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 complete a training course. Mesquite, Texas is home to many state qualified medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Administrative Assistant career. A Medical Administrative Assistant training program includes forty to eighty in-class hours delivered entirely in the classroom. In Mesquite, the typical class size ranges from ten to thirty students.
One of the most crucial factors to consider when researching a program is its recognized standing and adherence to professional standards. 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 approved training program ensures that you receive proper education that is aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
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 a certified medical administrative assistant. It simply verifies that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a key 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 up to date with the latest industry standards, advancements, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the number and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward 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 your successful completion of a medical administrative assistant training class, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)’. This is a completely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a medical administrative assistant training program and is required to take the national certification exam for individuals with no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical administrative assistant must have their competency put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical administrative assistant must renew their certification once 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 include the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in medical assisting. Many professional associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical administrative assistants enhance and refine 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.
Earning medical assisting certification not only proves your skills and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical administrative assistants can enhance their knowledge, build their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive 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 on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are separate charges for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Once you have registered to sit for the competency exam, make use of a variety of study resources to boost your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of full-length practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is stored 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 Mesquite, Texas. Training in medical assisting is an excellent entry point into the medical industry, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a secure and appealing 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 differ depending on region and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, medical assisting is a great 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 be required to renew their CMAA Certification every two years. A medical administrative assistant should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will allow the medical administrative assistant enough time to review their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a medical administrative assisting course or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the following two year time 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 finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and timeframes to restore your active status.
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A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) is a highly capable medical administrative assistant with more than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Administrative Assistant Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Mesquite, Texas should tell their 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 complete 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.
