Medical Assistant in California
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in California, you’re in luck. The demand for medical assistants in California is on the rise, with a projected job growth rate of 19% from 2019 to 2029.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to become a medical assistant in California, as well as the average salary you can expect to earn.
Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements In California, medical assistants are not required to hold a license or certification, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assisting program. There are several community colleges, vocational schools, and universities in California that offer medical assisting programs. These programs typically take 9-12 months to complete and include coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical billing and coding, and clinical procedures.
Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience After completing a medical assisting program, it’s important to gain clinical experience.
Many medical assisting programs include a clinical externship, which provides hands-on experience in a medical setting. You can also gain experience by volunteering or working as a medical assistant in a clinic or hospital.
Step 3: Obtain Certification While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in California, it can increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
The most widely recognized certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To become a CMA, you must complete a medical assisting program and pass an exam.
Step 4: Find a Job Once you have completed your education and gained clinical experience, it’s time to start your job search. You can search for medical assistant positions on job boards, such as Indeed or Monster, or by networking with professionals in the medical field.
Average Salary for Medical Assistants in California According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for medical assistants in California is $38,920 as of May 2020.
The salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. Medical assistants in California can also earn additional income by obtaining certification and working in specialized fields, such as dermatology or cardiology.
In conclusion, becoming a medical assistant in California requires completing a medical assisting program, gaining clinical experience, and obtaining certification. While certification is not required, it can increase your job opportunities and earning potential. The average salary for medical assistants in California is competitive, and the job outlook is favorable. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant, California is a great place to start.
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