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 enroll in a training class. Livonia, Michigan is home to many state attributed 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 after completion of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. In Livonia, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a medical assisting training course, it’s important to be thorough and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the critical training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are vital for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing a program is its approval status 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 accredited training program ensures that you receive appropriate 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 misunderstood. This document does not make you a certified medical assistant. 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 officially become 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 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 Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) remain up to date with the latest regulations, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number 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 successful completion of a medical assistant training class, you will have 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 your completion of a medical assistant training class and is required to sit for the national certification exam for individuals with 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 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 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 best one can make a big difference in your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only shows your competency and commitment to high standards, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can enhance their knowledge, 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 strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, endless 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 ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are extra fees for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered to take the competency exam, take advantage of a wide range of exam preparation materials to boost your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of full-length practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials 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 Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), you’re ready to start your medical career in Livonia, Michigan. The field of 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 strong demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand helps ensure 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 differ depending on location and experience. With expanding job openings and a relatively short 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 start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the medical assistant satisfactory time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back to a medical 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 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific steps and cutoff dates 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 work 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 Livonia, Michigan 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 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.
