Medical Assistant Schools in Florida

Florida, like most other states across the country, has a growing demand for medical assistants. These professionals are major parts of any functional hospital or medical establishment, as without them, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers will undoubtedly become overwhelmed by the field’s demands.

Medical assistants are needed to carry out technical duties such as drawing blood and administrative duties such as keeping records. This article explores how individuals in Florida can acquire these skills and set themselves on a path toward rapid career growth.

We also highlight the top training programs for future medical assistants in the state and the prospective annual average salary to expect.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Florida

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to become a medical assistant in Florida.

Step 1: Getting Ready for Training

A high school diploma is the basic prerequisite for admission into a medical assistant training program in Florida. Those who don’t have one may use a GED equivalent.

Candidates may go on to secure learning positions on the job with these credentials, but most choose to attend a training program first.

Step 2: Choosing a Training Program

Candidates wanting to attend a training program to start their medical assistant career in Florida must choose an accredited program. They have several options, including online and on-campus programs, hybrid programs, certificate and diploma programs, and, rarely, associate degree programs.

During training, they will learn crucial skills, including how to draw blood, dress wounds, and work with various medical equipment.

Step 3: Externship

Although training programs teach candidates the fundamentals of what they’d need to know to secure entry-level employment, most recognize the need for further training in a clinical environment. This is why candidates are mandated to participate in externships to be as well-prepared as possible for the real-world demands of the profession.

Step 4: Apply for Jobs

After acquiring the right level of competency, candidates can start applying and interviewing for jobs. They may also consider any certification options highlighted below to give themselves a better chance.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Medical assistants in Florida will be glad to know they can start their careers after completing their training without receiving a license from the state. They don’t have to receive certification from a professional organization; however, doing so can be beneficial.

Certification improves employability and adds credibility to a candidate’s skill set. It also helps candidates acquire more skills while networking with fellow professionals in the field.

For nationally recognized credentials, the American Medical Technologist offers a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential, while the American Association of Medical Assistants offers a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.

Becoming certified usually involves passing a certification exam and continuing to meet educational requirements for periodic renewal.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Florida

The programs below are, without a doubt, among the best options for candidates in Florida.

Explore medical assistant schools in Florida by city:

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Salary & Career Outlook

At the beginning of their careers, the average annual salary for medical assistants in Florida is usually around $43,505. This is the figure revealed for the average earners in the state.

It is also possible for professionals to start a little bit lower and to earn much higher than this with time. Those among the lower end may fall into the bottom 10% category, with an annual average salary of $35,617. Those on the higher end may find themselves in the top 10%, earning an annual average salary of $53,140.

Location is another key factor that may help candidates move from one end of the earning range to another. Medical assistants in Naples, for instance, enjoy the highest annual average salary in the state at $48,140.

Other notable locations include Sarasota, with an annual average salary of $45,846; Jupiter, with an annual average salary of $44,732; Tampa, with an annual average salary of $44,287; and Jacksonville, with an annual average salary of $44,033.