Medical assistants play an important role in various medical facilities across the state of North Dakota, such as physicians’ offices, hospitals, and nursing homes. In many cases, the medical assistant is the first contact person for patients coming to, or calling, the medical office. While they can perform many different duties, they must be supervised by a physician, RN, or LPN.
These employees have a very versatile position that allows them to perform a variety of administrative duties, such as greet patients, update patients’ records, and schedule appointments. Medical assistants can also perform a variety of patient care services, such as prepare examination rooms, sterilize medical equipment, and assist physicians with patient examination. If you enjoy helping people of all ages this may be the right career path for you.
The increased number of seniors and the rise in the number of people who now have access to health care services has put a huge demand for various health care workers, including medical assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 report showed that about 520 medical assistants were employed in North Dakota. With the increase in the demand for health care workers, this number is expected to rise by as much as 31% by the end of this decade.
This 2013 report also showed that medical assistants in North Dakota make about $31,640 annually, which is about the same as the national average salary of $30,780. While training and certification is not necessarily required according to state law, many health care providers will not hire you without proper training. Many people starting their career as a medical assistant choose to become certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Obtaining your training to be a medical assistant is an important first step. There are a few North Dakota medical assistant schools that offer great programs. It is important that you select one of the medical assistant programs in North Dakota that has been accredited and approved by the AAMA. Without this accreditation, you will not be able to earn your medical assistant certification. If you are concerned about having time to fit your studies into your busy schedule, you should consider attending one of the online medical assistant programs that offer flexible scheduling.
After graduating from an accredited program, you can study and sit for the medical assistant certification program. Successful completion of this program will make you a Certified Medical Assistant. This certification will make you eligible for some of the higher paying medical assistant jobs in your area.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in North Dakota
Medical Assistant Education in North Dakota: Requirements and Programs
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in North Dakota, it’s important to understand the educational requirements and available programs. Medical assistants play a critical role in healthcare, assisting physicians and nurses with administrative and clinical tasks. In this article, we’ll explore the various education options for aspiring medical assistants in North Dakota.
Educational Requirements for Medical Assistants in North Dakota
While medical assistants in North Dakota are not required to be licensed or certified, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assisting program. Completing a formal education program demonstrates a commitment to the profession and provides the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job duties effectively.
Medical assistants in North Dakota are not required to hold a degree, but many choose to pursue an associate’s degree or certificate program. These programs typically take between 9 and 18 months to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, medical office management, and pharmacology.
Medical Assistant Programs in North Dakota
There are several educational institutions in North Dakota that offer medical assistant programs. These include community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes. Some of the most popular medical assistant programs in North Dakota include:
- North Dakota State College of Science: Located in Wahpeton, ND, this college offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Bismarck State College: This college offers a certificate program in medical assisting that can be completed in one year. Students take courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical procedures.
- Williston State College: This college offers a certificate program in medical assisting that can be completed in two semesters. The program includes coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.
- United Tribes Technical College: This college offers a medical assistant program that can be completed in one year. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
- Lake Region State College: This college offers a medical assistant certificate program that can be completed in two semesters. The program includes courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical procedures.
In addition to traditional on-campus programs, some schools in North Dakota also offer online medical assistant programs. These programs provide the flexibility to complete coursework at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Certification for Medical Assistants in North Dakota
While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in North Dakota, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned certification from a nationally recognized organization. The most widely recognized certifications for medical assistants are offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To earn certification from the AAMA, candidates must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant exam. The NHA offers several certification options for medical assistants, including the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.
In conclusion, pursuing a career as a medical assistant in North Dakota requires completing a formal education program. While certification is not required, it can increase job prospects and earning potential. With a variety of education options available, aspiring medical assistants can find a program that fits their needs and goals.