Maryland offers some of the best medical assistant job opportunities in the country. In 2013, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that medical assistants in Maryland earned an average of $32,380 per year. This is one of the highest paying salaries in the northeast and well above the national average of $30.780.
Not only are medical assistants in Maryland paid well, but there is also a high demand for this position. The same Bureau of Labor Statistics report, showed that there were nearly 10,000 medical assistants across the state in 2013. These numbers are also expected to increase in the upcoming years, as the demand for healthcare service rises.
Maryland is one of the few states that require medical assistants to either be trained or certified before working in the healthcare industry. Due to this fact, there are many great Maryland medical assistant schools for you to choose from. There is also a well-established Maryland Society of Medical Assistants that you can join after you complete your education and/or receive your certification.
Most people who strive to become a Certified Medical Assistant do so through the American Association of Medical Assistants. This association requires people to first obtain their training through one of the accredited medical assistant programs in Maryland and then successfully pass the certification examination.
When you are looking for the right medical assistant program in Maryland for you, make sure it has obtained is accreditation from the Department of Education, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Only these accredited courses will allow you to meet the requirement to take the certification examination.
If you want to continue working and obtain your medical assistant training, you will want to look into one of the online medical assistant programs available. This will allow you to complete a majority of your coursework from the comfort of your own home, at a time that is right for you. You may be required to complete some hands-on clinical training, but your school will work with you to set this up at a time that fits your schedule.
It is advised that you take the extra step to complete the certification exam once your training is completed. This certification will help you find better paying jobs and will improve your future career outlook. This certification is expected to become even more important over the next few years, because many liability insurance companies are now requiring employers to only hire certified medical assistants.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Maryland
Medical Assistant Education in Maryland: Requirements and Career Outlook
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Maryland, it’s important to know the education and training requirements, as well as the career outlook for this field in the state. This article will provide you with valuable information to help you get started.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a medical assistant in Maryland, you’ll need to complete a medical assistant training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes throughout the state.
The duration of medical assistant training programs can vary, but most programs can be completed within 9 to 12 months. The curriculum typically covers both administrative and clinical aspects of the job. Administrative coursework includes medical billing and coding, medical office procedures, and electronic health records. Clinical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and phlebotomy.
Certification for Medical Assistants
Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Maryland, but it can improve your job prospects and increase your earning potential. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) are two organizations that offer certification for medical assistants.
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.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Maryland
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants in Maryland is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and the increasing demand for healthcare services. The average salary for medical assistants in Maryland is $38,810 per year.
Medical assistants in Maryland 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
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Maryland, there are a variety of training programs available to help you get started. Completing an accredited program and obtaining certification can enhance your job prospects and increase your earning potential. With the demand for healthcare services on the rise, now is a great time to consider a career as a medical assistant in Maryland.