If you are seeking a career as a medical assistant in the state of New York, you will find that you have many job opportunities. Not only does New York employ more medical assistants than practically any other state in the nation, there is currently a shortage of these health care professionals throughout the state. New York medical facilities also pay more than many other states. The 2013 Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that medical assistants in New York earned an average yearly salary of $33,370.
Medical assistants are not required to obtain a medical assistant certification in the state of New York. In fact, the vast shortage across the state has led numerous medical facilities to offer free training to those looking for a career as a medical assistant. While this may offer a great opportunity to start your career as a medical assistant, working without proper training, may prevent you from furthering your career in the future.
Most of the higher paying employers not only required their employees to have completed one of the medical assistant programs in New York, but they also want them to have their certification. In order to gain your certification as a medical assistant in New York, you must first pass the certification examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The AAMA requires everyone seeking a career as a certified medical assistant to first complete one of the accredited medical assistant programs in New York. The program you select must have received an accreditation by the Department of Education, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
When you are looking at New York medical assistant schools, be sure to ask them about their accreditation, or you can contact the AAMA to make sure their program qualifies. There are several medical assistant schools in New York to consider. Some offer courses that are taken completely on campus, while others offer online medical assistant programs.
If you need to continue working while obtaining your medical assistant training, online training may be the perfect option. This will allow you to complete most of your coursework online at a time that fits your specific schedule. You may be required to complete some clinical training at a medical facility in your locality, but you can arrange this to fit your schedule.
Completion of this training will allow you to take the AAMA examination and earn your certification to be a medical assistant. Once you have this certificate, you should have no problem finding a full-time job in your area.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in New York
Medical Assistant Education in New York: What You Need to Know
If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant in New York, it’s important to understand the education and training requirements for this role. Medical assistants play a critical role in healthcare, performing administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians and other healthcare professionals.
In this article, we’ll explore the education and training requirements for medical assistants in New York, as well as the job outlook and salary expectations for this profession.
Education and Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in New York
In New York, medical assistants are not required to have a specific degree or certification to work in this field. However, most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed a formal education program or certification.
There are several educational paths you can take to become a medical assistant in New York. Some of the most common options include:
- Certificate or Diploma Programs: Many community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate or diploma programs in medical assisting. These programs typically take between 9 and 12 months to complete and provide training in both administrative and clinical tasks.
- Associate’s Degree Programs: Some colleges and universities offer associate’s degree programs in medical assisting. These programs typically take 2 years to complete and provide a more comprehensive education in medical assisting.
- On-the-Job Training: Some medical assistants receive their training on the job, working under the supervision of a physician or experienced medical assistant.
Certification for Medical Assistants in New York
While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in New York, it can be beneficial for your career. Employers often prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and certification can also lead to higher pay and more job opportunities.
The most widely recognized certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To become a CMA, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a certification exam.
Other certifications that are recognized in New York include:
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services and the need for medical assistants to perform administrative and clinical tasks.
In New York, the average annual salary for medical assistants is $37,140, according to the BLS. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as education, certification, and experience.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in New York can be a rewarding career path for those who enjoy helping others and working in a fast-paced healthcare environment. While there are no specific education or certification requirements to work as a medical assistant in New York, completing a formal education program or certification can be beneficial for your career. With strong job growth and competitive salaries, medical assisting is a promising field for those looking to start a career in healthcare.