Medical Assistant Schools in Hawaii
Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) in the state of Hawaii can be done in two steps. One, completing an accredited Medical Assistant program in Hawaii and two, passing the certified medical assistant exam. In just one to two years you can become a CMA. Certification is not legally required but is highly preferred by employers. You can pursue a two-year associate degree, or a shorter certificate or diploma program that takes nine months to a year. These medical assisting programs are available both online and in community and junior colleges and vocational and training schools. Whichever medical assistant program you choose, it should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) so that you will later be eligible to take the certified medical assistant exam.
You will find accredited campus based and online medical assisting programs offered in Hawaii listed below.
Once you have completed your medical assistant training, you are able to take the certified medical assistant exam, given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). If you pass this, you will have a competitive edge in the job market as a CMA, ready to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, or specialist’s offices, such as podiatrists or chiropractors.
Medical Assistant Programs Offered Online and at Campuses in Hawaii
Medical assisting programs in Hawaii will cover many skill sets, as the duties in medical assisting are varied and can be very different in different positions. All medical assistants need to understand billing, record keeping, medical coding, and have good communication skills for dealing with patients and insurance companies, as well as other medical professionals. Clinical medical assistant training will also cover many areas, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, first aid, and medical terminology.
The mean salary for a medical assistant in Hawaii is $31,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and will increase with experience and increased responsibilities. Advancement opportunities include becoming an office administrator or specializing in a certain area of medicine. The outlook for medical assistants in Hawaii is very good. There are over 2,600 in the state, and the job is projected to be one of the fastest growing professions. According to Hawaii’s Department of Labor and Industry, healthcare in Hawaii added 1,800 jobs in 2009. Healthcare is booming across the country, and medical support staff is always in high demand. Their competent assistance is needed to help clinics and offices run efficiently and cost-effectively. The growing aging population is creating a need for more healthcare workers, and an increased use of outpatient clinics is contributing to the need for support staff as well. Find out which certification program is right for you, and get started on a great career in healthcare with job security, benefits, and a good future.
Another growing career path opportunity can be started by enrolling in one of the medical billing and coding programs in Hawaii. People researching medical assisting in Hawaii also looked into the medical billing and coding field.
