How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make Per Hour in Maryland?
Contents
- What is a medical assistant?
- What are the duties of a medical assistant?
- What are the education requirements to become a medical assistant?
- What are the skills required to be a successful medical assistant?
- What are the job outlook and career prospects for medical assistants?
- What are the average salaries for medical assistants in different states?
- What are the top-paying industries for medical assistants?
- What are the top-paying metropolitan areas for medical assistants?
- What are the common benefits offered to medical assistants?
- What are some tips to help medical assistants succeed in their career?
Curious about how much Medical assistants make per hour in Maryland? We have the answer, along with information on what factors affect MAs’ salaries in the state.
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What is a medical assistant?
Medical Assistants are unlicensed personnel who perform non-clinical tasks in physician offices and other outpatient healthcare facilities. Many medical assistants are cross-trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties, while some medical assistants may specialize in either administrative or clinical work. Medical assistants typically report to the office manager, lead medical assistant or another administrator. Some states have laws governing the tasks that medical assistants may perform.
What are the duties of a medical assistant?
The duties of a medical assistant are varied and many. They include both administrative and clinical tasks, and can be performed in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program, and many are certified by a professional organization.
In general, medical assistants perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, taking patient medical histories, scheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records They also perform clinical tasks such as measuring patient vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with minor surgical procedures, collecting laboratory specimens, and performing basic laboratory tests. In some states, they may also administer medications and injections under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
What are the education requirements to become a medical assistant?
Education requirements for medical assistants vary by state and employer, but most have at least a high school diploma. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal training program, which can last from a few months to two years. Medical assistants must complete a certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) to earn the Certified medical assistant (CMA) credential. Some states require medical assistants to be licensed or registered.
What are the skills required to be a successful medical assistant?
The skills required to be a successful medical assistant are:
-Interpersonal skills
-Communication skills
-Organizational skills
-Computer skills
-Customer service skills
What are the job outlook and career prospects for medical assistants?
The job outlook and career prospects for medical assistants are bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS reports that as the healthcare industry continues to grow, so will the need for medical assistants.
In 2019, medical assistants earned a median hourly wage of $17.00, or $35,560 per year. The BLS reports that the top 10% of earners made more than $23.14 per hour, or $48,160 per year, while the bottom 10% earned less than $11.24 per hour, or $23,390 per year.
What are the average salaries for medical assistants in different states?
The average hourly wage for a medical assistant in Maryland is $15.74, which is lower than the national average of $17.00 per hour. Medical assistants in Maryland make a mean salary of $32,760 per year, which is also lower than the national average of $34,800 per year. The cost of living in Maryland is high, with an index of 128.7, and medical assistants in Maryland will need to make slightly more money per hour to maintain the same standard of living as they would in another state.
What are the top-paying industries for medical assistants?
In Maryland, the top-paying industries for medical assistants are:
1. Outpatient care centers: $18.59 per hour
2. Local government: $17.78 per hour
3. General medical and surgical hospitals: $17.31 per hour
4. Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals: $16.93 per hour
5. Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $16.67 per hour
What are the top-paying metropolitan areas for medical assistants?
In Maryland, medical assistants earn a mean hourly wage of $17.05, or a mean annual salary of $35,540.Across all industries, the mean hourly wage for Maryland is $22.86, slightly lower than the national mean of $23.86.
Topping the list of highest-paying metropolitan areas for medical assistants is the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area, where these professionals earn a mean hourly wage of $19.66, or a mean annual salary of $40,930. Hagerstown-Martinsburg comes in second at $17.58 per hour or $36,580 per year on average, followed by the Baltimore-Towson area at $16.90 per hour or $35,210 per year on average.
What are the common benefits offered to medical assistants?
Most medical assistants are rewarded with competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
Common benefits include:
-Health Insurance
-Dental Insurance
-Vision Insurance
-Life Insurance
-Paid Time Off (PTO)
-Sick Days
-401(k) Plans
-Professional Development Opportunities
What are some tips to help medical assistants succeed in their career?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as medical assistants’ hourly wages can vary depending on factors such as their experience level, the type of facility they work in, and the region of the country they live in. However, there are some general tips that can help medical assistants succeed in their career and earn a competitive wage.
Some of the best ways for medical assistants to increase their earnings potential include pursuing higher levels of education, gaining experience in a particular specialty area, and working in a facility that offers competitive pay and benefits. Additionally, medical assistants who are able to work efficiently and effectively can also help themselves earn a higher wage by completing tasks quickly and efficiently.