It is increasingly important in this competitive job market to make sure that the school you attend will prepare you for certification as either a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), awarded by AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants), or an RMA (Registered Medical Assistant), awarded by AMT (American Medical Technologists). The CMA certification can be obtained right when you finish your degree. The RMA certification, on the other hand, requires you to have been working as a medical assistant for at least five years.