Oregon offers great job potential for those wanting to start a career as a medical assistant. As Oregon’s population has increased over the past several years, so has the demand for qualified health care workers. Combine this with the increase demand for health care professionals across the country, and you can expect to see this need for health care workers, including medical assistants to rapidly increase by the year 2020.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 7,940 medical assistants employed in Oregon in 2013. With the anticipated demands, you could expect this number to rise by as much as 31% over the upcoming years. This will create a lot of new job opportunities for medical assistants in the state. Although, certification is not a state requirement, those students who take the time to earn this certification can expect to earn more than those who do not have a medical assistant certification.
Medical assistants in Oregon also receive higher wages than the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data reported that the average medical assistant earns nearly $34,000 per year, or $16.30 per hour. Keeping in mind that certified medical assistants earn a higher salary and have great job opportunities, your first step to becoming a medical assistant should be to attend one of the accredited medical assistant programs in Oregon.
There are several good Oregon medical assistant schools that offer both on campus and online programs. Online medical assistant programs are perfect for those students who require flexible scheduling or do not live near one of the Oregon medical assistant schools. If you hope to go on to earn your certification, you must make sure the training program you select is accredited and approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Without this accreditation, you will not be able to go on to earn your certification as a medical assistant.
After you graduate from your training course, you can take the medical assistant certification exam and become a Certified Medical Assistant. This exam will cover information that you learn during your training and will prove you have the skills necessary to become a Certified Medical Assistant. You will then be able to perform a variety of both administrative and clinical duties, such as greeting patients, updating patient files, gathering patient’s medical history, preparing the examination room, taking and recording patient’s vital signs, and assisting the doctor with patient examination.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Oregon
Medical Assistant Education in Oregon: Requirements, Programs, and Career Outlook
If you are considering a career in healthcare that involves providing administrative and clinical support, then becoming a medical assistant might be a good fit for you. Medical assistants are an essential part of any healthcare team, performing a wide range of duties that help keep clinics and hospitals running smoothly. In Oregon, there are many educational opportunities for aspiring medical assistants. In this article, we will explore the requirements, programs, and career outlook for medical assistant education in Oregon.
Requirements for Medical Assistant Education in Oregon
To become a medical assistant in Oregon, there are no specific education or certification requirements. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal medical assisting program and hold certification. There are several organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Each organization has its own eligibility requirements, so it’s important to research each one before choosing a certification program.
Medical Assistant Programs in Oregon
There are many medical assistant programs available in Oregon, ranging from certificate programs to associate’s degree programs. Here are a few examples:
- Portland Community College: Portland Community College offers a medical assisting program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
- Chemeketa Community College: Chemeketa Community College in Salem offers a certificate program in medical assisting. The program takes one year to complete and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
- Carrington College: Carrington College has a campus in Portland that offers a medical assisting program. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a clinical setting.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Oregon
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants in Oregon is $38,270. Employment of medical assistants in Oregon is projected to grow 21.5% from 2018 to 2028, which is higher than the national average. This growth is due in part to an aging population that requires more medical services, as well as an increase in the number of outpatient care centers.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those interested in healthcare. In Oregon, there are many educational opportunities available to help aspiring medical assistants get started on their career path. By completing a formal medical assisting program and obtaining certification, you can improve your chances of landing a job in this growing field. With a strong job outlook and competitive salary, a career in medical assisting in Oregon is definitely worth considering.