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.
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