Medical Assistant Schools in New York

The world of medicine and allied healthcare continues to expand, and medical assistants are among the most highly demanded positions. New York’s prospects are quite promising regarding demand, annual returns, and career growth opportunities.

The guide below details every step needed to become a successful prospective medical assistant in the state. It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps and covers preparatory measures, educational options and pathways, certification, and licensure, among other topics.

Moreover, candidates will find out how much they can expect to take home at the end of each year and the factors that can help them grow on the job and improve their annual average salaries.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in New York

Candidates looking to become medical assistants in New York should follow the steps below to start their careers on the right path.

Step 1: Complete a Training Program

Technically, the basic requirement to become a medical assistant in New York is a high school diploma or GED. Both can allow candidates to secure learning opportunities under a licensed practitioner willing to provide such training.

However, more commonly, candidates turn to accredited training programs to develop fundamental skills before they receive training in a clinical environment. For their education, candidates may choose to earn a certificate or diploma, in which case they will complete their training in around nine months.

Others may attend associate degree programs that can be completed in 2 months.

Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience

Most training programs allow candidates to gain clinical experience by setting aside time in the curriculum for 200 hours of externship in a supervised environment.

Doing so ensures that candidates stay in the right place when completing their programs and securing job placement.

Notably, students can rely on something other than a training program to gain clinical experience. For instance, those who complete their training online may independently secure further clinical learning opportunities.

Step 3: Securing Job Placement

Lastly, graduates may apply for open positions and start working professionally after training. They may also consider certification for better career opportunities, as highlighted below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

New York, like several other states in the country, does not require medical assistants to receive a license before they start working professionally.

The state also has no certification requirements; employers can ask for this. Medical establishments across the state love working with certified medical assistants.

Furthermore, certification also shows dedication to the field while signaling discipline and a hunger for self-improvement. Currently, the American Association of Medical Assistants offers one of the country’s most widely recognized credentials for medical assistants.

Candidates who pass the association’s certification examination will officially be Certified Medical Assistants (CMA).

Top Medical Assistant Schools in New York

Below are some high-quality medical assistant training programs in New York.

Explore medical assistant schools in New York by city:

• Medical assistant schools in New York City

Salary & Career Outlook

On average, medical assistants in New York earn an annual salary of around $48,760. This is higher than the national average and can be surpassed by established professionals.

At the upper end of the salary spectrum, these medical assistants can earn an annual average salary of up to $60,964. At the lower end, they may take home an annual average salary of around $38,999.

Some factors capable of influencing the annual average salary of medical assistants in New York include experience, location, credentials, and establishment of employment.

Taking location as a focal point, medical assistants in New York City earn the highest average salary in New York at around $50,712 at the end of every year. They are followed by those in Mount Kisco, with an annual average salary of $50,562, and those in Poughkeepsie, with an annual average salary of $49,827.

Queens, with an annual average salary of $49,758, and Bronx, with an annual average salary of $49,399, are also notable mentions.