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 course. Thurman, Indiana is house to many state recognized 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 united with the program. In Thurman, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When evaluating a medical assisting training course, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the vital training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a real lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the minimum requirements for national certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when researching a program is its recognized standing and adherence to industry guidelines. Program accreditation is formal recognition granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive appropriate 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 confused. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply verifies that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To officially 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 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 up to date with the latest professional practices, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the amount 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 gainful completion of a medical assistant training school, you will have 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 your successful completion of a medical assistant training course and is required to sit for the national certification exam for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical assistant must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must update their certification each 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 credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical assistants maintain and develop 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 significantly impact your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only shows your skills and commitment to quality care, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can sharpen their expertise, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an valuable 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, 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 on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials 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 to take the certification exam, make use of a variety 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 choosing prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of complete practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re well 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 repeated 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 credentials 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 Thurman, Indiana. Training in medical assisting is a solid starting point into the medical industry, 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 growing elderly population, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand contributes to a steady job market, making medical assisting a stable and attractive career choice.
Medical Assistants typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $44,200, though wages can fluctuate depending on location and experience. With increasing prospects and a brief training period, medical assisting is a smart 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 have to renew their CCMA Certification after two years. A medical assistant should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will permit the medical assistant acceptable time to complete their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need 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 certification for the following 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 becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. 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 guidelines and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
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A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly talented 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 guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Thurman, Indiana 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 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.
