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 class. Many state credited 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 separate of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. The typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training school, 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 essential training and clinical resources needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs lack clinical hours, which are critical for gaining real-world experience drawing blood in a professional 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 evaluating a program is its recognized standing and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of instruction, 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 completing a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply confirms that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited 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 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 current with the latest regulations, advancements, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the total and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward 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 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 class and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals who have no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical assistant must have their competency put to the test by a third-party authorizing 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 maintain and refine their skills.
There are many certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can positively influence your career.
Pursuing medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your competency and commitment to professional excellence, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can strengthen their expertise, expand their professional network, and set themselves up for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an important 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 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare at your own pace and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered to sit for the certification exam, utilize a broad selection of study resources to boost your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are highly beneficial for replicating the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, side by side 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. Training in medical assisting is a great 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 growing elderly population, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a reliable 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 location and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, medical assisting is a efficient 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 day their certification expires. This will permit the medical assistant plenty time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register 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 credentials 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 expires, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, sending in a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific steps 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 greater 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 instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class 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 request 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.
