Medical Office Assisting Programs in North Dakota

As populations rise so, too, does the need for a comprehensive system of health care for residents. In the state of North Dakota, the influx of new residents coming to work for the booming oil industry has fueled growth of other industries like healthcare. A recent article from CNN boasts that North Dakota’s economy grew at five times the national average.

Further, a report commissioned by The University of North Dakota’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences revealed that an estimated 48,427 jobs would be created in North Dakota by the year 2018, which would make health care and social assistance the second largest industry in the state. The report expected statewide growth of most health care environments, as well as significant shortages in rural areas of the state.

It seems that the future may be particularly bright in North Dakota for future medical administrative assistants. If you’re interested in joining a thriving industry in a state with incredible growth, attending school to become a medical secretary could be your ticket to steady employment and a rewarding career. Contact the schools below to learn more about the available programs of study.

Medical Admin Assistant Programs in North Dakota

You’ll find programs for becoming a medical office assistant at a variety of colleges in North Dakota including trade schools, community colleges, and 4-year universities. The primary purpose of these programs is often to prepare you to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam, which will shorten the length of time it takes you to secure employment.

Your work as a medical office assistant will cover topics within health care, as well as those in the business and administrative side of a medical office environment. Some of the classes you’ll take in your program may include Computer Fundamentals, Medical Laws and Ethics, Basic Anatomy, and Exploring Healthcare Reimbursement.

Often, you can obtain a certificate as a medical admin assistant in less than half a year, which is a true benefit to training in this field. The high demand for medical assistants, combined with the brief educational requirements, means you won’t have to wait long to enter the workforce and start your medical career.

Most institutions of higher learning in North Dakota offer grants and scholarships, and you’ll want to inquire with the financial aid department about those scholarships when you decide upon which school you want to attend. You may also be eligible for federal financial aid, and you’ll want to make sure to fill out the official Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if you qualify.

In addition, you may want to check out the scholarships and projects funded by the Rural Assistance Center for students in North Dakota. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) may also have tuition assistance, scholarships, or other funding opportunities available to you.

Medical Secretary Careers and Job Outlook in North Dakota

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests the annual mean wage for medical secretaries in North Dakota is $30,320, and that around 480 people are employed in the profession in the state. Although the number may seem low, the overall population of North Dakota is less than 750,000, so the density of medical secretary jobs is similar to states like South Dakota, Idaho, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

As you gain experience in your role as a medical secretary in North Dakota, you may see your wages climb to the $39,000 range, which is where the top earners stand as far as mean wages are concerned. With the average income for a South Dakota resident at $29,732, according to the United States Census, medical office assistants make a mean wage above the state average, which is a goal many people reach for in today’s economy.

A medical office assistant is often considered a “jack of all trades” employee. You must learn to be comfortable working with the public while also handling day-to-day operations within the office, and working with heath care professionals to ensure the highest quality of care for visiting patients. Although you may not have medical degree, your role is an indispensable part of an efficient office.

Reach out to the schools below that offer medical assisting programs in ND to learn more about how to get started.