If you are looking for a career in the health care industry that will allow you to provide patient care services and handle various administrative duties, becoming a medical assistant is a great opportunity for you. As with many health care professions, there is currently a huge demand for more medical assistants in the work force. This demand is also expected to continue to increase for at least the next several years.
Medical assistants in Oklahoma play a vital role in health care facilities across the state. While they must work under the direct supervision of a nurse or physician, medical assistants can still perform a range of duties, such as greeting patients, scheduling appointments, taking and recording vital signs, assisting with patient examinations, and administering some shots.
While the state does not require any type of specialized training to work as a medical assistant, you will likely have a hard time getting a job without at least some training. Many of the higher paying employers also require you to obtain your certification as a medical assistant. There are several organization that offer medical assistant certification programs, but the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is one of the most recognize programs in the country.
The AAMA first requires you to complete an accredited medical assistant program in Oklahoma before going on to earn your certification. There are several Oklahoma medical assistant schools available that offer this type of accredited program. When looking through the medical assistant programs in Oklahoma, you should always check with the AAMA to make sure it is accredited. The last thing you would want to do is find out after you have completed a training program that you cannot earn your certification.
Some of these schools also offer online medical assistant programs that are more convenient for many students. These online schools allow you to complete the necessary work from home at any time during the day or night. You may be required to complete some clinical training at a medical facility in your location, but your school will help you plan this.
After graduating from your medical assistant program, you can take the certification exam. Passing the exam will make you a Certified Medical Assistant. According to a 2013 Bureau of Labor Statistics Report, medical assistant earn an average yearly salary of $25,880. However, with your certification, you will be eligible for many of the higher paying medical assistant positions.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Oklahoma
Medical Assistant Education in Oklahoma: Requirements and Programs
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Oklahoma, you’ll need to complete a training program and potentially become certified. Here’s what you need to know about medical assistant education in Oklahoma.
Education Requirements for Medical Assistants in Oklahoma
Medical assistants in Oklahoma aren’t required to be licensed, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal training program. To become a certified medical assistant (CMA), you must complete a program that’s been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Programs typically take around a year to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Coursework might include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, pharmacology, and medical office procedures.
Certification Options for Medical Assistants in Oklahoma
While certification isn’t required in Oklahoma, it can help demonstrate your expertise to potential employers and increase your job prospects. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which requires passing an exam. You’ll need to graduate from an accredited program before you can take the exam.
Other certification options 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). Each organization has its own eligibility requirements and exam format.
Medical Assistant Programs in Oklahoma
There are several medical assistant programs in Oklahoma, both on-campus and online, that are accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES. Here are a few options:
- Francis Tuttle Technology Center: Located in Oklahoma City, this program offers both day and evening classes and includes 240 hours of clinical experience.
- Platt College: This program has campuses in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa and can be completed in as little as 11 months.
- Tulsa Technology Center: This program includes 175 hours of clinical experience and offers day and evening classes at several campuses throughout the Tulsa area.
Job Outlook and Salary for Medical Assistants in Oklahoma
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants in Oklahoma earned a mean annual wage of $31,930 as of May 2020. Employment of medical assistants in the state is projected to grow 19.6% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the national average growth rate for this occupation.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in Oklahoma requires completing a training program and potentially becoming certified. While certification isn’t required, it can help increase your job prospects and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, there are several accredited programs in the state to choose from.