Medical Administrative Assisting Programs in New Hampshire
If you are looking for a fulfilling career with above-average job security, you may want to consider becoming a medical administrative assistant. These medical support personnel often greet patients, schedule appointments, take insurance information and update patient data. As a medical office assistant, you will work in a professional setting alongside patients, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
If you have a real desire to help others, you can do so in this profession. An ability to focus on detail and good communication skills are valuable attributes in medical assisting, as is a positive attitude and ability to stay focused on important tasks. If you are ready to look into your options for medical assisting in New Hampshire, contact the schools you see below to learn more.
You’ll find that numerous medical administrative assistants are employed in the major New Hampshire hospitals and the clinics that are affiliated with them. Such hospitals are located in the major cities like Concord, Manchester, Nashua and Portsmouth. However, both rural and urban healthcare facilities across the state require the vital support services provided by dedicated medical assistants.
New Hampshire healthcare employers, and those across the United States, often look to fill positions with those that have received relevant, specialized education beyond high school. Most medical assistants have graduated from either Associates Degree programs or certificate programs. Also, job applicants that have successfully passed the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam may qualify for more jobs and/or better pay. Certification is valued by various employers in the medical community.
Medical Office Assisting Programs in New Hampshire
To get into a medical assisting certificate program in NH, it is important to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some schools will also want you to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language by passing an exam. Some institutions may also administer tests that confirm your keyboard skills or math knowledge. You may also have to pass a background check, as you will be working with patients, including children and the elderly, whose safety and privacy are high priorities.
On average, admissions requirements for New Hampshire Associate’s Degree programs in Medical Assisting will be more demanding. Some colleges and universities will only admit those with adequate high school grade-point averages.
You can expect a certificate program to take about a year and a half to complete. During that time, you’ll take numerous classes that will specifically prepare you for your future in medical assisting. Coursework might include topics like patient coding, medical terms, medical office activities and customer service in healthcare. Associate degree programs add general classes in areas like math, English, biology and chemistry.
Once you graduate, you can take the CMAA exam. Pass this test and you’ll be certified in the profession for two years. Complete 10 hours of continuing education classes every two years to maintain your certified status.
New Hampshire Administrative Medical Assisting Careers
In 2013, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual wage for medical assistants in New Hampshire was $32,180, which was one of the higher state averages in the country. At the time, the U.S. median annual wage was $29,610.
Expect good job growth in the profession in the years to come. O*Net reports a projected 22 percent nationwide increase in the number of medical assisting jobs during the decade ending in 2022.
If you are ready to enter this essential medical field, contact the New Hampshire medical assisting schools listed on our site and request program materials to begin.