The medical assistant profession is rewarding, fulfilling, challenging, and a safe bet for individuals who are looking for a stable career path. For those who are interested in the healthcare field but are not interested in becoming a doctor or nurse, you can become a medical assistant and work beside these professions in the crux of the healthcare field.
In today’s job market, stability is almost more important than high wages, but in Vermont, they’re both strong and, in some cases, higher than average. The Affordable Care Act, baby boomers aging and requiring more care, and medical staff relying more heavily on medical assistants, have made the demand for medical assistants much higher than in the past. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the profession will grow by 29% nationwide by the year 2022. Vermont’s growth is expected to reach 23%, a major change in such a small state.
The national salary rate for a medical assistant is about $30780, a fair wage for the skills and expertise used, but in Vermont, the average salary is $31,000 on average. Some regions, such as southern Vermont, actually report average medical assistant salary earnings of $34,450, much higher than the national average.
Medical assistants can be found in hospitals, physician’s offices, universities, research facilities, and rehabilitation centers, making it a job with many career options. Vermont offers several accredited programs through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Core programs will teach students about basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, healthcare ethics and laws, how to handle lab work, how to perform non-crucial injections, and how to maintain light bookkeeping. In addition to educational programs, AAMA offers Medical Assistant Certification (CMA) for those who wish to verify their knowledge and skillset to attract potential employers. Receiving your CMA may prepare you for future job opportunities or make you eligible for higher pay raises within your company.
Though the job market may not be stable for all industries, the medical assistant profession is expected to see growth and stability for the next several years to come. Vermont is a great place to begin the journey to becoming a medical assistant due to its incredible growth potential and higher than average salaries. The time to assert yourself and become a key role in Vermont’s medical industry is now. Check out programs and certifications with AAMA to begin your search today.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Vermont
Medical Assistant Education in Vermont: How to Become a Medical Assistant
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and want to start by becoming a medical assistant, Vermont offers a range of educational programs to help you get started. Medical assistants play a critical role in providing healthcare services, working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to assist with patient care, administrative tasks, and more.
In this article, we’ll explore the steps to becoming a medical assistant in Vermont, including the education and training requirements, certification options, and career outlook.
Education and Training Requirements
While Vermont doesn’t have any specific requirements for medical assistant education or training, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal medical assistant program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical colleges, and can range from certificate programs to associate degree programs.
Medical assistant programs typically include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training, covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and clinical procedures. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in an externship or practicum, gaining real-world experience working in a healthcare setting.
Certification Options
While certification isn’t required to work as a medical assistant in Vermont, it can be a valuable credential that demonstrates your knowledge and skills to potential employers. There are several organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, including the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To become certified as a medical assistant, you’ll need to meet certain education and experience requirements and pass a certification exam. The AAMA requires candidates to graduate from a medical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), while the NHA offers certification to candidates who have completed a medical assistant training program or have at least one year of experience working as a medical assistant.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an aging population that requires more healthcare services, as well as an increasing focus on preventive care.
In Vermont, the average hourly wage for medical assistants was $18.91 as of May 2020, according to the BLS. This can vary depending on factors such as your experience, certification status, and location.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in Vermont can be a rewarding career choice, providing opportunities to work in a growing field with a high demand for skilled professionals. Whether you choose to pursue formal education and certification or start working as a medical assistant without them, there are many paths to success in this field. By taking the time to research your options and invest in your education and training, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling and lucrative career in healthcare.