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 course. Austin, Texas is house to many state approved medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Assistant career. A medical assisting training program is generally between 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Austin, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training course, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the necessary training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are critical 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 researching a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. Accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an accredited training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply verifies that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To get 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 maintained 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 current with the latest regulations, techniques, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount 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 your successful completion of a medical assistant training course, you will earn a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)’. This is a enormously common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a medical assistant training program and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a medical assistant must have their competency put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must update their certification every 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 credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical assistants expand and develop their skills.
There are several certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can positively influence your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your competency and commitment to high standards, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can strengthen their knowledge, expand their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require 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 comprehensive study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed entirely 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 verify whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are extra fees for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered to sit for the competency exam, take advantage of a variety of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and identifying 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 rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is available 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 Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Austin, Texas. Medical assisting is an excellent entry point into the medical industry, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical assistants are in high demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a steady job market, making medical assisting a secure and worthwhile career choice.
Medical Assistants typically perform a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $44,200, though wages can fluctuate depending on region and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, medical assisting is a efficient way to begin a rewarding 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 have to renew their CCMA Certification after two years. A medical assistant should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the medical assistant satisfactory time to complete their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register 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 certification for the next 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific guidelines and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CCMA Certification.
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly talented medical assistant with over 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Assistant Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Austin, Texas should tell their students details about 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 finalize the entire process online. If you would like to request to talk 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.
