Now is a wonderful time to start a career as a medical assistant. The discipline is in great demand and is expected to grow over the next decade.
Candidates in Texas will especially be glad to know that the state is one of the most favorable for this occupation. In the guide below, we have carefully outlined all the steps needed to become a successful medical assistant in Texas.
We break down the entire procedure into concise steps, exploring the preparatory considerations, the educational requirements, certification possibilities, and more.
Candidates will also discover the annual average salary for fresh medical assistants in Texas and how much they can expect to earn when they acquire more experience on the job.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Texas
The following are the steps involved in becoming a medical assistant in Texas.
Step 1: Basic Preparation
Texas has one of the most liberal requirements for aspiring medical assistants. The state, for example, requires only a high school diploma or GED for candidates to get started on the job.
Students may give themselves by developing organization, detail orientation, and teamwork skills.
Step 2: Applying for Training
Aspiring medical assistants in Texas must receive training from an accredited school. Their school and training arrangement will depend on individual factors, including availability, lifestyle, and finances.
For instance, candidates often choose certificate or diploma programs that can be completed in 6 to 9 months. These programs typically help candidates secure entry-level employment as quickly as possible.
They also offer part-time arrangements that may add a few more months to the total time but give candidates more flexibility to manage prior commitments.
Still, candidates may also pursue online programs for even more flexibility regarding training arrangements.
Step 3: Real-World Experience
Most medical assistant training programs also provide real-world experience through an externship. During this time, candidates can practice what they have been taught and get a feel for working in a real medical environment.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Like in most states, Texas medical assistants are not legally required to become certified. However, there is no denying that certified medical assistants are favored over those not certified when it’s time for employment and career growth.
For this reason, more medical assistants in the state choose to become certified than not. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers a highly rated Certified Medical Assistant credential in Texas and nationwide.
The American Medical Certificate Association, the American Medical Technologists, and the Multi-skilled Medical Certification Institute, Inc. also offer nationally recognized credentials.
Candidates with these credentials should be prepared to pass the relevant examination and continue to maintain their credentials through continuing education.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Texas
Candidates may consider some of the programs below for their medical assisting training in Texas.
The College of Healthcare Professions
Dallas, TX Campus + Online
The College of Healthcare Professions training program for future medical assistants in Texas contains both clerical and clinical training.
Tuition
$16,950 - $17,950 per ProgramContact
(800) 487-6728
info@chcp.edu
Concorde Career College
Dallas, TX Campus + Online
Concorde Career College offers a 26-credit training program for aspiring medical assistants in Texas. Students will learn various topics, including anatomy and physiology, physiology, medical health recording, and laboratory procedures.
Tuition
$18,750 per ProgramContact
(800) 693-7010
Peloton College
Dallas, TX Campus + Online
Lastly, candidates may consider Peloton College and its 36-week training program to begin their medical assistant careers in Texas.
Tuition
Avg. $14,675 per yearContact
(214) 777-6433
ssims@pelotoncollege.edu
Explore medical assistant schools in Texas by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A fresh medical assistant in Texas may earn an annual average salary between $30,410 and $41,144. The first figure pertains to the lowest-paid in the state (usually the bottom 10%), while the second figure is relevant to the average earners in the midpoint.
This, of course, hints that it is possible to get even higher than these figures and be, for example, among the highest-paid in the top 10% earning an annual average salary of $55,666.
Achieving this may take time and optimization of a few factors, including location and place of employment.
Generally, the highest-paying cities for medical assistants in Texas include Austin, where these professionals earn an annual average salary of $46,636, and Dallas, where they earn an annual average salary of $44,357.
Other notable destinations for medical assistants in the state include Fort Worth, with an annual average salary of $43,089; Houston, with an annual average salary of $42,409; and San Antonio, with an annual average salary of $40,882.