North Carolina is one of the top states for hiring medical assistants in the southeastern region of the country, falling only behind Florida and Georgia. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 13,890 medical assistants working in the state in 2013. In recent years, there has been a huge demand for more health care professionals, including medical assistants, in the workforce. This demand could increase the number of medical assistants working in the state by up to 31%.
Medical assistants in North Carolina are also paid well, receiving an average annual salary of $29,390, according to the same Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This is just slightly below the national average salary of $30,780. One thing that makes medical assistants so attractive to employers is their versatility in the workplace. Not only can medical assistants handle an array of administrative tasks like welcoming patients or updating records, but they can also perform various clinical duties like drawing blood and recording vital signs.
Certification as a medical assistant is not required in North Carolina, but it is highly recommended. Since medical assistants must work under the supervision of a physician or nurse, many employers only want to hire Certified Medical Assistants. The first step to attaining your certification is to attend one of the accredited medical assistant programs in North Carolina.
You must be sure that the medical assistant programs in North Carolina you are considering has earned its accreditation from the Department of Education, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. There are several great North Carolina medical assistant schools that offer the required accredited programs.
If you prefer attending a school that offers flexible scheduling, you will be happy to know that there are several accredited online medical assistant programs in the state. Online schooling allows you to complete your coursework at a time that is convenient for you. It also eliminates the need to keep driving back and forth to school, which can help to save you money in the long run.
Once you have graduated from your medical assistant program, you should plan to take the medical assistant certification exam. After you have successfully taken this exam, you will be an official Certified Medical Assistant. This will give you the qualifications you need to work at any medical facility in the state that employs medical assistants, such as hospitals, physician offices, and assisted living facilities.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in North Carolina
Medical Assistant Education in North Carolina: Requirements and Programs
If you have a passion for helping others and an interest in the healthcare industry, becoming a medical assistant may be a great career choice for you. Medical assistants are essential members of healthcare teams, performing both administrative and clinical duties to support healthcare providers in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practices.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know about the education requirements and programs available.
Education Requirements for Medical Assistants in North Carolina
While medical assistants in North Carolina are not required to be certified or licensed, employers often prefer candidates who have completed a formal medical assistant program and earned a credential, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
To become a CMA, you must have completed a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). You must also pass the CMA certification exam.
Programs for Medical Assistant Education in North Carolina
North Carolina offers a variety of medical assistant education programs to help you meet the education requirements for certification and prepare you for a successful career in the field. Here are some of the top medical assistant programs in North Carolina:
- Wake Technical Community College
Wake Technical Community College, located in Raleigh, offers a medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in two semesters. The program includes classroom instruction as well as clinical experience to prepare you for a career as a medical assistant.
- Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College, located in Charlotte, offers a medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in four semesters. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience and prepares you to sit for the CMA certification exam.
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, located in Asheville, offers a medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in four semesters. The program includes classroom instruction and clinical experience, and prepares you for the CMA certification exam.
- Miller-Motte College
Miller-Motte College, located in Wilmington, offers a medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training, and prepares you for the CMA certification exam.
- Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College, located in Fayetteville, offers a medical assisting diploma program that can be completed in three semesters. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and prepares you for the CMA certification exam.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant can be a fulfilling career choice for those interested in healthcare and helping others. In North Carolina, medical assistant education programs can help you meet the education requirements for certification and prepare you for a successful career in the field. Consider researching and comparing various programs to find the one that best suits your goals and needs. With dedication and hard work, you can become a successful medical assistant in North Carolina.