Clinical Medical Assistants prepare patients, record vital signs and medical histories, perform phlebotomy and EKGs, administer medications and injections, and assist with exams and minor procedures — ensuring accurate diagnostics and compassionate support. Follow this NPS guide to earn your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential.
The first step to your career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is to choose a training program. Atlanta, Georgia is house to many state attributed medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Assistant career. A medical assisting training program is generally a total of 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Atlanta, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training school, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the essential training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are vital for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing 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 proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After completing 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 finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To get 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 mandatory requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) remain up to date with the latest industry standards, advancements, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear 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 completion of a medical assistant training school, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a medical assistant training course and is required to attempt the national certification test for individuals with no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical assistant must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must maintain their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover 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 assistants expand and advance their skills.
There are many certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only shows your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can sharpen their expertise, build their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full study guide, unlimited 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 with flexibility and from the comfort of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, utilize a broad selection 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 match 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 trouble spots, and regular use of complete practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hurriedly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is made available in your account. Your digital copy, paired with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Atlanta, Georgia. Medical assisting is a solid starting point into the medical industry, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical assistants are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a secure and worthwhile career choice.
Medical Assistants typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $44,200, though wages can fluctuate depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a fast-track training period, medical assisting is a efficient way to begin a meaningful healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the medical assisting field.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant will need to renew their CCMA Certification after two years. A medical assistant should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will permit the medical assistant plenty time to complete their continuing education hours and take 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 new two year is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the medical assisting field.
If your certification lapses, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and timeframes to restore your active status.
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A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly gifted medical assistant with more than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical 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 Atlanta, Georgia should provide students with the instructors background and credentials.
If a medical assistant meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) they can complete the entire process online. If you would like to speak with someone about the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI).
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.
