Membership
Overview
Membership in the New Mexico Society of Medical Assistants (NMSMA) is structured around seven distinct classes designed to support individuals at every stage of their professional journey, from students and practicing medical assistants to retirees and industry supporters. While the society is inclusive—offering pathways for non-credentialed associates and general affiliates—governance is tiered to prioritize professional certification. Most members enjoy broad privileges, including committee service and local leadership, but the highest state-level offices (Officers and Trustees) are strictly reserved for Active and Life members holding current CMA (AAMA) credentials. Membership is contingent upon maintaining professional standards; revocation of a CMA credential results in immediate loss of membership, while specific categories like Student membership have term limits to encourage advancement within the society.
Active Member
Active Membership constitutes the core voting body of the society and is primarily reserved for credentialed professionals. To qualify, an individual must hold current status through a National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)–accredited certification program, provided their credential remains valid and unrevoked. A special provision also extends Active status to "grandfathered" members—those who were active as of December 31, 1987, have never been a CMA (AAMA), and have maintained continuous membership with dues submitted annually by the December 31 deadline. In terms of privileges, Active members are eligible to serve as Delegates and Committee Chairs; however, the specific eligibility to serve as Officers and Trustees is restricted to those Active members who are current Certified Medical Assistants (CMA-AAMA). Crucially, this status is tied to professional standing: any member whose credential is revoked by the Certifying Board immediately forfeits their membership and all associated privileges, with no refund of dues provided.
Associate Member
Associate Membership is designed for medical assistants who are not currently AAMA Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) and do not meet the criteria for other membership categories. Members in this class enjoy full state-level privileges, including the ability to vote, serve on committees, and hold office at the local or chapter level. However, their participation is restricted at the national level, where they are ineligible to serve. While Associate members have broad opportunities to contribute to the society's internal operations—such as serving as committee chairs or members—they cannot hold the specific positions of State Officer or Trustee, which are reserved for credentialed Active and Life members.
Life Member
Life Membership is a prestigious status conferred upon an existing active member who has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the society. To consider a candidate for this honor, their name must be presented to the Executive Board alongside a written statement detailing their specific contributions. Because of its exclusivity, no more than one Life Membership may be awarded in any given year, and conferral requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board members present and voting. Once approved, the Life Member retains all the rights and privileges of active membership, with the distinct benefit that their annual dues are permanently canceled.
Student Member
Student Membership is specifically designed for individuals currently enrolled in a medical assisting program. Members in this category may select either a one-year or a two-year membership term. If a student chooses a one-year term, they are eligible to renew for a second year, provided the renewal occurs during their initial term. However, this category is transitional: no member is eligible for more than a total of two consecutive years of student membership. Once this two-year limit is reached, the member must advance to either Associate or Active membership, assuming they meet the necessary qualifications for those classes.
Sustaining Member
Sustaining Membership is intended for individuals who have retired from the medical assisting profession. To qualify for this category, a member must have previously held Active or Associate membership for a minimum of two years prior to retirement. Unlike Life membership, which is permanent upon conferral, Sustaining Membership requires active maintenance; the specific stipulation is that it must be renewed annually, or the membership status will be immediately forfeited.
Affiliate Member
Affiliate Membership serves as an inclusive category for individuals who possess a genuine interest in the medical assisting profession but do not meet the eligibility requirements for any other specific class. This classification allows such individuals to engage with the society, though it comes with limitations regarding leadership and governance. While they are members of the organization, Affiliate members are not eligible to serve as officers, committee chairs, or committee members, as those roles are reserved for Active, Associate, Student, and Life members.
Honorary Member
Honorary Membership is a special distinction awarded to individuals who are ineligible for active membership but have made an outstanding contribution to the society. To nominate a candidate, a name and a written statement outlining their contribution must be submitted to the Executive Board for approval at least sixty days prior to the NMSMA annual meeting. This status is exclusive, limited to a maximum of two conferrals per year, and requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Executive Board. While Honorary Members enjoy the benefit of being exempt from annual dues, they are subject to specific restrictions: they may not vote, hold office, or chair a committee.