In a state that has had its share of disasters, medical assistants play a vital role in the Louisiana healthcare industry. Medical assistants assist both physicians and nurses with patient care, as well as, provide assistance in the administrative office of medical facilities. Entering a career as a medical assistant offers a great opportunity to enter the healthcare field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 report, medical assistants in Louisiana earn an average of $27,450 a year or $13.20 per hour. This is slightly below the national average for medical assistants salaries, but still offers a good paying job that often comes with great benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off. In 2013, there were 6,770 medical assistants working in the state, but this number is expected to increase steadily over the next several years.
If you live in Louisiana, you are not required to attend any specialized training or obtain a license or certification to work as a medical assistant. However, there are a lot of employers who do not want to hire medical assistants without some type of training. Some employers even require all of their medical assistants to obtain their certification prior to employment or within so many days of being hired.
Since the state does not offer any state certification program, most medical assistance earn their certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This association has an established process that you must follow to become a Certified Medical Assistant. You must first obtain training from one of the medical assistant programs in Louisiana. The program you select must have an accreditation that is acceptable to the AAMA.
This training will provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to work effectively as a medical assistant. There are several Louisiana medical assistant schools that offer accredited programs. Some programs must be completed entirely in the classroom and at an on-campus lab. However, there are also a few online medical assistant programs in Louisiana. This will allow you to easily fit your classwork into your current work and family schedule.
Once training is completed, you will be required to successfully pass the AAMA medical assistant certification examination. This exam will cover all the information you learned during your training. You will have 60 months from the day you compete your training to take and pass this exam. You will then be considered a Certified Medical Assistant and will be able to obtain a job at numerous medical facilities across the state.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Louisiana
Medical Assistant Education in Louisiana: Requirements and Career Outlook
Medical assistants play an important role in the healthcare industry, providing both clinical and administrative support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Louisiana, this article will provide you with information on education and training requirements, certification, and career outlook for medical assistants in the state.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a medical assistant in Louisiana, you’ll need to complete a training program. These programs are typically available through vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes and can take anywhere from 9 to 12 months to complete.
It’s recommended that you choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation ensures that the program meets industry standards and prepares you for the challenges of the job.
Medical assistant training programs cover both administrative and clinical aspects of the job. Clinical training includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, phlebotomy, and other medical procedures. Administrative training covers courses in medical office procedures, medical billing and coding, and electronic health records.
Certification for Medical Assistants
While certification is not required to become a medical assistant in Louisiana, it’s highly recommended. Certification shows employers that you have the knowledge and skills to perform your job duties effectively. Two organizations offer medical assistant certification: the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To be eligible for certification, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited medical assistant training program and pass an exam. The AAMA certification exam covers both administrative and clinical knowledge, including patient care, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical office management. The NHA certification exam covers similar topics and includes 150 multiple-choice questions. Both exams require a passing score of 70% or higher.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Louisiana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services. In Louisiana, medical assistants earn an average salary of $31,740 per year.
Medical assistants in Louisiana can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may also specialize in certain areas, such as ophthalmology or pediatrics.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in Louisiana can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. Completion of a medical assistant training program and certification can enhance job prospects and increase earning potential. With the healthcare industry expanding and the demand for medical assistants on the rise, now is a great time to pursue a career in this field. Remember to choose an accredited program and consider certification to ensure you are prepared to succeed as a medical assistant in Louisiana.