For those who want to be a part of the medical field, but may not have the stomach or the desire to become a doctor or nurse, becoming a medical assistant is a great career decision. Medical assistants play a key part in today’s healthcare system. For example, medical assistants are responsible for handling and admitting patients, communicating with insurance companies, and even some light bookkeeping.
The medical assistant profession is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow by 29% by the year 2022, which is much faster than average growth for any profession across the country. The growth is due to the aging baby boomer population and increased healthcare availability to all citizens. Rhode Island pays its medical assistants a wage that is comparable for the skills used and cost of living in the state.
While some companies may be willing to hire candidates who have only received their high school diploma or equivalent, it is recommended that those who are interested in a long term medical assistant career pursue a degree with an accredited medical assistant program and/or certification. Programs will educate candidates about the roles and expectations medical assistants play in various healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, physician’s offices, rehabilitation facilities, scientific laboratories and research facilities, universities and colleges, outpatient care centers, psychiatric facilities, insurance carriers, and personal care services.
Candidates are encouraged to work toward a Medical Assistant Certification (CMA) which shows potential employers that it has been verified that you know all of the important general information required to become a medical assistant. The certification will verify knowledge including bookkeeping skills, customer service, patient handling, medical terminology, first aid, anatomy, physiology, and how to handle lab work. There may be different certification options if you choose to pursue specialty fields, such as: geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, pharmaceuticals, oncology, and gynecology. These fields require additional knowledge to the general coursework of becoming a medical assistant, so employers may require additional certification.
As you can see, the medical assistant profession is on the rise. A 29% growth in the next 8 years will ensure job security for individuals who are interested in making a stable career by becoming a medical assistant. Rhode Island has many medical assistant programs, including those that require specialty education. It is time to start your journey to earning a degree for one of the most fulfilling career paths available, start your search today!
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Rhode Island
Medical Assistant Education in Rhode Island: Requirements, Programs, and Career Outlook
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Rhode Island, you’ll need to complete a post-secondary education program that prepares you for the role. Medical assistants play an essential role in healthcare settings, performing both administrative and clinical tasks to help ensure that patient care runs smoothly. In this article, we’ll cover the requirements for becoming a medical assistant in Rhode Island, as well as the available programs and career outlook for this field.
Requirements for Medical Assistant Education in Rhode Island
Rhode Island doesn’t require medical assistants to have a license or certification to work in the state. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant program and hold a professional certification. Certification can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field and may help you stand out in the job market.
To become a certified medical assistant, you’ll need to pass an exam from a recognized professional organization. The two primary certifying bodies for medical assistants are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Medical Assistant Programs in Rhode Island
There are several medical assistant programs available in Rhode Island that can prepare you for a career in this field. These programs may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or online institutions. Some programs may also offer internship or externship opportunities that allow you to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
Here are a few medical assistant programs in Rhode Island:
- Community College of Rhode Island – This program is offered through the Division of Workforce Partnerships and prepares students for entry-level medical assistant positions in healthcare settings. The program includes coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks.
- Lincoln Tech – Lincoln Tech offers a medical assisting program that includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and a clinical externship. Students learn skills such as taking vital signs, administering medications, performing lab tests, and managing medical records.
- Brown University School of Professional Studies – This program is designed for students who want to become medical assistants in a specialty field, such as dermatology or ophthalmology. The program includes online coursework and an on-site clinical externship.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Rhode Island
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assisting is a growing field that is expected to see job growth of 19% from 2019 to 2029. In Rhode Island, medical assistants can expect to earn an average annual salary of $36,480, according to the BLS.
Medical assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare facilities. In this role, you may be responsible for performing tasks such as taking patient histories, recording vital signs, administering medications, and scheduling appointments. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, the demand for qualified medical assistants is expected to increase.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Rhode Island, completing an accredited education program can help prepare you for this rewarding career. While Rhode Island doesn’t require certification for medical assistants, earning a professional certification can help you stand out in the job market and demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. With job growth expected in this field, now may be a great time to pursue a career as a medical assistant in Rhode Island.