How much does a Medical Assistant make When you start considering your career options, one of the most lucrative and rewarding career options that come up in front of you is that of a medical assistant. But those who are not sure about the benefits of the medical assistant jobs, are often confronted with the question, “how much does a medical assistant make”. One can also checkout medical school for core knowledge.
The other question that might bother you at some point is whether you can find a job once you finish your medical assistant certification program? Well, we are here to provide you with as much information necessary to make you understand the potential rewards that you may be eligible to receive once you decide to become a certified medical assistant.
Beside how much does a Medical Assistant make, we would also talk about the medical assistant salary that you may expect to get paid. You’ll also find out how to kick start a lucrative medical assistant career in the United States of America. But before that, you must get hold of the stats and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (and a host of other trustworthy, credible sources).
Who is a Medical Assistant?
Before jumping into the main topic How much does a Medical Assistant make you need to know who is a medical assistant and how they work. Specially qualified health care professionals are physician assistants who work closely with patients, nurses, and physicians and perform a number of clinical and administrative duties associated with operating a medical office.
A medical assistant performs clinical duties including taking and recording vital signs of a patient, collecting medical history of a patient, assisting physicians with patient examinations, giving injections or medications as directed by a physician, sterilizing medical supplies and disposing of medical waste.
Medical assistants perform numerous administrative duties in addition to clinical work, such as reviewing and storing patient files, helping with medical bills, keeping medical reports, filing insurance claims, and arranging patient appointments. Medical assistants have the ability to engage in many of the daily activities of a medical office, hospital department, or private practice, with a variety of duties.
Role of a Medical Assistant
It is important to learn about the pivotal role that medical assistants (MAs) play in the health-care team before enrolling in any medical assistant courses. These health professionals work closely with physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other medical staff to deliver quality patient care.
The job description of the medical assistant is comprehensive (to say the least). You may probably be better off knowing what they don’t do.
MAs have one of the most varied lists of roles in the healthcare sector related to them. They may be performing administrative or clinical tasks (or a combination of both), depending on the location and type of facility.
- Administrative Duties
- Greeting patients
- Answering phones
- Explaining treatment to patients
- Scheduling appointments
- Checking insurance forms
- Stocking supplies
- Clinical MA Duties
- Checking vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc.
- Giving vaccinations and injections
- Preparing patients for X-rays
- Removing stitches
- Changing/removing dressings
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Conducting laboratory tests
- Disposing of contaminated supplies
- Sterilizing medical instruments
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make?
In 2018, Medical Assistants made a median salary of $33,610. That year, the best-paid 25 percent made $39,190, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $28,400.
Best-Paying Cities for Medical Assistants
The metropolitan areas in the USA that pay the highest wage to the medical assistant professionals are as follows:
- Vallejo, California: $46,170
- San Francisco, California: $45,640
- Anchorage, Alaska: $45,110
- Seattle, Washington: $44,410
- Barnstable Town, Massachusetts: $44,300
Best-Paying States for Medical Assistants
Here are the top five states and districts that pay Medical Assistants the highest mean salary in the US:
- Alaska: $45,490
- District of Columbia: $42,010
- Washington: $41,340
- Minnesota: $40,320
- Massachusetts: $40,270
Mean Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey
The mean annual wage for a licensed medical assistant in New Jersey, according to the 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $35,840 (which averages out to be about $17.00 an hour). The wage prospects can vary depending on your position in the Garden State. For example, MAs tend to make less in private practices than in outpatient clinics, and metropolitan areas usually provide higher salaries.
Most medical assistants (57 percent) are employed in the offices of physicians. Many growing employers include hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and chiropractic offices. With more than 2,000 health care services in New Jersey state and a relatively good career growth rate of 5 percent – after earning your physician assistant license, you will be able to find plenty of work openings. Furthermore, more medical assistants are working in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area than anywhere else in the world.
Mean Medical Assistant Salary in New York
New York provides the sector with the 5th highest job rate. Of course, with more than 30.000 MAs working in the metro area, that is understandable. In The Empire State, salaries are just around $2,000 higher per annum relative to New Jersey – and with a lower expected growth rate.
Average Pay for Medical Assistant vs. Other Similar Jobs
In 2018, Medical Assistants were paid an annual salary of $33,610. The following average wage was paid in 2018 by comparable jobs: Registered Nurses made $75,510, Medical Secretaries made $37,090, Nursing Aids made $29,580 and Personal Care Aids made $25,090.
How much does a Medical Assistant make in Connecticut?
The MAs will earn an average of $38,350 a year if they go up to Connecticut. There’s a lot to remember, of course: The Constitution State is one of the most expensive places to stay in the USA.
Choose rural areas over Metropolitans
Choosing a rural area over a city, for example, would mean a greater opportunity to afford a home. Delaware’s average salary for medical assistants is just over $33,000, but job growth is expected to increase by 7 percent over the next decade. There’s a lot of possibilities (if you know where to look)!
