Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio

In Ohio, medical assistants make a clinic or hospital run smoothly by providing valuable help to other professionals in the workspace. They also help patients and their families, sometimes as the connection between them and the establishment.

The profession is a wonderful choice for Ohio residents who want to secure employment in the allied health industry, maybe even working their way up the field. Below, we have outlined everything individuals need to know to start their journeys on the best path.

Furthermore, we examine other key considerations, including the best training programs and the expected annual average salary.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Ohio

Below are the major requirements for becoming a medical assistant in Ohio.

Step 1: Basic Preparation

In preparation for their training and subsequent careers as medical assistants, candidates in Ohio must work on their communication, attention to detail, empathy, and teamwork. They will also have a better chance if they already have a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: Medical Assistant Training Program

Most employers of medical assistants in Ohio prefer to work with candidates who are already trained instead of those they’ll have to train from the basics. For this reason, it is common for individuals to attend medical assistant training programs before securing entry-level employment.

They may pursue fast-tracked diploma or certificate programs, but employers are gravitating toward candidates with an associate degree.

Candidates should also choose programs with the right accreditation. The Ohio Department of Education’s Board of Career Colleges and Schools approves medical training programs in the state.

The programs we list later on the page meet this requirement.

Step 3: Hands-On Training

Lastly, aspiring medical assistants in Ohio must receive hands-on training before they secure employment. Most people achieve this by participating in an internship.

During this time, they will work under established supervisors to learn how to carry out their duties in a clinical environment. Some may also leverage their time receiving hands-on training to secure permanent entry-level positions.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an electrician in Ohio

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Technically, candidates who have completed an approved medical assistant training program can start working professionally in Ohio. However, candidates are usually advised to pursue certification to boost their careers.

The following organizations provide some of the best credentials for candidates to consider:

• The American Association of Medical Assistants — offers a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential.
• The American Medical Technologists — offers a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.
• The National Center for Competency Testing — offers a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential.
• The National Healthcareer Association — offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential.

Candidates must be ready to pass the relevant examinations in each category. They must also be prepared to renew their credentials periodically by passing the exam again or completing the required continuing education hours.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio

The following programs are among Ohio’s best options for aspiring medical assistants.

Explore medical assistant schools in Ohio by city:

• Medical assistant schools in Columbus

Salary & Career Outlook

A medical assistant in Ohio just starting their career may start with an annual average salary of around $33,066. Of course, this figure pertains to the lowest-paid in the state, but candidates usually move higher on the spectrum.

The next category belongs to the mid-point earners in the state, taking home an annual average salary of $44,645, in the highest-paid category, which is also the top 10% category, medical assistants in Ohio take home an annual average salary of $60,279.

Some notable factors that candidates may leverage to secure higher pay as medical assistants in the state include experience, credentials, location, and establishment of employment.

The highest-paying cities for medical assistants in Ohio include Cincinnati, with an annual average salary of $63,627; Wintersville, with an annual average salary of $45,736; and Columbus, with an annual average salary of $43,895.

Akron and Westlake also deserve a mention, with annual average salaries of $43,598 and $42,484, respectively.