Medical Assistant Schools in Augusta

In Georgia, people are always looking for ways to get timely, efficient, and personalized health care. This is especially true as more and more people get health insurance for the first time in the state. Medical assistants may be able to improve access to medical care in Augusta by assisting doctors and nurse practitioners to see their patients quickly and with help from people like you.

Medical assisting may be a good career for you if you want to have a positive effect on your community, and want to work in a medical office setting or with patients in an exam room. By attending one of the many high-quality medical assistant schools in GA, you can start a new career. Take some time to request medical assisting program information from the schools on our site to get started.

Medical Assisting Careers in Augusta, Georgia

In the medical assisting field, there’s a promising job outlook. Estimates provided by O*Net indicate a possible 27 percent increase in job openings for medical assistants between 2010 and 2020. This job growth is in line with national averages (O*Net). In a major city like Augusta, where there are large medical institutions, the job outlook may be even better. Some of the most prominent MA employers in this area include RHA Health Services, CareSouth, and Brentwood Health & Rehabilitation.

Generally, salaries in this area are similar to national averages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016) reports that medical assistants in Augusta earn an average salary of $30,360 per year.

You can look into many medical assistant schools in Georgia. This program is commonly offered by technical colleges, community colleges, and career training centers. In some cases, hospitals offer on-site training programs that allow you to get lots of hands-on experience.

Transportation and Networking in Augusta

Public transit is readily available in Augusta, making it possible for you to travel affordably between school, work, clinical sites, and home. Augusta Public Transit offers discounted student fares during the school year, helping you save even more money.

In addition to the many public transit options and routes in Augusta, you can look into networking opportunities in Georgia. The Georgia State Society of Medical Assistants aims to further the career of medical assisting, help professionals find their next job opportunity, and connect medical assistants via networking events. If you are interested in medical assistant certification, GA organizations can help you prepare for your certification exam.

Once you have been accepted to a medical assisting program and you’re getting ready to begin your education, you may start applying for scholarships in Georgia. Since health care is growing so quickly, there are quite a few grants and scholarships for health care students. Future Health Professionals of Georgia offers thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. West Georgia Health may be another option for you if you are willing to commit to employment with this company after graduation. Scholarships are also funded by the Georgia Public Health Association.

Getting your Medical Assistant Training in Augusta

You can choose from several medical assisting programs in Georgia. No matter which school and program you decide to attend, you will need to focus on both classroom learning and practical experience. In the classroom part of your education, you may learn about medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health and disease, and professional ethics in the health care field. These classes prepare you to communicate effectively and clearly with patients and other health care workers. When you decide to become a medical assistant, Georgia schools may offer one-year and two-year programs.

In hands-on courses, you might learn how to process blood work, safely navigate a medical laboratory, and perform basic medical procedures. It’s important to master the steps of each process and the develop the physical skills required for each process, since you’ll be tested on both! Courses based in clinical practice include Exam Room Procedures, Administrative Office Procedures, and Phlebotomy.

Clinical work is the main component of most medical assisting programs in Augusta. At the end of your program, you may complete an externship or internship that involves working in a local hospital or nursing home. This experience is crucial, as it’s often required for certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants.

If you are ready to take charge of your career and your education by becoming a Medical Assistant, Georgia has plenty to offer. Take some time to review the school options that are available, then submit a request to get more information right away. You could be just months away from a rewarding and satisfying medical career.

Salary numbers provided are from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.