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. Medford, Massachusetts 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Medford, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a medical assisting training school, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the critical training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a clinical 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 crucial factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to industry guidelines. Program accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive appropriate education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
After completing 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 finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.
To become 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 renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a key 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 in compliance with the latest industry standards, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear 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 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 entirely 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 test for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To become certified, a medical assistant must have their competency put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must update 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 organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical assistants enhance and advance their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can make a big difference in your career.
Obtaining medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your skills and commitment to quality care, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can strengthen their capabilities, build their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require 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 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 verify whether your certifying agency provides free resources 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 for the credentialing exam, take advantage of a variety of exam preparation materials to maximize 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 core concepts and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re well 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 final exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is 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 Medford, Massachusetts. Medical assisting is an excellent starting point into the medical field, 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 rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a positive employment outlook, making medical assisting a reliable 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 vary depending on geography and experience. With expanding job openings and a fast-track 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 need to renew their CCMA Certification every two years. A medical assistant should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will permit the medical assistant sufficient time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back to a school 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 period 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 completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific guidelines and deadlines to restore your active status.
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A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly adept medical assistant with over 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Assistant Instructors can work for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the information provided by their curriculum. Every class in Medford, Massachusetts 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 prefer 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.
