Medical Assistant Programs in Nevada
If you are seeking a job as a medical assistant in the booming health industry, the best thing to do is to train to become a certified medical assistant (CMA). Becoming certified is not legally required, but it is increasingly preferred by healthcare employers and would increase your chances of getting the job you want most. There are two main steps to becoming a CMA: completing a training program, and passing the examination. These steps can take anywhere from one year to two.
Medical Assistant Training Programs in Nevada
The first step toward becoming certified is finding the right training program for you. An associate degree is offered at community colleges or junior colleges and requires four semesters of study. A regular certification requires only one year. It is recommended that you choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Online degrees are also an option if there is not an accredited program near you. Training will cover both the administrative side of medical assisting as well as the clinical side. Medical assistants perform a wide variety of duties, ranging from making appointments, billing, record keeping, to first aid, assessing patients taking their vital signs, taking blood, or assisting physicians with procedures. They might work in small outpatient clinics, specialists’ offices, or large hospitals.
The second step is to register for the certification exam. This is given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and completion or near completion of your training is required before registering. It is a multiple choice, computer-based exam, and as of 2009, you can take it throughout the year. Once you pass this, you will be a CMA.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently nearly 4,000 medical assistants working in Nevada. The mean annual salary is $32,580, and the mean hourly wage is $15.66. This will be higher in urban areas and will increase with experience or specialization. According to BLS, it is one of the three fastest growing medical occupations, so the outlook is excellent. There are no local chapters of the AAMA, however the state society is active and a great benefit for medical assistants looking to network or keep abreast of changes in the field. This is a fantastic job choice in an already booming industry. Take advantage of this growth and get started on your secure career in healthcare by earning your certification.
Medical Billing and Coding programs in Nevada have also become a popular allied health training option for those looking for future job security and promising career growth.
