Minnesota employs just over 9,000 medical assistants in the state, according to data gathered in 2013 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As is being seen across the country, the demand for medical assistants is rapidly growing each year. This demand is also expected to continue to rise until at least the end of the decade. This makes becoming a medical assistant in Minnesota, a great career option for many people.
In addition to an increased demand, medical assistants are also paid very well compared to other states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 data also showed that medical assistants earn an average of $33,040 per year. This is higher than the national average salary of $30,780. Those living, or moving to the Rochester area will be ecstatic to know that it is one of the highest paying metropolitan areas in the country, where the average medical assistant earns $40,150 per year.
The state of Minnesota does not require medical assistants to earn their certification prior to employment. However, many employers do. Certification as a medical assistant not only lets employers know that you have the necessary expertise and training to handle the job, but it may be a requirement of their insurance company. This makes becoming a Certified Medical Assistant the best career path to choose when beginning your career.
In order to become Certified Medical Assistant, you will need to ensure you pass the certification exam offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants. This examination will cover many of the things you must know in order to work as a medical assistant. Before you take this exam, you will need to complete one of the medical assistant programs in Minnesota.
The AAMA requires that you take an accredited medical assistant program at one of the Minnesota medical assistant schools. These programs should be accredited by either the Department of Education, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. You can check with the AAMA to make sure any medical assistant program in Minnesota meets their strict requirements.
Becoming a medical assistant is a great career option, even for those who already have a job but want a new profession. This is because there are several online medical assistant programs in Minnesota that allow you to take almost all the coursework from the comfort of your home. This means that you will not have to stop working in order to obtain the training necessary to become a medical assistant.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Minnesota
Medical Assistant Education in Minnesota: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant in Minnesota, you may be wondering what education and training requirements you’ll need to meet. This article will provide you with an overview of the necessary steps to become a medical assistant in Minnesota and what you can expect from this growing field.
Education and Training Requirements
In Minnesota, there are no specific educational requirements to become a medical assistant, but most employers prefer candidates who have completed a medical assistant training program. These programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes throughout the state and typically take between 9 to 12 months to complete.
Medical assistant training programs in Minnesota cover both administrative and clinical aspects of the job. Administrative coursework includes medical office procedures, medical billing and coding, and electronic health records. Clinical coursework includes anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy, and medical terminology.
Certification for Medical Assistants
Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Minnesota, 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 must 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 Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants in Minnesota is projected to grow 16% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the aging population. The average salary for medical assistants in Minnesota is $39,420 per year.
Medical assistants in Minnesota can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may also specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics or cardiology.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Minnesota, there are many accredited training programs available to help you get started. Although certification is not required, it can improve your job prospects and earning potential. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, now is a great time to consider a career as a medical assistant in Minnesota.