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 school. Upper Darby, Pennsylvania 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 a total of 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 united with the program. In Upper Darby, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing a medical assisting training school, it’s important to be careful and informed. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the essential training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a professional 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 important factors to consider when comparing a program is its accreditation and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After finishing a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misunderstood. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply proves 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 mandatory 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, advancements, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide straightforward guidelines on the total 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 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 enormously common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a medical assistant training school and is required to sit for the national certification examination for individuals with no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical assistant must have their skills put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must maintain 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 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 refine 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 demonstrates your skills and commitment to quality care, but also opens doors to ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can enhance their capabilities, grow 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 strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a full study guide, repeated 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 at your own pace and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials 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 credentialing exam, take advantage of a wide range of prep tools to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as thorough 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 developing a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of complete 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, practice exams are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and identifying 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 final 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, along 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 Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Medical assisting is an excellent starting point into the medical workforce, 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 rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a secure and appealing 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 geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a fast-track training period, medical assisting is a great way to begin a fulfilling 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 start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will permit the medical assistant acceptable time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a medical assisting course 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 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 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 intelligent medical assistant with more 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 guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania 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 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.