Why should you become a Medical Assistant?
Before knowing how much does a Medical Assistant make you should have a clear idea of how to become a medical assistant and why? If you are looking to begin your career in the healthcare field, why not consider getting your certification as a medical assistant? With fast preparation, competitive pay, and excellent work development, this allied healthcare career is an excellent route for people who are new to healthcare, or who already have practical experience. Read on to learn why this profession may be just what you’re looking for:
A Career that makes a difference
Well-trained and skilled physician assistants make a big difference in the hospital or clinic experience of a patient. A medical assistant may prescribe medication on any given day, help patients manage complicated insurance plans, and prepare patients for exams. MAs also cite this broad spectrum of obligations as to why they are proud to be active in this area.
Flexible Training Options
Across the country, there are many opportunities for qualified medical assistant programs. You should attend a community college or a technical school and you will be able to fit the classes into your schedule (even if you are raising a family or working full time).
The Courses are generally inexpensive
Medical assistant courses are inexpensive so the students are not expected to take out tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, unlike expensive university programs. If you are going for an MA certificate program (which typically takes around 9 to 12 months) or a two-year Applied Science Associate degree, you will pay considerably less than what a four-year (or medical) degree will cost.
There is a lot to learn
MAs are special in straddling the line between prescribing and treating. Students can learn biology, patient treatment, sterilization procedures, and basic pharmacology during medical assistant training. Equally relevant are classroom lessons on administrative activities such as insurance, compliance with the HIPAA, and medical billing and coding.
You’ll have the flexibility to travel across the country and the globe
Unlike doctors who need to get a license to practice in a new state, medical assistants can travel around the country with great versatility. As already mentioned, pay varies widely from state to state, so be sure to review government websites (like BLS.gov) before making any moves! And guess what, depending on health emergencies, you may also require flying to other countries. You may also opt for similar job profiles in other high paying countries like Australia, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.
More learning opportunities in the future
Students pursuing a two year associate degree program would be expected to complete courses in general education. Although they may seem unnecessary for a fast entry into the medical industry, it is a realistic choice for those considering moving forward with their education. You could end up enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program after many years of study.
A flourishing career lying ahead
Medical assistants will determine if patient care or medical administration is more urgent, and many are going back to school to graduate or become a licensed medical biller. When you are ready for more responsibility, you may choose to go into careers such as sonography, nursing, and hospital administration.
You will get Health Care Insurance Cover
A study carried out in 2016 found that most medical assistants were granted medical benefits by their employers. More than 75 percent of the 8,200 professionals who replied said they had received major medical coverage, 69 percent had vision coverage and 78 percent had dental coverage.
You may become a trainer later in your career
With a rising demand for qualified medical assistants, competition for the professionals who train them is increasing. This could be a great opportunity to work towards if you enjoy engaging with people with proper medical assistant certification. On average, educators earn well over $50,000 a year, with raking in more than $75,000 among the most accomplished professionals in the region. When you’re a full-time physician assistant teacher, you ‘re more likely to get more attention.
You have the flexibility to choose your working hours
Of course, there would be situations when you shall be required to work overnight because of any medical emergencies. But most of the time, medical assistants have the flexibility to choose their preferred working hours. If you are comfortable with late-night shifts, you can do that regularly. Or else, if you want to stick to the 9-to-5 model, that would also be welcomed.
In short, you would find it possible to find a schedule that suits your personality.
But in this regard, there are a few things that you must consider before deciding if this particular profession is best suited for you.
The World Needs More Medical Assistants
Medical assistant jobs are opening up for medical assistants-fast. In reality, between 2018 and 2028, the demand for medical assistants is expected to rise by 23 percent. To fill the new positions approximately 180,000 new medical assistants will be needed. With the recent novel corona virus pandemic shattering the global healthcare system, more demand will be noticed for trained medical assistants. This is the perfect time for you to ride the growth curve and secure your position as an expert in the field.
Be ready to sacrifice
Well, this factor is true for most professionals in the medical field. In most scenarios, there are certain medical emergencies going on in every hospital. However, in those normal situations, there are just enough medical workers to look into the cases. This will ensure that your daily routine won’t be disrupted.
You may visit your hospital during normal shift hours and complete your job and come back to your home and then spend some quality time with your family. But, for instance, if a scenario like a pandemic or epidemic arises, then you would require forgetting spending time with family.
You probably understand that a medical professional’s job is a noble deed. Now, in such a profession, there shouldn’t be anything like personal gains.
At the end of the day, you are here to serve the sick and the miserable. And you must do that until your last breath. However, it is understandable you too would need some alone time. But during medical emergencies, like the recent coronavirus outbreak, the thin line between professional life and personal life often breaks and all you are left with is your professional identity.
