The Demand for Medical Assistants Continues to Grow
Have you decided to join the medical industry and get your foot in the door of one of the most recession-proof industries there is? If so, you are not alone.
The job market for certified medical assistants (CMA’s) is very hot. It is estimated that from 2006 to 2016, the number of available jobs will grow 35%, showing that this has been a hot field in the past, and will continue to be one into the future. As such, this is an excellent time to be investigating this career path.
However, you might find yourself confused when you see the variety of medical assistant programs that there are to choose from. It definitely can be a big challenge, especially in populated areas where there are so many options.
Be Cautious of Online Medical Assisting Programs
Many schools offer courses online. This can be a huge time saver, and if you live far from a populated area, can allow you to save a large amount of money in travel costs. However, there are hidden dangers with taking online courses. Many programs mask themselves as legitimate schools, offering certifications that will give you the skills necessary to be a CMA.
While the information might very well be valuable, you have to thoroughly investigate any schools and make sure that the certificates and degrees that they offer are accredited, and will be accepted by clinics and offices in which you will be applying for jobs.
There are two ways to check this. First, you can check the accreditation status of a school at the following website, (https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx). In addition, you can go to the AAMA website,(http://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/) and check to see if the school that you are interested in can be used to get an AAMA certificate, which is commonly considered the gold standard in certifications.
Does this mean that online medical assistant programs are scams? Certainly not. If you see a program on a website that has you intrigued, by all means, thoroughly investigate. There are many legitimate programs that can get you the degree or certificate that you are looking for. You just need to be careful, and learn how to sift through the good offers and the bad offers. It pays to be thorough, as you will be spending a year or more of your life in this school. So investigate as many opportunities as possible, and do your homework ahead of time.
There are 1 Year Courses and 2 Year Courses
If you decide upon a program, you will then have the option to take a 1 year course, which will offer you a certificate, or a 2 year course, which will offer you an associates degree. Make sure and thoroughly discuss your options with the guidance counselor that you speak with at your potential school. Let them know your career plans, and make sure you are comfortable with your decision BEFORE you enroll.
Medical assistant programs may or may not be offered in your area, but with a little time and research, you will be able to find the programs that you need to embark upon your career as a certified medical assistant.
Average Certified Medical Assistant Salary
The average pay for medical assistants is now up to $34,560 per year. That breaks down to $16.61 per hour. Of course, that’s the AVERAGE pay. Experienced medical assistants can make as much as $26.00 per hour.
Medical assistants in California have an average annual pay of $33,850. The average certified medical assistant salary for experienced workers is $50,900. The areas in California with the highest pay are the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Newly minted medical assistants in Texas have an average annual salary of $33,195. Dallas, Houston, and Austin have the highest pay for certified medical assistants.