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 school. Tallahassee, Florida is home to many state endorsed medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Assistant career. A medical assisting training program is generally compiled 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 Tallahassee, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training course, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one of them provide the vital training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining practical experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its recognized standing 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 accredited training program ensures that you receive appropriate 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 confused. This document does not make you a certified medical assistant. It simply confirms that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero 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 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 professional practices, procedures, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined 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 your 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 very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a medical assistant training program and is required to take the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, a medical assistant must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must update their certification once every 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 advance their skills.
There are many 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 shows your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can sharpen their knowledge, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require 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, unlimited 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 with flexibility and from the comfort 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 for the competency exam, utilize a wide range of study resources to boost your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of full-length practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for mirroring the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others up sell practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is available 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 Tallahassee, Florida. Training in medical assisting is an excellent gateway 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 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 fluctuate depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects and a fast-track training period, medical assisting is a great 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 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 ample time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back 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 new 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and timeframes to restore your active status.
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A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly bright 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 instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Tallahassee, Florida 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 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.
