Medical assistants play an important role in numerous medical facilities throughout the state of Arkansas. They can do everything from greeting patients to billing and coding to assisting the physician with a patient examination to performing basic lab test. Despite this vital role, the position of medical assistant is not recognized as an official profession in the state. This also means that medical assistants are not regulated by the Arkansas State Medical Board.
However, this has not prevented the use of medical assistants at health care facilities throughout Arkansas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013 report showed that the annual salary for medical assistants in Arkansas was $27,080. While this is on the lower end of pay for medical assistants throughout the state, as the demand for this position increases even more in the upcoming years, it is likely that the wages will increase, as well.
Since there are no set requirements for medical assistants, you will need to be able to prove your medical competency to potential employers. This best way to get this competency is to attend one of the medical assistant programs in Arkansas. Several schools in the state offer medical professional assistant training.
When searching through Arkansas medical assistant schools, you want to look for one that has received it accreditation from ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools), the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs), or the Department of Education. This accreditation is given to schools that provide the proper training necessary to become a medical assistant.
Several Arkansas medical assistant schools offer standard classroom-based programs. In addition, the state offers many online medical assistant programs. These programs are ideal for students who need to continue working while going to school. While most of the classroom studies can be done completely online, you will be required to complete some on-hands clinical training. Many of these online programs will help you find an appropriate medical facility in your location to complete this clinical work.
Once you complete your training, you can take the medical assistant certification examination to obtain your certification as a medical assistant. Since there are no requirements for medical assistants in Arkansas, this certification is not required. However, it can greatly increase your ability to finding a job that pays a higher salary.
Because Arkansas offers a lower average salary for medical assistants than some of its neighboring states, some people choose to earn their certification in a state bordering their location. If you are considering this option, be sure to check any regulation requirements for that state prior to searching for Arkansas medical assistant schools.
More information about Medical Assisting Programs in Arkansas
Medical assisting is a growing field in Arkansas, with a high demand for trained professionals in the healthcare industry. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant in Arkansas, it is important to understand the education requirements and training options available to you.
Education Requirements for Medical Assistants in Arkansas
In Arkansas, there are no formal education requirements for medical assistants. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assisting program from an accredited school. Additionally, certification is not required in Arkansas, but it can improve your job prospects and earning potential.
Medical Assistant Programs in Arkansas
There are several medical assistant programs available in Arkansas, which can provide you with the necessary education and training to succeed in this field. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Some of the top medical assistant programs in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas State University – Newport
- Northwest Technical Institute – Springdale
- Arkansas Northeastern College – Blytheville
- University of Arkansas Community College – Batesville
- Pulaski Technical College – North Little Rock
Each program has its own unique curriculum and features, so it’s important to research each program carefully to find the one that best fits your needs and career goals.
Certification for Medical Assistants in Arkansas
While certification is not required in Arkansas, it can improve your job prospects and earning potential. The two main certification organizations for medical assistants are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To become certified, you must pass an exam after completing a medical assisting program.
Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Arkansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is a rapidly growing field. In Arkansas, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 26% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, medical assistants in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $29,940, which is slightly lower than the national average.
Conclusion
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Arkansas, there are many education and certification options available to you. While certification is not required, it can improve your job prospects and earning potential. With a rapidly growing job market and competitive salaries, medical assisting is a great career choice in Arkansas.