The US Department of Labor rates careers in the health care industry as one of the fastest growing careers in the country. This demand is being caused by a combination of more people having access to health care and the fact that the baby boomers are now entering their retirement years. This has caused a growing need for many different health care positions, including medical assistants.
One of the unique aspects of medical assistant positions is that they can provide both administrative and clinical supportive services. While medical assistants are required to work under the direct supervision of either a doctor or nurse, they can still perform a wide variety of medical services. Some of these services include taking blood samples, administering certain injections, answering patient questions, scheduling appointments, cleaning medical equipment, and recording various vital signs.
According to a 2013 report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 14,000 medical assistants employed at medical facilities like hospitals, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes across the country. The state of New Jersey does not require you to complete any type of training or certification program to be a medical assistant. However, this is not the case for employers. The majority of health care employers in New Jersey will only hire those who have completed one of the medical assistant programs in New Jersey and/or earn their certification.
There are several New Jersey medical assistant programs that offer great training programs. It is best to find a school that offers a medical assistant program that has been accredited by the Department of Education, American Association of Medical Assistants, or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. By attending an accredited program, you will be able to take the medical assistant certification examination once you have graduated.
These training programs are designed to teach you the skills, techniques, and knowledge that you will need to work as a medical assistant. You can select to attend a traditional on campus program or take one of the online medical assistant programs. Once you successfully complete this training, you can take the certification exam.
You can expect to find a good paying job as a medical assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 report, medical assistants in New Jersey make an average annual salary of $32,400. This is a bit more than the national average salary for medical assistant of $30,780. Many of these positions also offer plenty of benefits like paid holidays and health insurance.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in New Jersey
Medical Assistant Education in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant in New Jersey, you may be wondering what educational requirements you need to meet. Medical assistants are an essential part of any healthcare team, and they play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the care and attention they need. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about medical assistant education in New Jersey.
Educational Requirements
In New Jersey, there are no formal educational requirements to become a medical assistant. However, most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed a formal training program. These programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and online.
Some medical assistant programs can be completed in as little as nine months, while others take up to two years. The length of the program depends on the type of credential you’re pursuing. Certificate programs take less time to complete than degree programs, but they don’t provide as much in-depth training.
Programs typically cover topics like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical law and ethics, and clinical procedures. You’ll also learn how to perform administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, billing patients, and maintaining patient records.
Certification
Although certification isn’t required to work as a medical assistant in New Jersey, it can improve your job prospects and increase your earning potential. The most widely recognized certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
To become a CMA, you must graduate from a medical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). You’ll also need to pass an exam administered by the AAMA.
Other certifications for medical assistants include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential, offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging baby boomer population, which will increase demand for preventive medical services.
In New Jersey, medical assistants earn an average salary of $36,280 per year, according to the BLS. However, salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and certification.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in New Jersey is a great way to start a career in healthcare. While formal education isn’t required, completing a medical assistant program and earning certification can increase your job prospects and earning potential. With the demand for medical assistants on the rise, now is a great time to consider this rewarding career path.