How to Become a Medical Assistant in Arkansas
Medical assistants may be responsible for greeting patients when they enter a hospital or clinic, as well as keeping track of appointments, medical histories and other important records. They perform functions related to administration along with clinical duties to assist doctors and other healthcare professionals. Medical assistants must be good communicators and pay close attention to detail in order to excel at their jobs.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Arkansas
Aspiring medical assistants in Arkansas should be aware that there are currently no state laws in place requiring them to complete post-secondary education programs before finding employment.
When seeking employment, however, it is important to keep in mind that certain employers will require applicants to have credentials in this field, in addition to a high school diploma or GED. Doing your research beforehand will allow you to decide to complete a medical assistant training program and earn certification to land the position you desire.
Medical Assisting Programs in Arkansas
Earning certification may require you to complete a medical assistant training program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Consider the medical assistant program options listed below:
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University is located in the city of Russellville. The school offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting, which can be completed in two years. This program is accredited by the CAAHEP.
Eastern College of Health Vocations
Eastern College of Health Vocations is located in the city of Little Rock. The school offers a Certificate of Completion in medical assisting, which can be completed in one year or less. Graduates of this program will sit for a national exam upon completion.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Arkansas
There are four different types of certifications you can earn as a medical assistant. The two certifications that are most popular among employers of medical assistants are Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Other options include National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). Each of these certifications is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Each exam has its own set of requirements. Typically, these requirements include successful completion of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assistant training program, professional experience within the medical field, or a combination of education and experience.
Certified Medical Assistant Certification in Arkansas
Aspiring medical assistants in Arkansas may opt to obtain Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification. CMAs must pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA-AAMA). This is a computer-administered exam that consists of 200 questions and requires applicants to have an understanding of general patient care, anatomy and physiology, instrumentation, electronic medical records management, and laboratory procedures.
Applicants must have completed an accredited medical assistant training program to become eligible for the exam. Any applicant with more than five years of professional experience as a medical assistant may also qualify to sit for the exam.
Once applicants pass the CMA-AAMA exam, they will earn CMA (AAMA) certification and must renew their certification every 60 months by completing continuing education credits and recertifying. CMAs who do not pass the exam will have to wait 12 months before retaking the exam.
Registered Medical Assistant Certification in Arkansas
The second most popular certification among medical assistants is Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
The exam for RMA certification is called the Registered Medical Assistant Exam (RMA-AMT). This is a computer-administered, multiple-choice exam with 170 questions. The exam covers topics such as medical office administration, phlebotomy, pharmacology, and emergency procedures. Applicants must have completed an accredited medical assistant training program and meet the prerequisites for RMA certification to take the exam.
Once applicants pass the RMA-AMT exam, they will earn RMA (AMT) certification and must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits and recertifying. Those who do not pass the exam will have to wait 12 months before retaking the exam.
Both of these certifications will be recognized by employers in Arkansas and throughout the country, making them excellent options for those seeking a career as a medical assistant.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification in Arkansas
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification (CCMA) is also available for medical assistants in Arkansas. The exam for this certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as patient care, anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, laboratory procedures, and electronic medical records management.
Applicants must have completed an accredited medical assistant training program and meet the prerequisites for CCMA certification to take the exam. Once applicants pass the exam, they will earn CCMA (NHA) certification and must renew their certification every 60 months by completing continuing education credits and recertifying. Those who do not pass the exam will have to wait 12 months before retaking the exam.
CCMA certification is an excellent option for medical assistants who want to advance their careers and demonstrate their knowledge and dedication to their profession. It is also recognized by employers in Arkansas and throughout the country, making it a great choice for those seeking a successful career as a medical assistant.
National Certified Medical Assistant Certification in Arkansas
The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification is another option available to medical assistants in Arkansas. The exam for this certification is administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient care, anatomy, and physiology, instrumentation, laboratory procedures, and electronic medical records management.
Applicants must have completed an accredited medical assistant training program and meet the prerequisites for NCMA certification to take the exam. Once applicants pass the exam, they will earn NCMA (NCCT) certification and must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education credits and recertifying. Those who do not pass the exam will have to wait 12 months before retaking the exam.
NCMA certification is a great option for medical assistants who want to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the profession and advance their careers. It is also recognized by employers in Arkansas and throughout the country, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a successful career as a medical assistant.
Having the right certification is essential for those seeking a career in medical assisting in Arkansas. With the various certifications available, applicants can choose the one that best suits their needs and interests.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Arkansas
According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2022, medical assistants in Arkansas have an average annual salary of $32,970. This is a notable increase from the previously reported average hourly wage of $14.41, equivalent to $29,970 per year. The top 10 percent of medical assistants in Arkansas now earn $39,650 or more annually.
Comparatively, the national average annual salary for medical assistants is $38,270, with the top 10 percent earning $51,710 or more. This data highlights the salary differences between Arkansas and the national averages in this field.
Salary Comparison – National vs. Arkansas
| United States | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Low (10%) | $30,390 | $28,380 |
| Annual Median (50%) | $38,270 | $32,970 |
| Annual High (90%) | $51,710 | $39,650 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Arkansas
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $29,480 | $34,090 | $42,560 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $30,000 | $35,710 | $45,820 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Arkansas
The employment outlook for medical assistants in Arkansas shows a positive trend. In 2020, there were 3,620 medical assistants employed in the state. This number is projected to grow to 4,250 by 2030, indicating a 17% increase in employment. This growth rate suggests a healthy job market for medical assistants in Arkansas over the next decade.
In comparison, the national employment figures for medical assistants were 764,400 in 2022, with a projected increase to 870,200 by 2032. This represents a 14% growth at the national level, which is characterized as “much faster than average.” The projected annual job openings nationally, from 2022 to 2032, are estimated to be 114,600.
Employment Trends
| Category | Arkansas (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Employment | 3,620 employees (2020) | 764,400 employees (2022) |
| Projected Employment | 4,250 employees (2030) | 870,200 employees (2032) |
| Projected Growth | 17% | 14% (Much faster than average) |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 520 | 114,600 |
Sources of data:
- Arkansas Data: The employment figures and projections for Arkansas are sourced from Projections Central, specifically their 2020-2030 long-term projections. Projections Central specializes in state-level employment projections, providing detailed insights into various occupations.
- United States Data: The national employment statistics and projections are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), particularly their 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Medical Assistant in Arkansas
In Arkansas, some of the highest-paid medical assistants can be found working in cities like Bexar, Camp, and Gamaliel.
You can expect to find employment in healthcare clinics, hospitals, and physicians’ offices. Depending on where you choose to work, your responsibilities may consist of more administrative tasks or working directly with patients. If you’re passionate about healthcare and enjoy working with people, this may be an ideal career for you.
Popular Medical Assistant Schools in Arkansas
FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Arkansas?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Arkansas made an average of $29,970 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $24,680 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $37,990.
