Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant™ (NCCRMA)™
Credential Description and Job Role Overview
The Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant (NCCRMA) credential is awarded by the National Clinical Research Certification Association™ (NCRCA™) and represents the highest standard for medical assistants working within clinical research environments. This certification confirms that the holder has the clinical competencies, research protocol understanding, and regulatory compliance knowledge required to support clinical trials with professionalism and precision.
Credential Description:
The NCCRMA credential validates that a medical assistant has achieved national recognition in both healthcare and clinical research skillsets. This multi-skilled certification covers five core competencies:
- Phlebotomy
- EKG/ECG
- Patient Safety 1st
- CPR, BLS, First Aid & AED
- Clinical Research Medical Assistant Fundamentals
Professionals who earn the NCCRMA have completed specialized training aligned with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and federal regulatory guidelines for research involving human subjects. They are qualified to work in a variety of clinical research settings including hospitals, academic research centers, pharmaceutical trials, and contract research organizations (CROs).
Job Description:
The Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant (NCCRMA) plays a vital role in supporting the operational and clinical needs of clinical trials. Working under the direction of a principal investigator or research coordinator, NCCRMA professionals help ensure that studies are conducted safely, ethically, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform vital clinical tasks such as:
- Blood draws (phlebotomy)
- EKG administration and monitoring
- Measuring vitals and documenting medical histories
- Support the informed consent process and ensure participant comfort and safety
- Prepare exam rooms and research equipment according to protocol requirements
- Assist with data collection, documentation, and electronic case report forms (eCRFs)
- Maintain regulatory compliance, patient privacy, and adherence to study protocols
- Serve as a liaison between study participants and the research team
Work Environment:
NCCRMA professionals typically work in:
- Clinical research sites
- Medical centers conducting trials
- Academic institutions
- Pharmaceutical research labs
- CROs and SMOs (Site Management Organizations)
Why It Matters:
The NCCRMA certification assures sponsors, employers, and patients that the certified professional is not only clinically skilled but also trained in the unique regulatory and ethical standards of research. Employing NCCRMA-certified staff increases data integrity, enhances patient care, and builds trust with trial stakeholders.
NCRCA Credential Overview – NCCRMA Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant
NCCRMA – Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant
Credential Description
A credential for Medical Assistants working in clinical trials, performing both clinical procedures and administrative research tasks.
Job Analysis
– Patient Preparation & Support: Escort patients and assist with vitals
– Specimen Handling: Label and transfer biological samples for trials
– Administrative Support: Assist with data entry, filing, and appointment scheduling – Trial Documentation: Ensure all forms and logs are completed correctly
Eligibility Requirements
– Employed by NCRCA-accredited partner employer
– OR complete 1-Day National Certification Bridge Program – OR attend an NCRCA-hosted Certification Conference
Exam Format
100 multiple-choice questions
Exam Content Breakdown
– Clinical Research Procedures – 30%
– Patient Interaction & Preparation – 25% – Data Entry & Documentation – 20%
– Specimen Handling – 15%
– Compliance & Ethics – 10%
Initial Certification Fee
$398
Annual Maintenance Fee
$398
Renewal Requirements
– 500 hours verified employment
NCRCA Credential Overview – NCCRMA Nationally Certified Clinical Research Medical Assistant
– 10 CE hours related to the role
– $398 renewal fee submitted before expiration