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 complete a training class. New Braunfels, Texas is house to many state endorsed medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Assistant career. A medical assisting training program is generally about 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 joined with the program. In New Braunfels, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training school, it’s important to be methodical and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% 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 vital for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when comparing 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 instruction, 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 industry standards.
After finishing 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 completed 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 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 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 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 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 completely 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 examination 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 maintain their certification each 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 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 refine their skills.
There are several certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the right one can make a big difference in your career.
Obtaining medical assisting certification not only shows your skills 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 strengthen their knowledge, build their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an valuable step toward becoming a standout 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 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, make use of a wide range 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 reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for simulating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are immediately inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is downloadable 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 New Braunfels, Texas. Medical assisting is a great gateway 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, an aging population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand helps ensure a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a secure and attractive 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 region and experience. With expanding job openings and a fast-track training period, medical assisting is a smart 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 begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the medical assistant plenty time to review their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register to a training program 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 time period 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 ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific procedures 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 greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Assistant Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in New Braunfels, Texas 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 finalize the entire process online. If you would like to request 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.
