Medical Assistant Schools in Louisiana

Proper education is essential for starting a thriving career as a medical assistant in Louisiana. However, candidates must make a few choices regarding not only their specific training institutions but also the basic approach to their education.

Unsurprisingly, this isn’t the only important decision that an interested individual must make. They also have to understand certification alternatives, “on-the-job” training approaches, and, of course, factors that can help them increase their yearly returns.

The guide on this page reflects an extensive analysis of the process of launching a successful medical assistant career in Louisiana. It has been put together to give readers a clear understanding of what is expected of them and the knowledge of how to optimize each step of the process for the best outcome.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Louisiana

Medical assistants in Louisiana can launch their careers following the approach below.

Prerequisites

The state of Louisiana has mandatory laws for medical assistants. However, training programs and employers do set their own rules for professionals in the field.

The basic requirements usually include a minimum age of 18 years, a high school diploma or GED, and basic attributes like communication and interpersonal skills.

Educational Considerations

Becoming a successful medical assistant requires several educational considerations. First, candidates need to choose their training program and the arrangement that best suits their schedule.

Some choose online programs, others choose campus-only programs, and a hybrid program can combine these.

Additionally, candidates must consider whether to pursue certificate or associate degree programs. Ultimately, students are advised to choose an accredited medical assistant program to qualify for certification and other career opportunities.

Externships

Another great reason to choose an accredited program is to qualify for real-world training through an externship. Of course, even those who complete a training program without an externship can build their real-world expertise through volunteer work.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for medical assistants in Louisiana are numerous. These opportunities can be expanded through continuing education and certification.

We explore this topic deeper below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

A Medical assistant in Louisiana doesn’t have to be certified or licensed before they can start performing their duties in a professional environment. It is only because of career benefits that candidates pursue certification as well, even though it is not mandatory.

Suppose you are a new medical assistant in the state and would like to become certified for professional opportunities. In that case, the American Association of Medical Assistants offers an amazing credential called the Certified Medical Assistant credential. Those who have this credential are usually more appealing to potential employers.

American medical technologists also have the Registered Medical Assistant credential, which enjoys a similar level of prestige in the field. To be certified by these organizations requires a registration fee and a professional examination. Periodic renewal of the credentials is also a must.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Louisiana

All the entries below are notable for top-class medical assistant training programs in Louisiana.

Explore medical assistant schools in Louisiana by city:

• Medical assistant schools in New Orleans

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a medical assistant in Louisiana is $37,289 if they are among the median earners and $27,977 if they are among the bottom 10%. These positions are usually for those who are just starting and have not yet optimized key factors.

These “key factors” include experience, location, credentials, focus area, and specific employer. After considering all of these factors, medical assistants in the US can earn an annual average salary of $49,700, which is pertinent for the top 10 percent.

The most favorable locations for medical assistants in Louisiana include Covington, with an annual average salary of $41,374; Metairie, with an annual average salary of $40,637; and New Orleans, with an annual average salary of $39,198.

Concerning what the future holds in the next few years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that the employment rate for professionals in the field will increase by 15% and lead to tens of thousands of job openings every year for at least 10 years.