Final answer:
The AAMA focuses on certification, continuing education, and maintaining practice standards for medical assistants, paralleling the historic efforts of organizations like the AMA and NMA that worked to professionalize medicine and ensure quality care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main purpose of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is to provide professional certification and continuing education opportunities for medical assistants, assist in maintaining high standards of practice, and support medical assistants in their professional growth. The AAMA aims to ensure that medical assistants are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism required to support healthcare providers and manage patient care. This is in line with the history of professional medical organizations advocating for high standards, representation, and professional development, as seen with the American Medical Association and the National Medical Association, which promoted the professionalization of medicine and sought to ensure quality standards within the field.