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 choose a training class. Midwest City, Oklahoma 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 includes forty to eighty in-class hours with no separate clinical rotations. In Midwest City, the typical class size ranges from about 10 to 30 students.
One of the most crucial factors to consider when researching a program is its recognized standing and adherence to professional standards. Accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive proper education that is aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After graduating from a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply proves that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero 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 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 up to date with the latest industry standards, advancements, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it easy 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 course, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)’. This is a unconditionally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a medical administrative assistant training course and is required to attempt the national certification exam for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To become certified, a medical administrative assistant must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical administrative assistant must update their certification each 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 develop their skills.
There are several certification agencies that medical administrative assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can make a big difference in your career.
Pursuing medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your expertise 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 sharpen their capabilities, grow their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the ease of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Once you have registered for the certification exam, make use of a variety of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in challenging topics, 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 fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are immediately inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is made 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 Midwest City, Oklahoma. Training in medical assisting is a solid 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 strong demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment outlook, making medical assisting a secure and attractive career choice.
Medical Administrative Assistants typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $43,380, though wages can fluctuate depending on geography and experience. With increasing prospects and a relatively short training period, medical assisting is a smart way to begin a meaningful 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 credentials expires. This will permit the medical administrative assistant plenty time to complete their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back 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 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, submitting a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with 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 bright medical administrative assistant with more than 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 Midwest City, Oklahoma 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 request to speak with someone about 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.