Medical professionals are considered next to god and when you have the opportunity to serve the patients who trust you to save their lives, you will have no chance to look back and run away from your duties and responsibilities. So, make sure that you have what it takes to become a medical assistant. Moreover, the average medical assistant cost is also reliable.
Medical Assistant Certification
Although there are no specific qualifications for employment as a medical assistant, most employers choose to be licensed medical assistants for applicants. Completing a licensed medical assistant or associate degree is also a recruiting requirement. A surgeon has been going to school for over 15 years, the classes of medical assistants typically take less than a year.
Medical Assistant Jobs
The job description of the medical assistant is so diverse and that you cannot get bored during your shifts. You could speak to an insurance agent on any given day, draw blood, handle the front desk, or help take vital signs from patients. Medical assistants jobs requires qualified medical assistants to perform a wide variety of tasks and are also required to go where they are most needed.
Many people would like to work in a surgical ward or a general medical hospital or a trauma center. Others might prefer a private physician’s office’s quieter vibe. Smaller practices prefer to rely on their medical assistants to take on both administrative and clinical duties, while MAs tend to concentrate on one set at larger practices and hospitals.
Medical Assistant Cost
You don’t need to spent too much money to become a medical assistant. Many students have the misconception regarding medical assistant cost but here we repel your misconceptions. Medical assistant students are not expected to take out tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, unlike expensive university programs. If you are going for an MA certificate program (which typically takes around 9 to 12 months) or a two-year Applied Science Associate degree, you will pay considerably less than what a four-year (or medical) degree will cost.
How to become a Medical Assistant?
If you wish know How to become a medical assistant or to enter the field of medical assistance there are several options available: unofficial on-the-job training, campus training, online training, and hybrid programs.
While, along with on-the-job training, it is possible to become a medical assistant with no more than a high school diploma or GED, employers more often tend to select applicants that have been certified through an accredited education program.
It is therefore advisable to train through a program that has been accredited by the Allied Health Education Program Accreditation Commission (CAAHEP) or the Health Education Schools Accrediting Bureau (ABHES).
Path 1: On-Job Training
Choosing to become a medical assistant through on-the-job training is the quickest way to get into the field, as it allows you to start working and earn money while learning. However, selecting this course takes a lot of patience, as finding a doctor who is willing to recruit an untrained candidate can be challenging.
- Earn a High School degree or GED: A High School diploma or equivalent degree is the minimum educational requirement for medical assistants. If you don’t have this level of education already, the first step is to take a preparatory GED class and pass the exam.
- Find a physician to provide you with the training: While most employers now favor professionally trained medical assistants, there are those who will be offering on-site instruction. Arrange to meet with several physicians and share your enthusiasm for medical assistance and your ability to become a professional aid. If approved, under the supervision of physicians, nurses, you’ll undergo intensive hands-on training.
Path 2: Formal Training
There are many universities, colleges, and technical schools which offer online training programs for medical assistants. You can choose to earn a certificate or diploma in as little as 9-12 months, or a degree in 18-24 months, depending on your preferences. you can also get a look in How long are medical assistant programs for more depth information. Usually, these activities provide instruction in the classroom and the laboratory, as well as an external assignment.
You can choose from Medical schools providing on-campus classroom instruction, online classes, or a combination of the two. Whether you plan to become a Certified Medical Assistant after graduation, make sure to select a program that is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
Medical Assistant Courses
If you want to get enrolled in a traditional educational structure, you can choose from these two options either on-campus programs or online programs to become a medical assistant:
- On-Campus Training Programs: Training programs for medical assistants on campus require you to attend all the classes and laboratory sessions in a traditional campus setting. These programs have set schedules and can hold day, afternoon, or evening classes.
Here are the advantages of such training programs:
- Opportunity to participate in face to face interaction with your instructors
- Collaborate with other students
- A highly structured environment for learning
- Get access to all the campus resources
Here are the disadvantages of such training programs:
- Lack of flexibility when it comes to the schedule of classes
- You may have to spend too much money on commuting to the classroom
2. Online Training Programs: Online programs will enable you to complete all your online coursework from the comfort of your home. If you want to work a full-time job or take care of your family while you are getting your education, this is the most preferred option. There are few free online classes which will cost you nothing.
Here are the advantages of online training programs:
- Flexibility in terms of scheduling
- You can complete your studies from any location
- Ability to study from home
- Get unlimited access to technology and online resources
Here are the disadvantages of such training programs:
- Lack of proper structure
- Demand high student motivation
- Limited interpersonal interaction
Now that you have a fair idea of how to pursue a career as a medical assistant and how much does a medical assistant make, we believe that you can build a successful career in this field. But as mentioned earlier, you must ask yourself certain questions regarding your chosen career. And if you still have any doubts regarding the topic, feel free to reach out to us at online schools near me.com. Leave a comment below and we shall get back to you at the earliest. Let me clear you that worrying about how much does a Medical Assistant make is a waste of time because if you have the skills and degree you can earn easily as a medical assistant in any field.
