Alumni Newsletter January 2026
Welcome to the latest edition of the NIMAA Alumni Newsletter! We’re excited to share updates, industry news, and stories that highlight the incredible work being done by our graduates across the country. In this issue, you’ll find program updates, alumni spotlight, career development resources, and more to stay connected and supported in your journey as a Medical Assistant.
Thank you for being a part of the NIMAA community. We are proud to celebrate your continued growth and success!
As 2025 comes to an end and we begin 2026, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) wants to hear from YOU! If you would like to share your experience and feedback with AAMA, we encourage you to consider the prompt below:
What is one experience, lesson, or moment from this past year that has shaped you as a future medical assistant? How has it influenced your goals, growth, or mindset as you head into 2026?
If you would like to share your feedback, please send your response to Felicia Eldridge at feldridge@aama-nlt.org.
In this edition of the NIMAA Alumni Newsletter, we would like to spotlight Cindy Wilkerson, CCMA at Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. Cindy has built a lifelong career in healthcare grounded in compassion, resilience, and growth. Her journey began as a Candy Striper and continued through roles as an EMT, Residential Care Aide, and Medical Secretary before beginning her Medical Assistant journey. She graduated as a CCMA in April 2023, an achievement she says “opened doors in a positive way” and boosted her confidence.
Known for her commitment to patient safety and teamwork, Cindy has earned two Act with Empathy awards and is frequently praised by patients for making them feel safe and cared for.
Today, Cindy gives back as a NIMAA Alumni, Preceptor, and Advisory Board member, mentoring future Medical Assistants and helping ensure student voices are heard. Guided by the mantra that “I’m made for more,” she continues to pursue lifelong learning, with future goals of becoming an RN and educator.
Have you been promoted, received an award, or done something noteworthy within your job or community? Tell us your story to be featured in an upcoming Alumni Newsletter! Fill out the form linked HERE to be featured in a future newsletter!
Professional Organizations for Career Growth
Staying connected to professional organizations can support your long-term career development. Groups like AAMA, AMT, and NHA offer opportunities to network with other Medical Assistants, stay updated on industry trends, and access training, CEUs, and professional events. Being part of these communities can open doors to mentorship, advancement, and continued learning.
Looking for Employment?
Start your job search by checking trusted national job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn where employers post openings across the country. You can also explore pages of large healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente (HI, OR, CO), Providence (OR, MT), One Medical (CO, CT, IL, NC, NY, TX), UC Health (CO), Advocate Aurora Health (IL) and Denver Health and Hospital Authority (CO). Setting up job alerts on these sites or on national job boards can help you stay on top of new opportunities.
Staying current with your certification is an important part of sustaining your career as a Medical Assistant. Regular continuing education not only builds your skills and confidence but also ensures you remain eligible to maintain your credential. Completing CEUs a little at a time—rather than all at once—can help you avoid last-minute stress and keep your knowledge fresh throughout the year.
Certification Renewal Requirements
CMA (AAMA) – Renew every 60 months (5 years) | 60 CEUs
CCMA (NHA) – Renew every 2 years | 10 CEUs
RMA (AMT) – Renew every year | 30 CEUs every 3 years
NCMA (NCCT) – Renew every year | 14 CEUs annually
Looking for CEUs? NIMAA offers a selection of online CEU courses, and NIMAA alumni receive a 25% discount on courses. Check out NIMAA's UpSkill page HERE to learn more.
Caring for others is such meaningful work, but it can also be mentally and physically demanding. Prioritizing even small moments of self-care can help you stay grounded, focused, and energized throughout your day. Try these quick reset techniques you can do in under a minute, right at your workstation:
1. The 4-4-4 Breathing Reset
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat 3 times. This simple breathing pattern helps lower stress and brings your mind back into focus.
2. The Shoulder Drop
Raise your shoulders toward your ears, hold for 2 seconds, then drop them completely. Repeat 3 times. This quick release helps reduce tension commonly held in the neck and shoulders during a busy day in the clinic.
The following statistics reflect the Medical Assistant credentialing examination pass rates for our most recent three cohorts. These outcomes demonstrate our program’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for successful credential attainment and entry into the healthcare workforce. Pass rates are reported as of January 2026.
Spring 2024 – 89%
Fall 2024 – 71%
Spring 2025 – 84%
NIMAA Fall 2026 Application
Do you know someone who might be interested in training to become a medical assistant with NIMAA? The application for Fall 2026 will open on March 18th and will close on May 27th. Candidates who apply by April 22nd will be considered with early admission! If you know someone who might be interested, please refer them to reach out to us at admissions@nimaa.edu, or join one of our live informational sessions to learn more.
We’re honored to stay connected with such a dedicated alumni community. Your work continues to shape the future of patient care, and we appreciate everything you contribute to the field. Stay in touch, stay inspired, and stay proud to be part of NIMAA.
Related Articles
How to Order or Download Your Transcript
Whether you need your transcript for job applications, further studies, or personal records, this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly. Ordering an Official Transcript To order an official transcript, follow these steps: Visit the ...Virtual Informational Sessions
Want to learn more about our unique medical assistant training program? Join us at one of the following Zoom informational sessions to hear more about how we combine flexible online learning with hands-on in-clinic experience. Fall 2026 Cohort ...What to Expect in the Admission Process
Applying to NIMAA? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the admission process, important deadlines, and what to expect along the way. ? Tip: You can begin your FAFSA application at any time to explore your financial aid options. You do ...Graduation Requirements for the Medical Assistant Program at NIMAA
Graduating from the Medical Assistant program at NIMAA (National Institute of Medical Assistant Advancement) requires students to fulfill several academic and administrative obligations. It is imperative that students adhere to these requirements to ...Accessing the NIMAA Student Information System (Populi)
NIMAA uses the Populi platform for its Student Information System. When you were offered admissions or a place on the waitlist, you should have received an email from NIMAA regarding setting up a password for your account in the system. If you did ...