UMA’s Medical Assistant Program is a Great Way to Start Your Healthcare Career
Contents
- Why a medical assistant program?
- What is a medical assistant?
- What does a medical assistant do?
- What are the benefits of becoming a medical assistant?
- What are the requirements to become a medical assistant?
- How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
- What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
- What are the average salaries for medical assistants?
- What are the top states for medical assistants?
- What are the top cities for medical assistants?
UMA’s medical assistant Program is a great way to start your healthcare career. Our program provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this growing field. Contact us today to learn more!
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Why a medical assistant program?
There are many reasons to consider a career as a medical assistant Medical assistants are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 23% job growth between 2016 and 2026.1 They also enjoy a median annual salary of $31,540.2
But beyond these financial considerations, Medical Assistants make a real difference in the lives of patients. They are the ones who greet patients when they come into the office, answer their questions and help them understand their treatment plan. They are an important part of the healthcare team, providing support to both patients and doctors.
UMA’s medical assistant program can be completed in as little as 10 months3 and is a great way to start your healthcare career. Our students receive personal attention from experienced instructors and have the opportunity to practice their skills in our on-campus medical lab. Plus, we offer job placement assistance to help you find the right position after graduation.
If you’re ready to start making a difference in the lives of others, contact UMA today to learn more about our Medical Assistant program.
What is a medical assistant?
Medical assistants are allied health professionals who perform administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to provide care and support to patients.
Medical assistants usually have formal training from an accredited program, and most states require them to be licensed or certified. Although they do not provide direct patient care, they play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities.
The duties of medical assistants vary depending on the type of healthcare facility they work in. In general, medical assistants perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and maintaining medical records They also perform clinical tasks such as taking patient vital signs, preparing for examination procedures, and collecting laboratory specimens.
Medical assistants play an important role in the delivery of quality healthcare. They are often the first point of contact between patients and the healthcare team, and they can make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve.
What does a medical assistant do?
Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, and other health practitioners running smoothly.
Medical assistants perform many routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments, taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, assisting with examinations, and collecting and preparing laboratory specimens. They also may instruct patients about medication schedules, diet, and other aspects of their health. In addition to performing their job duties, medical assistants also must keep abreast of changes in the field by completing continuing education courses on a regular basis.
What are the benefits of becoming a medical assistant?
Medical assistants play a vital role in our healthcare system, providing essential support to doctors and other medical professionals. If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant, here are some great reasons to do it:
1. You can start your healthcare career sooner. Medical assistant programs typically take just one year to complete, so you can be working in the field relatively quickly.
2. You’ll gain valuable experience. As a medical assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with patients and learn first-hand about the inner workings of a healthcare facility.
3. You’ll be in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
4. You can earn a good salary. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in 2019, according to the BLS.
5. You can help others. Medical assistants play a vital role in providing quality healthcare and making a difference in the lives of patients every day.
What are the requirements to become a medical assistant?
There are generally three ways to become a medical assistant. The first is to take a one-year certificate program, the second is to earn an Associate’s degree in medical assisting, and the third is to become certified through an organization such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants.
The UMA medical assistant program can be completed in as little as 36 weeks, and students can choose between attending classes online or on campus. The curriculum covers both clinical and administrative aspects of the job, and students will gain hands-on experience in both a classroom setting and through an externship.
To be eligible for the UMA medical assistant program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some colleges may require a placement test. Students must also be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
The medical assistant program at UMA takes just 10 months to complete. That’s a fraction of the time it would take to complete a traditional four-year degree. And, our program is designed so you can take classes online or in person – whatever works best for you.
What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
The job outlook for medical assistants is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
There are a number of reasons for this expected growth. First, as the baby-boom population ages, they will need more medical services. Secondly, as new technologies are developed to treat health conditions, there will be an increased demand for skilled medical assistants who can handle both administrative and clinical duties.
If you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant, now is a great time to start your career in healthcare!
What are the average salaries for medical assistants?
As of May 2018, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610, which is much lower than many other healthcare occupations. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and employer. For example, medical assistants in large metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in small towns. Additionally, those with several years of experience or who have specialized training (such as in X-ray technology or phlebotomy) may earn more than entry-level medical assistants.
What are the top states for medical assistants?
The following states have the highest employment levels for medical assistants, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
California
Texas
Florida
New York
Pennsylvania
What are the top cities for medical assistants?
The job outlook for medical assistants is bright, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting employment in the field to grow by 23% from 2019 to 2029 – much faster than the average for all occupations. But where are medical assistants most in demand? UMA has conducted a study to find out.
Our analysis looked at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed.com for all metropolitan areas with at least 10,000 medical assistant jobs as of September 2020. We ranked the metros based on three factors: number of jobs per 1,000 residents, year-over-year job growth and average salary.
Here are the 25 best metros for medical assistants, according to our analysis:
1. Augusta, GA
2. Fort Wayne, IN
3. Columbus, OH
4. Grand Rapids, MI
5. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN
6. Birmingham-Hoover, AL
7. Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
8. Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN
9. Cleveland-Elyria, OH
10. Toledo, OH