How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make in Colorado?

Considering a career as a medical assistant in Colorado? Here’s what you can expect to earn in salary and wage, plus information on job outlook.

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Job Description

Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They are the link between patients and doctors, and they help to keep medical facilities running smoothly. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn in Colorado.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical Assistants in Colorado is $33,780. However, wages can range from $25,540 to $43,550 per year, depending on experience and location. The highest-paid medical assistants in Colorado work in the Denver-Aurora metro area, where they earn a median wage of $36,890 per year.

Medical assistants in Colorado typically have an associate’s degree or certificate from a medical assistant program. Some programs may be completed in as little as one year, while others may take up to two years to complete. In addition to formal education, most medical assistants also undergo on-the-job training before they are able to work independently.

Duties

A medical assistant in Colorado is an allied health professional that perform various clinical and administrative tasks in order to support the work of physicians and other health care providers. Medical assistants might take medical histories, record vital signs, prepare patients for examination, assist with procedures, schedule appointments and provide education and guidance about wellness and health maintenance. Some medical assistants also perform basic laboratory tests, give injections or perform electrocardiograms (EKGs).

In Colorado, medical assistants work in a variety of settings including hospitals, physician offices, clinics and other outpatient care facilities. They are usually supervised by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or a physician.

Medical assistants in Colorado generally need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some medical assistants may also choose to complete an accredited training program which can last anywhere from several months to two years. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a medical office or hospital setting. Upon completion of an accredited program, medical assistants may be eligible to take a national certification exam. Although not required, certification can show potential employers that a medical assistant has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job duties effectively.

Qualifications

Education and Training
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Some programs take as little as 3 months to finish, and others may take up to 2 years. Many community colleges, trade schools, and technical colleges offer medical assistant programs. Employers also may provide on-the-job training for some positions, but this is becoming less common.

Certification
Although not required in all States, certification demonstrates that a medical assistant meets certain standards of competency. Certifying organizations include the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Most employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. To earn certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. They must renew their certification every few years to maintain it.

Salary

The average medical assistant salary in Colorado is $37,420, which is lower than the national average salary for medical assistants of $38,592. The Colorado Springs area is the highest paying region for medical assistants in the state, with an average salary of $39,160. Fort Collins is the second highest paying region, with an average salary of $38,780.

Job Outlook

In Colorado, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. An aging population and advances in medical technology are expected to lead to increased demand for healthcare services in a variety of settings, resulting in new employment opportunities for medical assistants.

Locations

There are many factors to consider when researching how much a medical assistant make in Colorado. Some of these factors include the cost of living in the state, the industry the medical assistant is employed in, and the geographical location within the state.

In general, medical assistants in Colorado make slightly less than the national average. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average medical assistant salary in Colorado is $16.81 per hour, or $34,970 per year. This is compared to the national average salary of $17.31 per hour, or $35,980 per year.

However, there is a large range in salaries for medical assistants across different industries and geographical locations within Colorado. For example, medical assistants working in hospitals tend to make more than those working in doctor’s offices. Additionally, medical assistants working in urban areas tend to make more than those working in rural areas.

To get a more accurate estimate of how much a medical assistant makes in Colorado, it is best to consider all of these factors.

Colorado

Medical assistants in Colorado earn an average salary of $17.59 per hour, or $36,620 per year. The median wage for medical assistants in the state is $16.75 per hour, or $34,810 per year. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $21.24 per hour, or $44,170 per year, while the bottom 10 percent of earners make less than $13.31 per hour, or $27,700 per year.

Medical Assistant Programs

Associate’s Degree Programs: These typically take about two years to complete. You’ll earn an Associate’s degree in medical assisting, which will set you up to work as a medical assistant.

Certificate Programs: These programs usually last around one year. You can enter the workforce sooner, but you won’t have a degree to fall back on if you decide to move into another career later on.

On-the-Job Training: Some employers will provide on-the-job training for new medical assistants. This is usually combined with a formal education program, such as an Associate’s degree or certificate program.

Online Programs

Medical assistant programs provide the opportunity to enter the workforce quickly. Students interested in this program can complete most of their coursework online. The number of online programs has increased in recent years, giving students more options to choose from.

The curriculum for medical assistant programs typically includes courses on Medical Terminology coding and billing, anatomy and physiology, and administrative tasks such as scheduling and record keeping. Students may also be required to complete a clinical externship to gain hands-on experience.

Certification

There are many different types of medical assistant certification, but the most common is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To become a CMA, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a national exam. The CMA credential is valid for 60 months, after which you must renew it by completing continuing education courses.