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 attend a training school. Portland, Oregon 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 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 allied with the program. In Portland, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a medical assisting training program, it’s important to be thorough and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one 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 fundamental for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you finish 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 curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.
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 “certified”. It simply proves that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior 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 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 in compliance with the latest regulations, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it easy 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 completion of a medical assistant training class, 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 your completion of a medical assistant training school and is required to attempt the national certification test for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a medical assistant must have their skills put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must maintain their certification once every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, 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 develop 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.
Pursuing medical assisting certification not only shows your skills and commitment to quality care, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can sharpen their capabilities, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes an all-inclusive study guide, repeated 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 convenience of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides free resources 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 take the competency exam, take advantage of a wide range of exam preparation materials to maximize your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing 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 regular studying, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of complete practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and pinpointing areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer endless practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is provided 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 start your medical career in Portland, Oregon. Training in medical assisting is an excellent entry point into the medical field, 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 the growth of healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand contributes to a steady job market, making medical assisting a secure and appealing 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 geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief 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 need to renew their CCMA Certification after two years. A medical assistant should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will permit the medical assistant enough time to attend 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 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 lapses, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying 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 proficient medical assistant with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Assistant Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Portland, Oregon should tell their 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 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.
