Medical Assistant Training in New Hampshire
Training to become a medical assistant can be done on the job, or by voluntarily undergoing certification first. Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA), while not legally required, has come to be highly preferred by healthcare employers and would better qualify you for your future job. Certification can be obtained in as little as one to two years, and requires both courses and an end examination.
Certification programs are readily available in your state, and are available online as well if that is more convenient. You can choose a certification program that requires a year of study, or opt for a more thorough associate degree, which takes two years. Training will cover both the clinical and the clerical side of medical assisting, because medical assistants’ job duties can vary depending on their job and place of employment. You will be trained in medical billing, record keeping, patient and insurance communication, medical terminology and basic pharmacology. You’ll also learn how to assess patients, take blood, prepare patients for procedures, and assist physicians, among other duties. It is important that you choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). There are currently four community colleges in New Hampshire that offer accredited programs, and you can check CAAHEP’s website for an up-to-date list of accredited programs state-wide.
Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the certification exam. This is given by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It consists of two hundred multiple choice questions and is computer based. Completion or near completion of your training is required before registering. As of 2009, you can take it throughout the year. Once you pass this, you will be a CMA. CMAs can work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices, or specialists’ offices, such as podiatrists, chiropractors, or optometrists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,330 medical assistants working in New Hampshire in 2008. The mean annual salary is $29,730, and the mean hourly rate is $14.30. You can earn even more by gaining more training and pursuing a specialization. There is an active state chapter of AAMA as well, which can help you network and stay current with your profession throughout your career. This is one of the fastest growing healthcare occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is projected to grow for many years. According to the New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, this occupation has been projected to grow 41% from 2006 through 2016. This translates to great job security for you, so get started on your training now for a secure job in a booming healthcare sector.
(Sources: AAMA, CAAHEP, The Bureau of Labor and Statistics, New Hampshire State Society of Medical Assistants, New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau)
Medical Assistant Programs in New Hampshire
Hesser College
Programs Offered: Diploma, Associate's | Medical Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Massage Therapy
Please Select a Campus to Learn More: Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Salem
Seacoast Career Schools
Programs Offered: Diploma | Medical Assistant, Health Claims Specialist, Massage Therapy
Please Select a Campus to Learn More: Manchester
Online Medical Assisting Programs in New Hampshire
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 (CAAHEP) 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
The Medical Assisting program at Keiser University is accredited by the ABHES, which means graduates are eligible to sit for the CMA exam administered by the AAMA. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the RMA Exam administered by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Programs Offered: AA in Medical Assisting
San Joaquin Valley College
Graduates of the certificate or Associate's Medical Assisting programs 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)
