Medical Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania

Medical Assistant DegreesHome to the first hospital in America, Pennsylvania is still one of the leading places for health care professionals to work. According to the 2013 data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 24,570 medical assistants working in the state of Pennsylvania. As there is a nationwide growing demand for health care professional across the country, the number of medical assistants employed in the state is expected to rise by as much as 31% by the end of the decade.

This demand will create many new job opportunities for medical assistants, which makes it a great career choice. The state has not put any type of educational or certification requirements on medical assistants who work in the state. However, the majority of health care employers will not hire medical assistants until they complete their training and/or earn their certification.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is one of the most recognized medical assistant organizations in the country. Students who want to earn their certification as a medical assistant often do so through the AAMA. The AAMA requires students to successfully pass the medical assistant certification examination to become certified, but first they must complete one of the accredited medical assistant programs in Pennsylvania.

There are many great Pennsylvania medical assistant schools that offer accredited training programs. When searching for the right school for you, you must make sure it is accredited and meets the AAMA approval. These training courses will prepare you for a career as a medical assistant, and help you learn the material needed to pass the certification exam.

Medical Assistant PennsylvaniaIn addition to several on-campus programs, there are also many online medical assistant programs available. This offers flexible scheduling that can allow you to continue working and obtain your training at the same time. This also eliminates the need to move closer to one of the Pennsylvania medical assistant schools or to travel to and from school.

Once you complete this training, you can earn your certification by taking and passing the certification exam. Then you will be able to obtain employment as a full-time medical assistant. Some of the duties you can expect to be doing on the job, include scheduling patients’ appointments, updating patient files, taking and recording patient vital signs, and drawing blood samples.

You can also expect to earn a good salary with benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2013 that the average medical assistant in Pennsylvania makes an annual salary of $29,990 or an hourly salary of $14.42.

More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Pennsylvania

Medical Assistant Education in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering what the education requirements are and where you can receive training. Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare facilities, working alongside doctors and nurses to provide support and care to patients. In this article, we will explore what you need to know about medical assistant education in Pennsylvania.

Education Requirements

In Pennsylvania, there are no formal education requirements to become a medical assistant. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assisting program from an accredited institution. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and result in a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree.

Accredited Programs

Accredited medical assisting programs in Pennsylvania are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools. Some schools offer online courses, making it easier for students to balance their education with work and other responsibilities. When choosing a program, it is important to make sure it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Coursework

Medical assisting programs typically include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, pharmacology, and clinical and administrative procedures. Students also participate in clinical training, which provides hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.

Certification

Although certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Pennsylvania, it is strongly recommended. Certification demonstrates a level of competence and dedication to the profession and can improve job prospects and earning potential. The most recognized certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To become certified, candidates must pass an exam and meet certain education and experience requirements.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for medical assistants is driven by the aging baby boomer population, who will require more medical services as they age. Additionally, advances in technology and the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery systems are also contributing to the need for more medical assistants.

Conclusion

Becoming a medical assistant in Pennsylvania can be a rewarding career path with strong job prospects. While there are no formal education requirements, completing an accredited medical assisting program and earning certification can improve job opportunities and earning potential. As you consider pursuing this career path, research accredited programs and certification options to determine the best path for you.