Medical Assistant Programs in Michigan
Training to become a certified medical assistant (CMA) in Michigan is an excellent choice if you are seeking a stable career in healthcare that does not require extensive years in training. You can get the proper training from an accredited program in just under one year and then take an exam in order to become a CMA.
Medical Assistant Training Programs in Michigan
Michigan offers over two dozen accredited CMA training programs at various colleges, universities, and community colleges. It is important to employers that it is accredited, which means that it is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically take about a year. They encompass instruction that covers both the administrative side of the job as well as the clinical side. Some medical assistants strictly work on the administrative side, some are strictly clinical workers, but many have varied responsibilities that require both clerical and technical skills. You will likely be trained in how to assess patients, take vital signs, and take blood, administer injections, and record a patient’s medical history. You’ll also learn to operate x-ray machines, and other equipment such as EKG. Clerical tasks and office management will also be included. Associate degree programs are also available and cover more specialized training. These degrees require two years of study.
Once you have completed your training, you will be allowed to register for the certification exam. This is a computer-based, multiple-choice test that is given by the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It can be taken monthly, but you must have finished your training or be near completion in order to register for the exam. It also requires a registration fee.
The mean annual salary for medical assistants in Michigan is $28,140. While this might seem modest, the health benefits are good and the job security and future outlook is excellent. Additionally, further training or specialization can increase your salary, as can years of experience.
The future for medical assistants in Michigan is bright. Not only is healthcare a rapidly booming sector in the state, but medical support positions like CMAs are some of the fastest growing jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2008, there were over 19,000 medical assistants working in the state of Michigan, and this number is growing. The government of Michigan predicts that by 2015, there will be a shortage of 3000 medical assistants. This translates to great job opportunity and security for qualified applicants. Michigan also has over twenty local chapters of the AAMA, which can help you network and stay in touch with your colleagues. Get started now on your career in healthcare by finding the best certification program for you.
Take a moment to check out the Medical Billing and Coding programs in Michigan. This is another opportune career path in Nationwide, including Michigan.
