Considering a Career as a Medical Assistant in Washington State?

Medical assistants are in demand in Washington State! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state is projected to see a 36.4% growth in medical assistant jobs from 2016 to 2026 — that’s more than 5,000 new jobs!

With job growth like that, it’s no wonder that many people are considering a career as a medical assistant. If you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant in Washington State, there are a few things you should know.

Firstly, while you do not need to be certified to work as a medical assistant in Washington State, certification may give you an edge when it comes to getting hired. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Washington State, but it may give you an edge when it comes to getting hired.

Secondly, while certification is not required, there are certain educational requirements that must be met in order to work as a medical assistant in Washington State. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program and who have received their diploma or certificate from an accredited institution.

There are certain educational requirements that must be met in order to work as a medical assistant in Washington State. Most employers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program.

Thirdly, once you have completed your education and training, you will need to pass theWashington state jurisprudence exam before you can begin working as a medical assistant. The jurisprudence exam is designed to test your knowledge of the state’s laws and regulations governing the practice of medicine.

You will need to pass the Washington state jurisprudence exam before you can begin working as a medical assistant. The jurisprudence exam is designed to test your knowledge of the state’s laws and regulations governing the practice of medicine.

What Does a Medical Assistant in Washington State Do?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in Washington State earn a mean annual wage of $37,430. The occupation is expected to grow by 34 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Medical assistants in Washington State perform a variety of tasks to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. They may take medical histories and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures to patients, assist with examinations, prepare patients for X-rays and other tests, and schedule appointments. They also may collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. Some medical assistants help give injections and apply dressings.

The Duties of a Medical Assistant in Washington State

Medical assistants in Washington State are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient settings such as medical offices and clinics. Their duties include a broad range of administrative, clinical, and support tasks that contribute to the efficient operation of a healthcare facility.

Specific responsibilities vary depending on the size and type of employer, but medical assistants in Washington State typically perform some or all of the following duties:

• Greeting patients and visitors; answering phones; scheduling appointments; collecting patient medical histories and insurance information

• Updating and filing patient medical records recording patient vital signs; preparing patients for examination

• Assisting physicians with exams and procedures; collecting lab specimens; performing basic laboratory tests

• administering injections and other medications as directed by a physician; scheduling follow-up appointments

• explaining treatments and procedures to patients; providing instructions on taking medications and other homecare duties

In addition to their regular duties, medical assistants in Washington State may also be responsible for handling billing and insurance claims, ordering supplies, managing the office schedule, processing lab specimens, and performing basic office maintenance tasks.

The Educational Requirements for a Medical Assistant in Washington State

In order to work as a medical assistant in Washington State, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and earn a passing score on the national certification exam.

While there are no specific educational requirements for medical assistants in Washington State beyond completing an accredited program, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned a certificate or associate’s degree in medical assisting.

Medical assistants in Washington State must also successfully pass the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The AAMA offers two levels of certification: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.

To be eligible for the CMA credential, candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program. To be eligible for the RMA credential, candidates must have completed at least one year of work experience as a medical assistant or have earned an associate’s degree in medical assisting.

Successful completion of either exam confers the title of “ certified medical assistant” (CMA) or “ registered medical assistant” (RMA). Certification is valid for 60 months and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements and passing a recertification exam.

While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Washington State, it is generally preferred by employers and may give candidates a competitive edge in the job market.

The Certification Requirements for a Medical Assistant in Washington State

Medical assistants in Washington State must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certification Examination to be eligible for certification. Once certified, medical assistants must renew their certification every 60 months by completing continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee.

The Salary of a Medical Assistant in Washington State

Medical assistants in Washington state earn a median wage of $37,590 per year, or $18 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly lower than the national median wage for medical assistants, which is $38,720 per year. However, wages can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, education, location and employer. For example, medical assistants in Seattle earn a median wage of $40,510 per year, while those in Spokane earn a median wage of $34,610 per year.

The Job Outlook for a Medical Assistant in Washington State

The job outlook for a medical assistant in Washington State is quite good. The state is expected to see an increase in the number of medical assistants of about 23% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This means that there will be approximately 5,800 new job openings for medical assistants during this time period. With an aging population, the demand for healthcare services is expected to continue to grow, which will lead to more job openings for medical assistants.

