With an aging population, increases in diseases such as obesity and diabetes, and the advance of modern technology, the need for medical assistants is currently increasing. Medical assistant jobs in Michigan provide a varied role ensuring employees will never get bored. If you have good organizational skills, can relate well to others and can multi-task, you could find fulfillment as a medical assistant.
Do I need to train for Medical Assistant Jobs in Michigan?
Although there is no formal need to train, in Michigan medical assistant jobs are very competitive and many do ask for certification. Fortunately, job seekers can obtain a certificate or diploma in one or two years, from one of the many community colleges or vocational schools in Michigan. If you’re near Detroit you could check out the Kaplan Institute, while the Everest Institute has campuses in Dearborn, Detroit, Grand Rapids and South field.
If you do opt for certification, you can expect to receive comprehensive training in anatomy and physiology, diagnostic lab techniques, accounting, keyboard skills, translation, administering drugs, first aid, principles of pharmacology, terminology and bookkeeping. You can also get experience on the job by volunteering or completing an internship.
There are two routes to becoming certified. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) provides a certified medical assistant exam; passing this would qualify you as a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant). Alternatively, you could take the exam provided by the Association of Medical Technologists (AMT), qualifying as an RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) instead. Not only are CMAs and RMAs eligible for many more positions, they can also expect a higher salary.
If you are coming straight from high school, and want to learn your trade on the job, you may be able to find an institution where formal certification is not required, advancing to more skilled positions as you gain in experience.
What will I be doing in my Medical Assistant Jobs in Michigan?
The actual job description of a medical assistant will vary by institution, but will include administrative duties and possibly some clinical tasks as well. In Michigan Medical assistant jobs require employees to greet patients, carry out accounting and billing, fill in insurance forms, organize notes and answer the phone. Clinical duties may include taking vital signs, performing laboratory tests, explaining procedures to patients and preparing them for examinations.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Michigan Opportunities
If you like to work with a small team, look for opportunities in family health centers. If you prefer a busier environment, you could apply for a medical assistant position at a large medical center. At the time of writing, the average starting salary for a medical assistant in Michigan was over $24,000 a year, boosted to over $25,000 a year with certification. If you have other commitments, there are also many part-time medical assistant jobs in Michigan.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Michigan resources