Medical Assistant Schools in Maryland

Candidates who enjoy helping people in a clinical environment would do well starting a medical assistant career in Maryland. This discipline is great because it allows candidates to “test the waters” and decide whether or not they would prefer a more advanced role in the medical/healthcare world.

This is possible because the requirements and general processes for becoming a successful medical assistant in Maryland are quite straightforward. Candidates don’t have to spend several years in college or participate in multiple internships and fellowships.

Below, we detail everything they would have to do in extensive yet concise detail. This includes educational requirements, certification pathways, and top programs.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Maryland

Individuals in Maryland may launch a medical assistant career by following the path below.

Developing Important Attributes

There are certain attributes that medical assistants need to have, not just in Maryland but practically anywhere they’re going to be practicing. These include a compassionate mind, the ability to multitask without getting overwhelmed, the ability to communicate clearly, and a strong attention to detail.

Educational Requirements

Maryland offers several training programs for future medical assistants, including academic training programs and on-the-job training programs.

• Academic Programs—Medical assistant training programs lay the technical foundation for success on the job. They cover topics such as patient care management, office administration and organization, and health navigation.

The most common programs are certificate programs, which last 9 months. However, students may also choose associate degree programs with 2-year durations.

• On-the-Job Programs—Whether training is completed online or in person, aspiring medical assistants must gain hands-on experience through real-world training. This often takes the form of externships, which are vital for transitioning into the workforce as professionals.

Employment & Certification

Obtaining a solid educational foundation is enough to secure an entry-level role as a medical assistant. However, to remain competitive, candidates may pursue professional certification, as analyzed below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification is important for medical assistants in Maryland firstly because it allows them to verify their skills and attain a level of credibility that makes employment easier. Secondly, even after they have become employed, certification still comes with various professional opportunities, such as the mandate to keep improving through continuing education and acquiring more skills on the job.

Professionals in the state who would like to become certified by a highly reputable organization can opt for certification from either the American Medical Technologists or the American Association of Medical Assistants.

The former offers a Registered Medical Assistant credential, while the latter offers a Certified Medical Assistant credential. Both of these are more than enough to allow candidates to enjoy the benefits listed above, along with other advantages such as developing a strong professional network.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Maryland

The schools below are notable for top-quality medical assistant training programs for candidates in Maryland.

Explore medical assistant schools in Maryland by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Baltimore

Salary & Career Outlook

At the beginning of their career, a new medical assistant in Maryland can earn an annual average salary of $36,608. A medical assistant who has worked for a while can earn an annual average salary of $44,462, which is good enough to be among the median earners and is also in line with the national average.

Factors like credentials, location, establishment of employment, and specialty focus work alongside experience to help candidates maximize their yearly returns as medical assistants in Maryland. Those who have worked on all of these factors can manage an annual average salary of $54,000, good enough for the top 10%.

As for favorable locations, Bethesda has the highest average return for medical assistants in Maryland, with an annual salary of around $49,482. Silver Spring, Rockville, and Germantown are also top places, with annual average salaries of $48,576, $46,770, and $46,262, respectively.