In order to become a medical assistant in Washington State, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to take and pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).2 After passing the exam, you will be able to work as a medical assistant in Washington State.

Resources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319091.htm#(Well-Paying)%20Healthcare%20Occupations
2 https://www.aama-ntl.org/cma-aama-certification/certification-requirements

The Pros and Cons of a Career as a Medical Assistant in Washington State

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant in Washington State, you may be wondering what the pros and cons are. Here’s a look at some of the key points to consider:

Pros:

-Medical assistants in Washington State earn an average salary of $34,770 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average of $29,960.
-There is a high demand for medical assistants in Washington State, with an expected growth rate of 34% between 2016 and 2026. This is much higher than the national average growth rate for all occupations.
-Medical assistants in Washington State receive excellent benefits, including health insurance paid time off, and retirement plans.
-Washington State has a lower cost of living than many other parts of the country, which means your dollar will go further.

Cons:

-The cost of living in Washington State is still relatively high when compared to other parts of the country.
-The job market for medical assistants can be competitive in some parts of Washington State.

10 Reasons to Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant in Washington State

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you may be wondering if becoming a medical assistant is the right path for you. Here are 10 reasons to consider a career as a medical assistant in Washington State:

1. Job security: The healthcare industry is growing faster than any other industry in the United States and medical assistants are in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29% from 2016 to 2026 — much faster than the average for all occupations.

2. Good pay: Medical assistants in Washington State earn a median annual wage of $37,590, or $18.11 per hour. That’s higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in the state, which is $37,040.

3. No formal education required: You can become a medical assistant with just a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program.

4. On-the-job training: Even if you don’t have any formal education or training, you can still become a medical assistant through on-the-job training. Many employers offer on-the-job training for new hires.

5. Flexible work schedule: Medical assistants typically work full time, but many have flexible work schedules that allow them to work evenings or weekends if necessary. Some medical assistants also work part time.

6. Help make a difference in patients’ lives: As a medical assistant, you will play an important role in helping patients receive the care they need and deserve. You will be responsible for carrying out tasks that are essential to keeping the office running smoothly and providing quality patient care.

7. Work in a variety of settings: Medical assistants can find employment in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They may also be employed by insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other businesses that provide healthcare services or products.

8 . Variety of duties: Medical assistants typically have a variety of duties, such as greeting patients and scheduling appointments, taking patient vital signs and medical histories , preparing patients for examinations ,assisting physicians with examinations and procedures ,performing laboratory tests , managing Medical records , handling correspondence , billing and coding insurance forms ,and providing instructions to patients on medication and diet . No two days are ever the same! Administrative duties may include handling correspondence , billing and coding insurance forms .9 Great way to start your healthcare career : If you’re interested in eventually becoming a nurse or doctor , working as a medical assistant is a great way to get your start in the healthcare field . Many medical assistants go on to pursue further education and training after gaining experience in the field .10 Job satisfaction : Medical assistants report high levels of job satisfaction . In fact , according to one recent survey , more than three quarters of respondents said they were “very satisfied “with their jobs .respondents said they appreciate the opportunity to help others and feel like they are making a difference in patients ‘ lives .

5 Reasons NOT to Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant in Washington State

There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a medical assistant in Washington State. However, there are also some compelling reasons why someone might not want to pursue this career path. Here are five of the most important considerations:

1. Limited Opportunities for Advancement
While medical assistants in Washington State enjoy a good starting salary and benefits package, their opportunities for advancement are limited. In most cases, medical assistants will top out at around $30,000 per year.

2. Heavy Workload
Medical assistants in Washington State have a lot of responsibility and a heavy workload. They often work long hours, including weekends and holidays.

3. High Stress Levels
Working as a medical assistant can be very stressful. In addition to the heavy workload, medical assistants must deal with sick patients, demanding doctors, and chaotic hospitals or clinics.

4. Difficult Working Conditions
Medical assistants often work in difficult conditions, such as loud hospitals or clinics with little privacy for patients. They may also be exposed to dangerous chemicals or infectious diseases.

5. Limited Job Security
The job market for medical assistants is very competitive, and job security is limited. In addition, hospitals and clinics are constantly looking for ways to cut costs, which may mean reducing the number of medical assistant positions.

Considering a Career as a Medical Assistant in Washington State?