How to Become a Medical Assistant
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree/Certificate:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions will likely need at least a certificate in medical assisting from an accredited program. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then an associates degree may help you stand out in the hiring process.
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Much Does a Medical Assistant Make?
$29,370 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+560,800 additional people employed
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Administrative Services Managers page)
Best Places to Become a Medical Assistant
One of the best perks of being a medical assistant is the ability to work in any city in a variety of different settings. While each state has several options in the medical assistant profession, the highest paying states are:
- California
- Idaho
- District of Columbia
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Alaska
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- Washington
Employment and Information Data for Medical Assisting
Why Become a Medical Assisting?
A medical assistant is an important and growing position which allows you to help doctors and healthcare professionals in a number of ways. According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical assisting expected to grow by 31 percent in the next five years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Your job as a medical assistant will be interesting and varied, but some of the typical daily duties include:
- Updating patient charts
- Managing electronic medical records
- Verifying insurance coverage
- Authorizing specialist referrals
- Scheduling appointments
- Assisting with instruments
- Stocking medical equipment
- Administration of medications
- Patient monitoring
- Keeping medical documents organized
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Medical Assistant
- Patient Care and Communication
- Clinical Assisting and Pharmacology
- Medical Insurance, Bookkeeping and Health Sciences
- Cardiopulmonary Procedures
- Laboratory Procedures
- Endocrinology and Reproduction
- Therapeutic Care
Degrees to Help You Become a Medical Assistant
Associate of Science Degrees
Associate of Applied Science degrees in medical assisting are available both online and in campus locations. Typically a two year program, this degree provides you with everything you need to enter the medical assisting profession.
- Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Management
Bachelor of Science Degrees
Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in medical assisting provides the relevant curriculum and broad perspective to prepare students for careers in this rewarding field. Typically a four year degree, you will enter the job market positioned for success.
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Master Degrees
Master degrees are a widely recognized professional credential for those seeking leadership and managerial positions in governmental, nonprofit, and private organizations in the health industry
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Master of Health Information Management
- Master of Public Health
