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 class. Grand Junction, Colorado is home to many state credited 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 outside of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In Grand Junction, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a medical assisting training school, it’s important to be methodical and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the vital training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are critical for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when researching a program is its recognized standing and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program 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 approved training program ensures that you receive appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After finishing a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you a certified medical assistant. It simply proves 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 establish 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 core 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 industry standards, procedures, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the total 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 gainful 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 unconditionally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a medical assistant training course and is required to take the national certification test for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical assistant must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must renew 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 cover 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 assistants maintain and refine their skills.
There are several certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Obtaining medical assisting certification not only proves your expertise and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can enhance their knowledge, 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 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 entirely 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 explore whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are separate charges for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered to take the credentialing exam, take advantage of a variety of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as thorough 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 theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of full-length practice exams to simulate 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 simulating 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 inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is stored in your account. Your digital copy, and 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 Grand Junction, Colorado. Medical assisting is a solid starting point into the medical workforce, 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 stable 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 differ depending on region 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 be required to renew their CCMA Certification after two years. A medical assistant should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the medical assistant sufficient time to complete their continuing education hours and attempt 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 credentials 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 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 guidelines and timeframes 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 more than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Assistant Instructors can teach 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 Grand Junction, Colorado should provide 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 undergo 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 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.
