credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, and to obtain it, individuals must pass certain certification requirements like graduating from an accredited medical assistant program and passing a certification examination.

The role of a CMA is separated into two independent positions in many health environments. The primary function is a full-time administrative medical assistant solely responsible for office tasks. The second role is a full-time clinical medical assistant who serves solely as a medical support person. CMAs can advance to the level of a registered nurse (RN) by pursuing additional schooling and certifications.

It is important to note that a CMA is different from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While both are important members of the healthcare team who deal directly with patients, CNAs help patients complete daily tasks related to everyday life, such as bathing and dressing, while CMAs have additional qualifications that allow them to dispense certain drugs to patients under the supervision of an RN.

In summary, a CMA is a medical professional who performs administrative and routine clinical tasks in various medical settings. They work alongside licensed doctors and other medical professionals and are often responsible for general patient treatment and care. The CMA credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, and to obtain it, individuals must pass certain certification requirements.