There are several reasons for the continued increase in demand for medical assistants in Nebraska and across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many job openings in the community result from the aging baby boomer population and the need to replace retiring workers and those who branch out into other complex healthcare disciplines.
Of course, this is one of the reasons it is advisable to become a medical assistant in Nebraska—it provides candidates with the opportunity to settle in nicely before pursuing bigger roles in healthcare. The following sections analyze everything that residents of the state need to know to achieve these objectives successfully.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Nebraska
These are the steps needed to become a medical assistant in Nebraska.
High School Education
High school education is usually the most fundamental educational qualification for becoming a medical assistant. Depending on the training destination, candidates may also be expected to be at least 16 or 18 years old on their first day of class.
Attending an Academic Program
Attending an academic program is not an absolute must to become a medical assistant in Nebraska. However, there are several important reasons why applicants tend to gravitate toward academic programs, including the opportunity to earn a certificate or an associate degree.
Of course, individuals who complete an academic program (particularly one accredited by a prominent organization like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Healthcare Programs) will enjoy the straightforward opportunity to earn professional credentials and improve their careers as they grow.
Employment & Specialization
Securing employment and choosing an area of specialty is next as a well-trained medical assistant. Choosing a specialty area is not compulsory, but it can help candidates maintain their focus either by going for a specific work environment or choosing either a clinical or administrative focus.
To boost their chances further and solidify their specialty positions, candidates may consider certification following the approach highlighted below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Although technically not compulsory, certification as a medical assistant offers several benefits, so it is quite common for candidates to choose to obtain certification as early as possible in their careers.
The National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential, for example, allows cavities to specialize in a clinical area. The organization also offers the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant credential.
For a general-purpose credential that is highly rated across multiple institutions in the country, candidates may go for the Certified Medical Assistant credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Registered Medical Assistant credential from the American Medical Technologists.
Graduation from an accredited institution always directly qualifies candidates for certification exams. Candidates are also expected to continue to renew their credentials by earning continuing education credits.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Nebraska
The following programs are perfect for aspiring medical assistants in Nebraska.
Metropolitan Community College
South Omaha, NE Campus Only
Metropolitan Community College offers a comprehensive medical assistant program that culminates in an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Tuition
$70 - $105 per CreditContact
(531) 622-4726
MedicalAssisting@mccneb.edu
Nebraska Methodist College
Omaha, NE Campus + Online
The Medical Assisting Diploma Program at Nebraska Methodist College is a top-tier choice for aspiring medical assistants in Nebraska.
Tuition
$623 per CreditContact
(402) 354-7100
pd@methodistcollege.edu
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE Campus Only
Central Community College offers flexible pathways for medical assistant training, leading to either a certificate or an associate degree. The program, located on the Grand Island campus, boasts strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, enhancing job placement opportunities.
Tuition
$112 - $160 per CreditContact
(308) 398-7901
admissions@cccneb.edu
Explore medical assistant schools in Nebraska by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
In Nebraska, a medical assistant can earn between $10 and $10, depending on several factors. These include experience level, the specific location in the state, specialty, work environment, and the specific establishment of employment.
In general, medical assistants just getting started in the state may fall among the bottom 10% of earners, managing an annual average salary of $35,681. They may also fall among the median earners, whose annual average salary is $47,045.
Ultimately, anyone can increase their earnings to be among the top 10 percent, whose annual average salary is $62,028.
Based on annual average income alone, Lexington is the best place to work as a medical assistant in Nebraska. The city has an average annual salary of $56,225. Other prominent places are Kearney, with an average annual salary of $50,793; Fremont, with an average annual salary of $49,697; and Papillion, with an average annual salary of $48,039.
Medical assistants in Omaha manage an annual average salary of $46,471.