Medical assistants are part of a profession that is seeing an incredible rate of growth and has the potential to be one of the most stable jobs in the country, let alone the state of Wyoming. Working closely with nurses, physician’s assistants, and even doctors, medical assistants are part of the core team that makes up the healthcare system.
Medical assistants do a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, such as taking blood work, performing basic first aid, taking patients’ vitals, recording and filing patient medical history, maintaining office supplies inventory, operating x-rays, cleaning tools and patient rooms, and coding medical data. Medical assistants have roles in various establishments across the state, such as hospitals, physician’s offices, universities and colleges, research facilities, physical therapy offices, and many other specialty care facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assistant profession is currently undergoing growth and will be expected to continue growing by 29% over the next eight years. Some reasons for the growth include, the increased availability of affordable healthcare for families with different financial situations, the baby boomer population is aging and requiring more care, and the tasks that are performed in medical offices are being delegated to medical assistants, making the healthcare industry rely more and more on their skills and expertise.
There are many accredited programs supported by the American Association of Medical Assistants that teach students how to perform the standard tasks expected of medical assistants. Students can also pursue a Medical Assistant Certification (CMA), to prove to employers that their knowledge has been tested and verified. In addition to this national certification, Wyoming also allows medical assistants to seek certification as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), with American Medical Technologists (AMT). The RMA may not require candidates to have completed secondary school, though it is still a good idea to do so for candidates who may plan to move from Wyoming in the future.
Wyoming is unique in that it has no written laws around what medical assistants can and can’t do or requirements to become such. Due to the perceived ambiguity, AAMT and AMT are largely sought as the authority for medical assistant programs, jobs, and development in Wyoming. The medical assistant career is experiencing dramatic growth nation-wide, making today a perfect time to begin your journey to becoming one of these respected members of the medical industry, seek further education of certification today!
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Wyoming
Medical Assistant Education in Wyoming: What You Need to Know
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Wyoming, you may be wondering what education and training requirements you need to meet. Medical assistants are an essential part of healthcare teams, performing a wide range of clinical and administrative duties to support physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Here’s what you need to know about medical assistant education in Wyoming.
Education and Training Requirements
While medical assistants are not required to have formal education or training to work in the field, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assisting program or who hold a certification from a professional organization. In Wyoming, there are several options for medical assistant education and training.
One option is to complete a certificate or diploma program in medical assisting at a vocational school, community college, or technical school. These programs typically take 9-12 months to complete and cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical billing and coding, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.
Another option is to earn an associate degree in medical assisting, which typically takes two years to complete. Associate degree programs often include additional coursework in general education subjects like math, English, and psychology, as well as more in-depth training in medical assisting.
Certification
While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Wyoming, many employers prefer to hire candidates who hold a credential from a professional organization like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To earn certification, medical assistants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of medical assisting skills and knowledge. Certification exams typically cover topics like medical procedures, pharmacology, medical office management, and medical ethics.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for medical assistants in Wyoming is strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 19% growth rate for the profession between 2019 and 2029. As the population ages and demand for healthcare services increases, medical assistants are expected to play an increasingly important role in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals throughout the state.
Salary
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical assistants in Wyoming was $36,540 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors like education, certification, experience, and location.
Conclusion
Medical assisting is a rewarding and fulfilling career that can provide a great deal of job security and opportunity for advancement. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Wyoming, there are several education and training options available to help you get started. Whether you choose to pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, completing a medical assisting program and earning certification can help you stand out to potential employers and advance in your career.