Individuals interested in becoming successful medical assistants in Vermont must understand the requirements before they begin their journey. This will give them the preparation they need to handle any challenges that may arise.
In the following sections, we provide a detailed analysis of various aspects of these requirements. We start with a brief overview of the fundamental requirements and training options before examining pathways for employment and career opportunities.
After discussing the licensing and certification requirements, the next section analyzes the top training programs. Finally, we provide an overview of possible yearly salary figures for medical assistants in Vermont.
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Vermont
Below is a breakdown of the requirements needed to become a thriving medical assistant in Vermont.
Step 1: Fulfill the Basics Requirements
Even though there are no laws mandating basic education for medical assistants in Vermont, training programs and employers usually have their requirements. Currently, these include a minimum educational qualification of a high school diploma or GED and transferable skills like analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
To become a medical assistant in Vermont, candidates must choose a training institution and complete a program. The following arrangements are usually the most popular.
Academic Training
Academic training is popular for medical assistants as it allows for proper education from an accredited institution. Candidates can also pick up certificates and associate degrees that will not only make employment easier but can also be leveraged to pursue other advanced fields in the healthcare industry.
The exact duration of a candidate’s training will depend on their award category. Certificate programs can be completed in a year or less, while associate degree programs take two years, give or take.
Hands-on Training
For hands-on training, candidates may volunteer in a clinical environment and learn what practicing professionals do. Many training programs also offer externship/internship opportunities for students with local healthcare facilities.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
No law requires candidates to be licensed or certified to start a professional medical assistant career in Vermont. Certification is absolutely based on a candidate’s preference and professional convention.
However, despite this, certification is still a very popular part of the medical assistant career. In fact, nowadays, it has become a disadvantage for candidates not to be certified because they will effectively be competing with certified candidates who are part of a professional organization.
Professionals who have graduated from an accredited training program will be able to pursue certification immediately. They will be expected to pay an exam application fee, pass a certification examination, and complete their registration for membership.
In the future, they will also be expected to renew their credentials either by passing more professional examinations or accruing continuing education credits.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Vermont
The following schools offer top-class training programs for aspiring medical assistants in Vermont.
Vermont State University
Randolph Center, VT Campus + Online
Vermont State University's online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Training Program is an online course that offers a flexible, self-paced schedule.
Tuition
$2,795 - $2,890 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Community College of Vermont
Montpelier, VT Campus Only
Community College of Vermont offers a comprehensive medical assistant training program. The curriculum is consistently updated to meet industry standards and leads to a certificate. Students can apply earned credits toward an Associate Degree in Health Science.
Tuition
$280 - $560 per CreditContact
(800) 228-6686
admissions@ccv.edu
Brattleboro Memorial
Brattleboro, VT Campus + Online
Brattleboro Memorial has a hybrid apprenticeship program for medical assistants, providing hands-on training with highly qualified instructors.
Tuition
$280 - $560 per CreditContact
(802) 254-6370
leigh.marthe@ccv.edu
Explore medical assistant schools in Vermont by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
While the annual average salary of medical assistants in Vermont can be as low as $41,525, this only applies to those who are among the bottom 10%. The majority of professionals in this field in the state will earn an annual average salary of $53,031.
Ultimately, the annual average income for those in the top 10% category can be as high as $67,725. Candidates typically achieve this level by focusing on their experience level, credentials, work environment, and even their specific location in the state.
With the last factor as the focus point, data shows that Springfield, Burlington, and Berlin have the highest annual average salary figures for medical assistants in Vermont. Those who work here manage $60,058, $57,612, and $53,840, respectively; at the end of each year, these assistants earn $60,058, $57,612, and $53,840, respectively.
Medical assistants in Bennington and Middlebury are also part of the top five highest-paying locations, with annual average salaries of $52,064 and $52,058, respectively.