Are you looking to enter into the healthcare industry, specifically to be a medical assistant? There are many reasons why this career path could be one of the smartest decisions you can make. 

First off, medical assistants are always in high demand. With the healthcare industry continuing to boom over the past few years, there is always a need for people to fill in this position. Medical assistants are needed not only in hospitals but also in private clinics, laboratories and all sorts of facilities that provide health services. In fact, the demand for medical assistants is expected to rise by as much as 18% until 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is on the top 5 fastest growing jobs in the US. 

They also play a vital role for physicians and Nurse Practitioners. They can perform tasks such as getting a patient’s medical history, taking vital signs, administering medications, drawing blood and assisting with procedures in the clinic. Aside from patient care, medical assistants can also perform administrative tasks at work such as answering phone calls, completing insurance forms and updating medical records. 

In order to be a medical assistant, one must have a high school diploma or a GED. That;s all! . Depending on which state you will be pursuing employment in, there are some requirements that must be completed first. Most employers may look for those who have graduated from accredited programs and have also passed the CMA exam. 

The median pay for medical assistants in 2020 is $35,850 per year or $17.23 per hour. Of course, this can change depending on the healthcare facility where you are employed and the state where it is located. The top five paying states for medical assistants as given by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are:

Alaska – $46, 610

Washington – $45, 700

District of Columbia – $45, 340

Massachusetts – $43, 090

Minnesota – $43, 090

Amount is per year income. 

If you are in the Atlanta, GA area and are interested in becoming a CMA H.E.R.O Institute can help! We offer a flexible blended program that offers classes online and hands-on learning in person. Call us today at (770) 729-3577 or sign up here for a tour of the school!

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