Medical Assistant Programs in Mississippi
Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) is a great way to pursue a secure career in the booming healthcare sector. Certification is not required in the state of Mississippi, but it is highly recommended. Not only would it make you more competitive in your job search, but it would also give you a head start in your career and on-the-job training. Additionally, more and more healthcare employers are opting to hire medical assistants with a certification from an accredited school.
The first step toward becoming certified is to enroll in either an associate degree program or a certification program at a community college or vocational training school. This training is required in order to take the national certification exam, which is offered by the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). There are a couple different programs in the state, and you could also enroll in online courses if that is more convenient. Check the AAMA website to check for a current listing of accredited programs in the state. This means that it is approved by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Most hospitals, physician offices, or clinics will look for this qualification.
The training you receive in the certification program will cover many skills, both on the administrative side of the job as well as the clinical side. Medical assistants’ duties will vary greatly depending on their place of employment. They might work in hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or even the office of a podiatrist or optometrist. In most places, they usually perform a large variety of tasks. They need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, other healthcare workers, and also insurance companies. They are in charge of making appointments, filing medical records, billing, and other tasks that help the administrative side of an office run efficiently. Some of the clinical tasks they perform include taking blood, patient assessment, patient education, preparing a patient for a procedure, and running basic lab tests or other diagnostic procedures.
There were approximately 2,390 medical assistants working in Mississippi in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and it is one of the fastest growing professions in the medical field. The growing elderly population as well as the increase of outpatient care facilities. are some main reasons behind this growth. There are three local chapters of the AAMA as well, which can be a help to you as you navigate your career. The mean annual salary was $25,050. This will be higher in more urban areas, as well as with more experience or specialization. Get started now in medical assisting by finding the perfect training program for you. A secure career in healthcare can be yours in less than a year.
(Sources: Bureau of Labor and Statistics, AAMA, CAAHEP, salary.com)
Medical Assistant Degree Programs in Mississippi
Antonelli College
The medical assisting program at Antonelli College is designed to provide you with a solid foundation of the knowledge and skills you need to be successful as a medical assistant. Request information to learn more.
Programs Offered: Associate's - Medical Assisting, Health Information Technology, Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy
Select a Campus to Learn More: Jackson, Hattiesburg
Virginia College
Upon graduation from the medical assisting program at Virginia College you will be prepared to operate in administrative and clinical capacities in a health care environment. Start training now for a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's - Medical Assistant, Health Care Reimbursement, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Office Management, Pharmacy Tech, Surgical Technology, Therapeutic Massage
Select a Campus to Learn More: Biloxi, Jackson
Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College offers a Medical Assisting program for those that are interested in pursuing a career in health care. Request information to learn more.
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's - Medical Assistant, Medical Office Admin, Massage Therapy
Select a Campus to Learn More: Gulfport
Schools Offering Online Medical Assistant Programs in Mississippi
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
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)
Programs Offered: AA in Medical Assisting
Herzing University
The Herzing University Online Medical Assisting program is Accredited by the ABHES and 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). This Medical Assisting program can be completed in 12 to 20 months.
Programs Offered: AS 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)
