If you enjoy working with people and have good communication and organizational skills, obtaining a career as a medical assistant could be the perfect option for you. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2013, there are currently about 5,220 medical assistants employed in medical facilities across the state of New Mexico. With the current demand for health care workers in the country, this number is expected to rise rapidly over the next several years.
According to the same Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the average medical assistant in New Mexico can expect to earn $13.50 per hour, or $28,070 annually. In addition, many of these positions come with an array of employee benefits. The combination of increased job growth and good salaries, makes becoming a medical assistant a very attractive job opportunity.
There are no set training or certification guidelines in New Mexico for becoming a medical assistant. The majority of employers in the state are, however, only looking for employees who have graduated from one of the medical assistant programs in New Mexico and/or have earned their certification as a medical assistant. If you want to have the greatest job opportunities in your future, it is best to begin your career path by obtaining your certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The first step towards earning this certification is to attend one of the accredited medical assistant programs in New Mexico. When searching for the right program for you, it is important that you check with the AAMA to make sure the course has the correct accreditation. This will be required in order to take the medical assistant certification examination.
There are several New Mexico medical assistant schools that offer accredited programs. These programs are designed to teach you the skills and training needed to work successfully in the health care industry. The training program will also help you prepare for your certification exam. In addition to traditional on-campus programs, there are also several online medical assistant programs. These online courses can be a great option for some students. It will allow you to complete the majority of your coursework at home versus needing to head into the school at a set time.
Once you have graduated from one of the New Mexico medical assistant schools, you can take your certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant. This will enable you to find a job at a variety of medical facilities in your area, such as physician offices, hospitals, assistant living centers, and urgent care facilities.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in New Mexico
Medical Assistant Education in New Mexico: What You Need to Know
Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing essential support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. In New Mexico, the demand for medical assistants is on the rise, and if you’re considering pursuing a career as a medical assistant, you’re in luck. Here’s what you need to know about medical assistant education in New Mexico.
Education and Training
To become a medical assistant in New Mexico, you will need to complete a postsecondary program that provides education and training in medical assisting. There are several types of programs available, including certificate programs, diploma programs, and associate degree programs.
Certificate programs are the shortest and most basic option, typically taking around 9-12 months to complete. Diploma programs take slightly longer, usually around 12-18 months. Associate degree programs take the longest, generally taking around 2 years to complete.
Regardless of which type of program you choose, you can expect to take courses in subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical office procedures, and clinical procedures. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through an externship or practicum.
Certification
While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in New Mexico, it can enhance your job prospects and 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 be eligible for the CMA exam, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and meet certain eligibility requirements, such as completing an externship or having work experience as a medical assistant. The exam covers topics such as general medical assisting knowledge, administrative tasks, and clinical tasks.
Job Outlook and Salary
The demand for medical assistants is growing nationwide, and New Mexico is no exception. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants in New Mexico is projected to grow by 23.7% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
As of May 2020, the median annual wage for medical assistants in New Mexico was $32,850, slightly lower than the national median of $35,850. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and certification status.
Conclusion
Medical assisting is a rewarding and in-demand career path in New Mexico, offering opportunities for growth and advancement. By completing a postsecondary medical assisting program and obtaining certification, you can set yourself up for success in this field. With the right education and training, you can become a valuable member of the healthcare team, helping to improve the health and wellbeing of patients across the state.