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 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.
Medical Assistant Programs in Hawaii
Heald College
The Heald College Medical Assisting programs at the Honolulu campus are accredited by the accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Programs Offered: Medical Assisting - Associate's, Medical Assisting - Diploma
Select a Campus to Learn More: Honolulu
Remington College - Honolulu
Programs Offered: Clinical Medical Assistant
Select a Campus to Learn More: Honolulu
Medical Assistant Programs Offered Online in Hawaii
Kaplan University - Online
The Kaplan University Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree program will prepare you online to become a professional medical assistant. It will also qualify you to seek national certification and licensing. The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Curriculum Review Board (CRB) of the American Association of Medial Assistants Endowment (AAMAE). Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam, given by the American Association of Medical Assistants; or the Registered Medical Assistant exam, offered by the American Medical Technologists.* Recognized in all states.
Programs Offered: Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, and Pharmacy Technician
Herzing University Online
The Diploma and Associate's in Medical Assisting programs offered by Herzing University Online are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which means graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's, Bachelor's | Medical Assisting, Health Care, Health Information Management, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding, Medical Office Administration
Keiser University - E-Campus Online
At Keiser University, students are trained to care for patients and learn to perform tasks such as the preparation of exam rooms, taking vital signs, assistance with minor surgical procedures, giving injections, lab operations, X-Rays and much more. MA's are also trained to perform administrative tasks that deal with insurance companies, patient billing, records, appointments, and supply ordering. Students receive hands on clinical training at a health care facility in their community. The program at Keiser University is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which means graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: AA in Medical Assisting
San Joaquin Valley College
The online Clinical Medical Assisting program at SJVC offers training that combines classroom instruction with laboratory experience to create an ideal opportunity for students not only to to learn, but to understand how to put to use what they have learned in a clinical setting. Upon completion of the certificate or Associate's programs, students are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant Exam.
Programs Offered: Clinical Medical Assisting Certificate (Online) or Clinical Medical Assisting Associate's Degree (Online)
