Medical Assistant Positions in CT: What You Need to Know
Contents
- What is a medical assistant?
- What are the duties of a medical assistant?
- What are the education requirements for a medical assistant?
- What are the job outlook and salary for a medical assistant?
- What are the top medical assistant programs in CT?
- What are the top medical assistant employers in CT?
- What are the medical assistant certification and licensure requirements in CT?
- What are the continuing education requirements for medical assistants in CT?
- What are the professional organizations for medical assistants in CT?
- What are the resources for medical assistants in CT?
If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant in Connecticut, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of the job market. Here’s what you need to know about medical assistant positions in CT.
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What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a person who has been trained to provide basic medical care and support under the supervision of licensed medical personnel. Medical assistants work in both outpatient and inpatient settings, performing a variety of tasks to keep the medical facility running smoothly. In some states, Medical Assistants may be able to perform certain tasks, such as taking patient histories or giving injections, that are normally only done by licensed medical professionals.
While the duties of medical assistants vary depending on the state they work in and the specific facility they work for, there are some tasks that are commonly performed by all medical assistants. These tasks include:
-Answering phones
-Scheduling appointments
-Taking patient histories
-Taking vital signs
-Preparing patients for examinations
-Assisting with minor surgical procedures
-Giving injections
-Drawing blood
-Processing laboratory specimens
What are the duties of a medical assistant?
The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the employer’s needs, but they typically include a combination of administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and handling patient billing, and clinical tasks, such as taking patients’ vital signs and preparing them for examinations. Some medical assistants may also be responsible for assisting with minor procedures or performing phlebotomy, but this varies by state.
Medical assistants must be able to multitask and stay organized in order to effectively perform their job duties. They should also have excellent customer service skills to ensure that patients have a positive experience at the doctor’s office or clinic.
What are the education requirements for a medical assistant?
In order to work as a medical assistant in the state of Connecticut, you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal medical assisting program from an accredited school. Medical assistant programs typically take about one year to complete and include both classroom and clinical training.
What are the job outlook and salary for a medical assistant?
The outlook for medical assistant positions in Connecticut is good. The state is expected to see a 20 percent growth in the number of medical assistant jobs between 2016 and 2026, according to the State of Connecticut’s Department of Labor. This is higher than the anticipated national growth rate for medical assistant positions, which is projected to be 19 percent during the same time period.
As of May 2018, the average annual salary for medical assistants in Connecticut was $37,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly higher than the national average salary for medical assistants, which was $35,720 during the same time period.
What are the top medical assistant programs in CT?
There are many great medical assistant programs in Connecticut that can help you start a rewarding career in healthcare. In this guide, we will cover some of the top programs in the state so that you can make an informed decision about your education and career.
Whether you want to work in a doctor’s office, a hospital, or another healthcare setting, becoming a medical assistant is a great way to start your career in the medical field. Medical assistants perform a variety of important tasks, from taking patients’ vital signs and recording their medical history to scheduling appointments and assisting with administrative tasks.
In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited training program. These programs typically take around two years to complete, and they can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Once you have completed your training, you will be eligible to take the certified medical assistant exam (CMA).
The CMA exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and passing this exam will allow you to use the “CMA” credential after your name. Although it is not required, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have earned their CMA credential.
If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant in Connecticut, here are some of the top programs in the state:
-Gateway Community College: Gateway offers a Certificate in Medical Assisting that can be completed in as little as two semesters. The program includes coursework in Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology Administrative Procedures, Clinical Procedures, and more.
-Norwalk Community College: NCC’s Medical Assisting program also takes around two semesters to complete. Coursework includes classes such as Introduction to Healthcare Delivery Systems, Pharmacology for Medical Assistants, Diagnostic Coding & Billing Procedures, and more.
-Middlesex Community College: MCC’s Certificate Program in Medical Assisting takes between two and four semesters to complete depending on whether you attend full or part-time. The curriculum includes coursework such as Clinical Procedures I & II (which are hands-on lab courses), Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and Administrative Procedures for the Medical Office.
What are the top medical assistant employers in CT?
There are many great reasons to pursue a career as a medical assistant in Connecticut. The state is home to world-renowned hospitals, a large number of medical practices, and a diverse population that offers a wide range of opportunities for medical assistants.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, you’ll find that there are many employers looking for qualified medical assistants in Connecticut. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top medical assistant employers in the state.
What are the medical assistant certification and licensure requirements in CT?
To become a medical assistant in Connecticut, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a medical assistant training program that is at least one academic year in length. After completing your training, you must then pass the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants (CMA) administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
What are the continuing education requirements for medical assistants in CT?
In the state of Connecticut, medical assistants are not required to complete any continuing education (CE) in order to renew their license. However, many employers require their employees to complete CE as part of their job responsibilities. Additionally, renewing your Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) requires completion of 60 CEUs every 5 years.
What are the professional organizations for medical assistants in CT?
There are several professional organizations for medical assistants in Connecticut. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the largest organization for medical assistants, with more than 50,000 members nationwide. The National Healthcare Association (NHA) also has a presence in Connecticut and offers certification for medical assistants.
What are the resources for medical assistants in CT?
There are many resources for medical assistants in Connecticut. Some of these include the following:
The Connecticut Department of Public Health offers a variety of resources for medical assistants, including information on licensure, continuing education, and job opportunities.
The American Association of Medical Assistants provides resources and support for medical assistants across the country, including certification information and study materials.
The National Healthcare Association offers resources and support for medical assistants, including information on certification and continuing education.