As a profession, medical assistants can help candidates settle into the healthcare industry as smoothly as possible. They can also perform administrative and clinical functions that help them understand how the industry works and decide whether to pursue more advanced disciplines.
The steps to becoming a successful medical assistant in Nevada all begin with comprehensive training. Below, we analyze everything interested candidates need to know about this field and how they can improve their career prospects.
Readers will also find helpful information like the best training programs and projected earnings depending on key criteria.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Nevada
The following is a step-by-step breakdown of how to launch a medical assistant career in Nevada.
Foundational Qualifications
A few foundational qualifications offer candidates an edge in starting medical assistant careers in Nevada. These include transferable skills like communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as well as a high school diploma or GED for admission into a training program.
Classroom & Hands-On Training
Aspiring medical assistants must have a solid foundation in key classroom topics and experience applying this knowledge in the real world.
For the first part, candidates typically attend academic institutions offering medical assistant programs. Examples of the top options have been provided in an upcoming list.
Many training programs usually allow candidates to study further in the real world through externships. Those who are willing may also participate in volunteer work to learn how to become medical assistants in a functional clinical environment.
Employment
Employment is next after proper training. Medical assistants in Nevada can secure employment in specific physicians’ offices that align with their specialty focus. Additionally, they can work in general-purpose establishments like clinics and hospitals.
Certification can help medical assistants with networking and other career opportunities, as we will see below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Licensing and certification are not compulsory for medical assistants in Nevada, as the state leaves the prerogative to training programs and possible employers. Employers prefer working with candidates who are certified, as it shows dedication to the craft along with skills verification.
Candidates are expected to take the time to choose the right certifying organization, as there are a few top choices to consider. These include the National Healthcareer Association, the American Association of Medical Assistants, and the American Medical Technologists.
One thing that the majority of these institutions have in common is that candidates must have graduated from an accredited program to qualify for certification. They all also have professional examinations that applicants must enter by paying an application fee and attaining a passing score. Credentials must also be maintained continually through continuing education.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Nevada
Future medical assistants in Nevada may consider receiving their training from any of the destinations below.
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV Campus + Online
College of Southern Nevada is a premier destination for medical assistant training in Nevada. The program boasts a remarkable history, including a 100% pass rate in certification exams and a 100% job placement rate for graduates, making it a top choice among alternatives.
Tuition
$123 - $223 per CreditContact
(702) 651-5885
HealthPrograms@csn.edu
Nevada Career Institute
Las Vegas, NV Campus Only
Nevada Career Institute's Medical Assisting Certificate Program at Nevada Career Institute is designed to prepare quickly and effectively for entry-level medical assistant roles.
Tuition
$16,845 per YearContact
(702) 209-0030
admissions@nsuccess.edu
Northwest Career College
Las Vegas, NV Campus + Online
Northwest Career College offers a comprehensive nine-month medical assistant program that combines online and on-campus classes.
Tuition
$15,499 per ProgramContact
(702) 389-7269
info@abhes.org
Explore medical assistant schools in Nevada by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The best places to work as a medical assistant in Nevada are based on the annual average income in Gardnerville. Data revealed by the employment statistics platform Indeed.com shows that professionals here earn an average annual salary of $52,451.
Candidates who are particular about high-paying destinations in the state may also consider Sparks, where medical assistants make an average annual salary of $48,485; Yerington, where they make an average annual salary of $48,105; and Carson City, where they can make an average annual salary of around $47,029.
Without analyzing specific locations, medical assistants in Nevada can expect to earn an annual average salary of around $34,326 – $45,301 to start their careers. These are the figures for the low-level and median-level earners, respectively.
With factors like experience, location, and credentials on their side, they can improve to an annual average salary of $59,785—good enough to be among the top 10 percent.
Factors like specialty focus, work environment, and specific establishment of employment also play key roles.