Online Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado

Medical assistants play an important role in the healthcare industry. If you’re looking for a career in healthcare, check out our list of the best online medical assistant programs in Colorado.

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Introduction

While doctors and nurses tend to get most of the credit in the medical field, it’s actually Medical assistants who are responsible for keeping things running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. If you’re interested in a career in healthcare but don’t want to commit to years of school, becoming a medical assistant might be the perfect solution.

Medical assistants perform a wide variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep doctors’ offices and clinics running efficiently. They might schedule appointments, take patient histories, file insurance forms or even assist with minor surgical procedures. No two days are alike for a medical assistant, which is one of the things that make this job so interesting.

If you live in Colorado and are interested in becoming a medical assistant, you’re in luck. There are several accredited online Medical Assistant programs in Colorado that can help you get the education you need to start your new career.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a professional who provides support to physicians and other medical staff. Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some may have postsecondary education, such as an associate degree. Medical assistants typically work in outpatient care facilities, such as clinics and physician’s offices. Duties of a medical assistant can vary depending on the size and type of facility in which they work, but may include taking patient histories and vitals signs, scheduling appointments, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with minor office procedures, and handling billing and insurance paperwork.

While most medical assistants are not required to be licensed or certified, some states have certification requirements for certain tasks, such as taking X-rays. Many medical assistants choose to become certified through voluntary professional organizations, such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Medical Technologists.

Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. Clinical duties might include taking and recording patients’ vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, and collecting and processing laboratory specimens. Administrative duties might include scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, handling billing and insurance claims, coding medical records and maintaining patients’ medical files. Many medical assistants also answer phones and give information to callers, take messages, greet patients when they arrive for their appointments, prepare examining rooms, stock supplies, arrange laboratory tests, and handle paperwork.

Education and Training Requirements

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate, although some have completed formal medical assisting programs. A few learn through on-the-job training, but this is becoming increasingly rare. Most formal programs last about 1 year and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer 2-year associate’s degree programs in medical assisting.

There are about 300 accredited medical assisting programs available in vocational schools, technical colleges, community colleges, and universities throughout the United States Admission requirements vary, but most institutions require either a high school diploma or equivalent or completion of a minimum number of high school courses.

Online Medical Assistant Programs in Colorado

Colorado offers a number of accredited online medical assistant programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Students in these programs will take courses in anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology medical office administration, and more. Upon completion of their program, students will be prepared to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

There are a number of benefits to becoming a medical assistant in Colorado. Medical assistants are in high demand in the state, and the average annual salary for this position is $33,610. In addition, Colorado is home to a number of top-ranked hospitals and medical centers, which offer excellent career opportunities for medical assistants.

Certification

Certification for medical assistants in Colorado is not currently required, but many employers prefer to hire those who have completed a certified program. There are several online medical assistant programs that are recognized by the Colorado Board of Nursing and will prepare students for certification exams, if they choose to pursue them.

For students who wish to become certified medical assistants in Colorado, the first step is to graduate from an accredited program. These programs are typically between six and twelve months in length and include both classroom and clinical instruction. After completing an accredited program, students must then pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA). This exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and covers both medical knowledge and clinical skills.

Once students have passed the CMA exam, they are eligible to apply for certification through the AAMA. To maintain their certification, medical assistants must complete continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences or taking courses related to medical assisting.

Job Outlook

Colorado is predicted to see an increase in the number of medical assistant jobs of 23.8% from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the national average of 15%.1,2 The metro areas of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins are all projected to see especially large increases in the demand for medical assistants.1

There are several reasons for this high growth rate. An aging population is one contributing factor—as people live longer, they often require more medical care. Additionally, advances in medical technology mean that more procedures can be performed in outpatient settings, which often employ medical assistants. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is also increasing access to medical care and adding jobs in the healthcare sector.2

With the right training, you can become one of the many new medical assistants helping patients in Colorado’s hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Read on to learn about online medical assistant programs in Colorado and what they can offer you.

Salary

The median annual salary for medical assistants in Colorado is $33,530, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10 percent of earners in this profession make more than $45,760 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $24,490.

Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to work closely with patients and provide them with the necessary care and support. However, there are also some drawbacks to this career that you should be aware of before making a decision.

One of the biggest pros of being a medical assistant is the potential for job growth. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to an aging population and the increased need for healthcare services.

Another big pro is the relatively low cost of education. Most programs can be completed in less than two years, and they often don’t require any previous experience or coursework. This makes medical assisting a great option for those who want to enter the healthcare field without spending a lot of money or taking on a lot of debt.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. One is that medical assistants are often underpaid relative to other healthcare professionals. They also tend to work long hours, including evenings and weekends. This can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Another potential downside is that medical assistants may not have a lot of opportunity for advancement. While some move into management positions, most remain in entry-level roles throughout their careers. If you’re looking for a career with more opportunities for growth, you may want to consider another option in the healthcare field.

Overall, being a medical assistant can be a rewarding but challenging career choice. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

Conclusion

While there are many online medical assistant programs available, only a few are located in Colorado. This state offers a variety of medical assistant programs, both online and on-campus. However, not all of these programs are accredited. It is important to research each program thoroughly before enrolling to make sure that it is the right fit for you.