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 class. Valdosta, Georgia is house to many state credited 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 associated with the program. In Valdosta, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training course, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not 100% of them provide the essential training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are required 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 finish the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is a quality assurance 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 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 misunderstood. 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 limited experience.
To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps establish national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be maintained 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 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 gainful completion of a medical assistant training school, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a medical assistant training program and is required to sit for the national certification exam for individuals with no experience in the field.
To become 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 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 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 a variety of 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 expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can enhance their knowledge, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers look for certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a comprehensive study guide, unlimited practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed entirely 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 included study tools or if there are additional costs 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 broad selection of prep tools to enhance your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of simulated practice exams to replicate 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 extremely useful for simulating the real test environment and pinpointing 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 rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your national certification is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, paired 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 Valdosta, Georgia. Medical assisting is a solid entry point into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical assistants are in strong demand across the healthcare industry due to the growth of healthcare services, an aging population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a stable 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 region and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, medical assisting is a smart 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 need 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 allow the medical assistant satisfactory time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a training program 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 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 becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and deadlines to restore your active status.
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A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly competent medical assistant with more 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 guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Valdosta, Georgia 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 complete 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.
