Medical Administrative Assistants oversee front-office operations — scheduling appointments, managing medical records, processing billing and insurance claims, and facilitating patient communications—to ensure efficient, accurate, and compassionate care. Follow this NPS guide to earn your Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential.
The first step to your career as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is to attend a training class. Asheville, North Carolina is house to many state qualified medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Administrative Assistant career. A Medical Administrative Assistant training program consists of forty to eighty in-class hours with no separate clinical rotations. In Asheville, the typical class size ranges from about 10 to 30 students.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of instruction, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education that is aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply confirms that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.
To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps set national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be updated every two years, and completing continuing education is a core requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) remain current with the latest regulations, advancements, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number and type of continuing education hours required, making it simple for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend a medical assisting training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon gainful completion of a medical administrative assistant training program, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)’. This is a very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a medical administrative assistant training class and is required to register for the national certification exam for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical administrative assistant must have their skills put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical administrative assistant must renew their certification every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often focus on the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in medical assisting. Many professional credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical administrative assistants enhance and develop their skills.
There are several certification agencies that medical administrative assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can positively influence your career.
Pursuing medical assisting certification not only shows your expertise and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical administrative assistants can enhance their capabilities, expand their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full study guide, repeated practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare at your own pace and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
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Once you have registered for the certification exam, take advantage of a broad selection of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are highly beneficial for simulating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is available in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), you’re ready to start your medical career in Asheville, North Carolina. Medical assisting is a solid entry point into the medical workforce, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical administrative assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical administrative assistants are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a secure and worthwhile career choice.
Medical Administrative Assistants typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $43,380, though wages can vary depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities and a fast-track training period, medical assisting is a smart way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the medical administrative assisting field.
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant will have to renew their CMAA Certification after two years. A medical administrative assistant should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will permit the medical administrative assistant enough time to complete their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a training program or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed from start to finish online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials for the next two year period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the medical assisting field.
If your certification becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific steps and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
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A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) is a highly bright medical administrative assistant with over 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Administrative Assistant Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the information provided by their curriculum. Every class in Asheville, North Carolina should provide students with the instructors background and credentials.
If a medical administrative assistant meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) they can finalize the entire process online. If you would like to talk with someone regarding the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Instructor (CMAAI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
