As one of the most fulfilling career opportunities becomes widely available, the medical assistant profession is a great option for adolescents just out of high school or adults looking for a career change. This job is an incredible opportunity for candidates to work alongside doctors and nurses to provide patients with world-class care.
Due to medical offices around the country streamlining tasks and relying heavily on medical assistants, baby boomers getting older and requiring more care, and the Affordable Care Act providing families with access to reasonable healthcare, the medical assistant profession is expected to see 29% growth over the course of the next 8 years. This growth means that now is a better time than ever to commit to becoming a medical assistant for those who want a stable career.
Texas is the second highest employer of medical assistants in the country with a total of 52,380 employed in the state, with concentrated employment around the cities of Houston and Dallas. This massive state has many medical assistant programs to choose from, including specialty programs for those interested in oncology, gynecology, pediatrics, obstetrics, pharmaceuticals, and geriatrics.
The core program teaches students the essentials to becoming a medical assistant, including: how to perform basic first aid, how to handle patients, medical terminology, medical and business ethics, how to use medical software and applications, how to use basic medical equipment, etc. Many candidates also choose to pursue a Medical Assistant Certification (CMA), to further verify that they are proficient with the skills necessary to be a great medical assistant.
Medical assistants in Texas assist doctors and nurses with tasks such as medical coding, sorting pharmaceuticals, preparing examination and surgery rooms, taking patients’ vitals, performing basic lab work, and operating x-ray machines.
Prospective medical assistants in Texas have the opportunity to fund their education through programs such as: the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, the Tuition Equalization Grant Program, and the Texas Public Educational Grant.
With the expected increase in the number of open positions in the profession, those who are searching for a fulfilling career working in the healthcare industry should begin their journey now. You will be hard pressed to find a more stable career than those in the medical profession. With the help that the state of Texas offers to assist students with educational finances, it is easier than ever to pursue your dreams of getting a higher education.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Texas
Medical Assistant Education in Texas: Programs, Requirements, and Career Outlook
Medical assistants play an essential role in the healthcare industry, assisting doctors and other healthcare professionals in providing quality patient care. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Texas, this article will guide you through the process of getting your education, meeting the requirements, and starting your career.
Medical Assistant Programs in Texas
There are several educational pathways you can take to become a medical assistant in Texas. The most common options include:
- Certificate or diploma programs: These programs typically take between 9 and 12 months to complete and focus on the practical skills and knowledge necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant.
- Associate degree programs: Associate degree programs take around 2 years to complete and offer a more comprehensive education that covers both the clinical and administrative aspects of medical assisting.
- Online programs: Some schools offer online medical assistant programs, which allow students to complete their coursework on their own schedule.
Some popular medical assistant programs in Texas include:
- Remington College
- Fortis Institute
- Pima Medical Institute
- Everest Institute
- Sanford-Brown College
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for medical assistant programs in Texas may vary depending on the school you choose. However, most programs will require the following:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Proof of immunization
- CPR certification
- Background check
- Drug test
Some schools may also require additional documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants in Texas is projected to grow 29% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the national average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and an increased demand for healthcare services.
As of May 2020, the median annual wage for medical assistants in Texas was $35,340, slightly higher than the national median wage of $35,850.
Medical Assistant Certification in Texas
While medical assistant certification is not required by law in Texas, it can increase your job opportunities and earning potential. The two main certifying bodies for medical assistants are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To become certified by the AAMA, you must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. To become certified by the NHA, you must also graduate from an accredited program and pass the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in Texas can be a great career choice if you have a passion for helping others and want to work in a growing field. With a variety of educational pathways to choose from, you can find a program that fits your needs and schedule. And with the projected job growth and earning potential, the future looks bright for medical assistants in Texas.