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 enroll in a training course. Springdale, Arkansas is home to many state attributed medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Administrative Assistant career. A Medical Administrative Assistant training program is composed of forty to eighty in-class hours only. In Springdale, the typical class size ranges from 10–30 students.
One of the most essential factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program 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 approved 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 nationally certified. It simply proves that you’ve finished 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 establish 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 mandatory 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 regulations, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 your 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 very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a medical administrative assistant training course and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To officially get 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 renew their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can take many forms, 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 organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical administrative assistants expand and refine their skills.
There are many certification agencies that medical administrative assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can significantly impact your career.
Obtaining medical assisting certification not only proves your skills and commitment to quality care, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical administrative assistants can enhance their capabilities, build their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a strong 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 fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the convenience of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are additional costs for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, make use of a wide range of exam preparation materials to maximize your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough 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 developing a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is stored in your account. Your digital copy, side by side 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 Springdale, Arkansas. Medical assisting is an excellent 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 the growth of healthcare services, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure a steady job market, making medical assisting a reliable and attractive career choice.
Medical Administrative Assistants typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $43,380, though wages can vary depending on geography and experience. With increasing prospects 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 after two years. A medical administrative assistant should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will permit the medical administrative assistant acceptable time to complete their continuing education hours and attempt 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 from start to finish online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials for the new 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 ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific steps and deadlines 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 work 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 Springdale, Arkansas should tell their students details about 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 undergo 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.
