Medical assistants in Kentucky all follow the same framework to start their careers on a strong foundation. However, even though the framework is the same, there are several modifications and decisions that candidates need to make along the way to ensure that they choose the right approach for them.
We have dedicated the time to providing the guide below to ensure that our readers’ journey to becoming a medical assistant in Kentucky is as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Here, we highlight all the main considerations involved in this process. We analyze the basic prerequisites, training options, and licensing/certification alternatives for career opportunities.
We also explore prominent training programs and career projections, among other important resources.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Kentucky
Future medical assistants in Kentucky may start their careers following the pathway below.
Step 1: High School Classes & Diploma
A high school diploma is a common requirement requested by training programs across Kentucky, and it will benefit future medical assistants greatly.
Classes dealing with mathematics and science — even at the high school level — will also help individuals succeed during the certification process. Those who don’t have a high school diploma can typically utilize a GED test equivalent in its place.
Step 2: Completing a Program
Attending a training program as a prospective medical assistant is absolutely vital. In addition to teaching candidates everything they need to know to succeed on the job, it also leads to other opportunities, such as certification and continuing education.
Naturally, medical assistants may have to make a few decisions regarding their training programs, including whether to pursue online, campus, or hybrid programs.
Step 3: Job Placement
After training, medical assistants may choose their work environment, which usually includes physicians’ offices, clinics, OB-GYN offices, and more. As we will see below, the state allows candidates to seek employment as soon as they are competent because there are no mandatory licensing laws.
Step 4: Continuing Education & Specialty Focus
Continuing education can help practicing medical assistants improve their careers and enter more specialized fields, such as nursing, EKG and phlebotomy technician, project management, and more.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
There are no mandatory licensing laws, and no state or local bodies are in charge of registering and managing medical assistants’ affairs in Kentucky. Neither is certification compulsory.
Professionals in the field pursue certification independently. They do so because, as a certified medical assistant, they can take advantage of more professional opportunities, thanks to the increased credibility.
Having a Certified Medical Assistant credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants also comes with other benefits, including access to networking opportunities. Some other prominent organizations with respectable credentials for medical assistants in Kentucky are:
- The National Healthcareer Association (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant);
- National Center for Competency Testing (National Certified Medical Assistant); and the
- American Medical Technologists (Registered Medical Assistant).
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Kentucky
Candidates may consider any of the institutions and programs below to start their medical assistant education in Kentucky.
Sullivan University
Louisville, KY Campus + Online
The fast-tracked 18-month Associate of Science in Medical Assisting program at Sullivan University covers medical terminology, lab procedures, software applications, and an externship.
Tuition
$320 per CreditContact
(800) 844-1354
slvadmissions@sullivan.edu
Kentucky School of Phlebotomy
Louisville, KY Campus Only
Kentucky School of Phlebotomy offers an 11-week in-person program in clinical medical assisting. The program covers anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, insurance, and lab procedures.
Tuition
$1,000 per ProgramContact
(502) 791-5977
info@kyphleb.com
Bluegrass Community & Technical College
Lexington, KY Campus Only
Bluegrass Community & Technical College offers an associate degree in applied science for medical assistants, blending labs, classrooms, and real-world training.
Tuition
$189 - $260 per CreditContact
(855) 246-2477
ashley.jent@kctcs.edu
Explore medical assistant schools in Kentucky by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A medical assistant in Kentucky who is just beginning their career may fall among the bottom 10% of earners in the state with an annual salary of around $33,061. This is only natural, but candidates don’t need to worry because, with time and credibility on their side, they will be able to increase their earnings to be at least among the median professionals taking home an annual average salary of $41,876.
Ultimately, candidates can keep increasing their annual average returns until they are among the top 10, where the annual average income is $53,042. As important as time and credibility are in determining these figures, other factors like location, specific employer, and focus areas can be just as important.
For example, recent data shows that medical assistants in Winchester earn the highest relative annual average salary in Kentucky, at around $45,975 per year. Other top names include Louisville, Lexington, and Crestview Hill, with annual average salaries of $44,676, $43,512, and $41,6,32, respectively.