What is the Hourly Salary for a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree?
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The average hourly salary for a medical assistant with an associate degree is $15.29, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This wage is slightly lower than the average hourly wage for all occupations, which is $24.34. Medical assistants with more experience or higher levels of education may earn higher wages.
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Job Description
Medical Assistants are non-physician members of a healthcare team who perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical facility. They might take vital signs, collect patient medical histories, schedule appointments, draw blood, and prepare patients for examination. Many of these tasks are performed under the supervision of a physician or other licensed health professional. Although they do not require a degree, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant program. medical assistants with an associate degree typically earn slightly more than those without a degree.
Duties
Medical assistants are key members of a healthcare team. They perform both clerical and clinical duties in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities. The job outlook for medical assistants is strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 29% growth from 2019 to 2029 — much faster than the average for all occupations. Salaries are also on the rise, with the median hourly wage for medical assistants increasing from $15.10 in 2019 to $16.26 in 2020.
While most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, an increasing number are choosing to pursue formal training by completing an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically last between one and two years and result in a certificate or associate degree. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with formal training, and those with an associate degree generally earn higher salaries than those with just a high school diploma.
The exact salary you can expect to earn as a medical assistant will depend on a number of factors, including your level of education, experience, geographic location and chosen specialty.
Education and Training
In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assisting program. These programs typically take about two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate. Once you have completed your education and training, you will be able to sit for the certified medical assistant exam. Once you have passed this exam, you will be a certified medical assistant and will be eligible for employment.
Certification
There are many different types of certification available for medical assistants, but the most commonly required credential is certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for certification, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Those who successfully complete the exam earn the title of Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) (AAMA).
Skills
In order to become a medical assistant, one must have a combination of strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills. One must be able to work well under pressure and have the ability to multitask. In addition, a medical assistant must possess knowledge in both clinical and administrative tasks. A medical assistant with an associate degree will typically have acquired these skills through their coursework and clinical training experiences.
Salary
The average hourly salary for a medical assistant with an associate degree is $16.17, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median hourly wage for all medical assistants is $15.87.
Job Outlook
The hourly salary for a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree is $15.32. The Job Outlook for this position is positive, with a projected growth of 29% from 2019-2029.
Pros and Cons
Assuming you are looking at this from the perspective of whether or not to get an Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting, here are some pros and cons to consider.
An Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting can lead to a career as a medical assistant. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. They might take medical histories and record vital signs, prepare patients for examination, authorize insurance forms, schedule appointments, do laboratory work, perform diagnostic tests and provide other types of patient care.
The Pros:
-Earning an Associate’s degree is generally less expensive than earning a Bachelor’s degree, so it can be a more affordable option for some students.
-An Associate’s degree can be completed in about two years, so it may be a shorter time commitment than a Bachelor’s degree.
-Students who complete an Associate’s degree in medical assisting can often find entry-level positions in the field relatively easily.
The Cons:
-An Associate’s degree may not lead to as high of salaries as a Bachelor’s degree.
-Students who want to eventually earn a Bachelor’s degree will likely have to complete additional coursework later on.
-Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a Bachelor’s degree over those with an Associate’s degree.
Working Conditions
Working conditions for medical assistants vary by practice setting, but most work in well-lit, clean offices and clinics. They spend much of their time on their feet. Medical assistants may have to work evening or weekend shifts in some settings. They also may be exposed to contagious diseases.
What to Expect
How much does a medical assistant make per hour? This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables involved. The hourly wage for a medical assistant can vary based on experience, location, type of facility, and other factors. In general, however, most medical assistants earn between $14 and $18 per hour.
