How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Utah?

Medical assistants in Utah earn an average hourly wage of $15.16, which is slightly lower than the national average of $15.87. The average annual salary for medical assistants in Utah is $31,560, which is also lower than the national average of $33,610.

The Average Salary of a Medical Assistant in Utah

As of 2019, the average salary for a medical assistant in Utah was $36,490 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly lower than the national average salary for medical assistants, which was $36,700 in 2019. Medical assistants in Utah can expect to earn a median salary of $35,610 per year, meaning that half of all medical assistants in the state earn less than this amount and half earn more.

The Job Description of a Medical Assistant in Utah

Medical assistants in Utah perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. They may also be responsible for Insurance billing and coding, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, updating and filing patient medical records preparing patients for examination, taking vital signs, and assisting with office procedures. Medical assistants must be able to keep accurate Medical records follow instructions from physicians and other health care professionals, and maintain confidentiality of patients’ information.

The Duties of a Medical Assistant in Utah

Medical assistants in Utah play an important role in the state’s healthcare system. They provide administrative and clinical support to doctors and other medical professionals, and perform a variety of tasks that keep medical offices running smoothly.

In Utah, medical assistants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require additional training or certification, but this is not always necessary. Medical assistants in Utah typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on their experience and qualifications.

The duties of a medical assistant in Utah can vary depending on the size and type of medical facility they work in. However, there are some common tasks that all medical assistants are responsible for, such as:

-Answering phones and scheduling appointments
-Greeting patients and collecting personal information
-Taking patient vital signs and medical histories
-Assisting with examinations and procedures
-Preparing patients for x-rays and laboratory tests
-Instructing patients on taking medication and other treatments
-Maintaining patient records
-Billing insurance companies

The Training Required to Become a Medical Assistant in Utah

Medical assistants in Utah are unlicensed health care providers who perform both clinical and administrative duties under the supervision of a licensed physician. They must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a national certification exam to qualify for employment.

Most medical assistant programs in Utah last about one year and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Students learn about basic medical concepts, office procedures, Medical Terminology and patient relations. They also gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting, where they learn how to take medical histories, measure vital signs, prepare patients for examinations, assist with minor surgical procedures, and collect and process laboratory specimens.

Once they have completed their training, medical assistants in Utah must pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To maintain their certification, they must complete continuing education credits every 60 months.

The Certification Required to Become a Medical Assistant in Utah

In order to become a medical assistant in Utah, you will need to first earn your certification. There are many different ways to become certified, but the most common way is to take a certification exam. The two main exams that medical assistants can take are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam. Both exams are offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Once you have passed either the CMA or RMA exam, you will be certified as a medical assistant in Utah. You will then be able to work in any medical office or clinic in the state.

The Education Required to Become a Medical Assistant in Utah

In Utah, medical assistants must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may require postsecondary education, and many medical assistants choose to pursue formal training. Medical assistant programs are available at many community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools and typically take about one year to complete.

The Skills Required to Become a Medical Assistant in Utah

In order to become a medical assistant in Utah, you will need to have certain skills and qualities. First and foremost, you must be able to work well under pressure. This is a fast-paced field and you will often be working with patients who are in potentially life-threatening situations. You must also be able to remain calm and collected in these situations.

You must also be detail oriented. Medical assistants are responsible for keeping track of patients’ medical histories, medications, and test results. If you do not have an eye for detail, you will not be successful in this field.

Furthermore, you must have good communication skills. Medical assistants need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and other medical staff. If you cannot communicate effectively, you will not be able to do your job properly.

Lastly, you must be physically fit. Medical assistants often have to lift patients or assist them in getting out of bed. If you are not physically fit, you will not be able to perform your duties properly.

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Utah

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other healthcare professionals. They are typically responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records billing and coding insurance forms, and assisting patients with questions.

The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in Utah due to the state’s aging population and the continued expansion of healthcare services. Job prospects should be best for those who have completed an accredited program and are certified by a nationally recognized organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

In Utah, medical assistants earned a median annual salary of $36,580 in 2019, which is lower than the national median salary of $38,880.1 Salaries in Utah’s metropolitan areas ranged from $33,960 in Ogden-Clearfield to $39,610 in Salt Lake City 2 The cost of living in Utah is slightly below the national average.3

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (visited November 12, 2019).
2 Ibid.
3 “2019 Cost of Living Scorecard” (2018), https://wallethub.com/edu/cost-of-living-calculator/.

The Career Paths for Medical Assistants in Utah

Medical assistants are among the most important roles in any healthcare setting. They provide basic patient care and support, often being the first line of contact between patients and the medical staff. Medical assistants must be able to multi-task and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. They typically work in clinics or hospitals, but can also be found in private offices, long-term care facilities, and other settings.

In Utah, medical assistants earn a median hourly wage of $16.91. The top 10% of earners make more than $22.10 per hour, while the bottom 10% make less than $12.73 per hour. Salary varies depending on experience, education, training, and other factors.

There are many career paths for medical assistants in Utah. Some choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Others may choose to work in a specific type of healthcare setting, such as a hospital or clinics. Still others may decide to become self-employed and open their own medical assisting business.

Whatever career path you choose, it is important to remember that medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system and are an essential part of any healthcare team. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, there are many programs available to help you get started on your new career path.

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Utah?