Medical Assistant Schools in Maine

The majority of medical assistants in Maine begin their careers by focusing on theoretical education and then consolidating this with more rigorous training in a clinical establishment. The profession is notable because it allows candidates to get this process over with as quickly as possible and begin to immerse themselves in an actual healthcare environment.

Through this initial experience, medical assistants in Maine will be able to make well-informed decisions about whether to continue growing in the field or pursue more advanced positions in the industry.

The following guide details everything an interested individual must consider to secure a medical assistant job in Maine and thrive.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Maine

The entries below are among the best education providers for future medical assistants in Maine.

Step 1: Having a High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED is usually the fundamental requirement for becoming a medical assistant in Maine. Candidates may even secure on-the-job training opportunities with this alone.

Step 2: Soft & Transferable Skills

Some soft and transferable skills that are valuable to have as a future medical assistant in Maine include:

• Interpersonal skills,
• Critical thinking,
• Communication,
• Problem-solving,
• Analytical thinking,
• Ability to multitask and
• Attention to detail.

Step 3: Training

Proper training for a prospective medical assistant must include two elements: classroom and hands-on training. During the classroom part of the process, they will learn fundamental principles in the classroom.

During the hands-on element, students will demonstrate what they have learned and experience what it is like to work in a proper medical establishment. The best training programs offer both classroom instruction and hands-on training through laboratory sessions and externships.

Some medical assistant training programs offer a certificate or an associate degree, depending on the number of credit courses students must complete to graduate.

Step 4: Job Placement & Career Growth

As discussed further below, candidates can secure job placement as medical assistants in Maine after training, as there are no licensing requirements. They can also specialize in particular establishments such as geriatric, ophthalmology, and office management.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

One of the most helpful things that a medical assistant can do for their careers is to pursue certification. Even though, like licensing, certification is not a must for medical assistants in Maine, the majority of professionals in the field are certified because it gives them more credibility and resources for career growth.

In pursuit of certification, candidates first have to identify a certifying body. There are several amazing options to choose from, including the National Healthcareer Association, the National Center for Competency Testing, the American Medical Technologists, and the American Association of Medical Assistants.

All of these organizations are similar in that they offer applicants a straightforward pathway to becoming certified if they graduate from an accredited program. After qualifying, they can take a professional exam to maintain their certification.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Maine

Residents may consider any of the following high-quality programs to launch their medical assistant careers in Maine.

Explore medical assistant schools in Maine by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

In Maine, the annual average salary of a medical assistant can be as low as $39,829 when they are just starting out or as high as $68,645 when they are finally established in their positions. Of course, experience impacts where candidates fall in the range, but other factors are also worth considering.

A criterion like location, for instance, can never be underestimated. Specific employers, work environments, professional credentials, and even individual skills will also play a role.

For those who fall in the middle of all these factors, the annual average salary to expect is $52,288. Professionals in this medium range are, of course, the most common.

Analyzing the data by location alone reveals that medical assistants in Calais earn the highest relative salary in Maine, with an annual average salary of $65,683.

Other prominent cities are Machias, with an annual average salary of $65,297; South Portland, with an annual average salary of $54,148; and Biddeford, with an annual average salary of $51,718.