How to Become a Medical Assistant in Louisiana

Medical assistants work alongside medical professionals such as doctors and nurses in a variety of health care settings. On a given day, and throughout an individual’s career, most medical assistants will gain experience doing a variety of tasks and procedures. In almost every case, their main goal is helping health care professionals with patient care and management. [Leer en español]

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Medical assistants may work in both public and private health care settings, performing administrative duties, lab duties, monitoring, scheduling, coordinating, informing, assessing and general caretaking. Some duties may require specific training. More specifically, job duties may include:

  • Patient record management
  • Appointments and follow-upcalls
  • Lab services
  • Managing insurance-related documents
  • Prepping for patient examinations
  • Using specialized equipment
  • Teaching patients about care options
  • Taking vitals

The extent of their duties often depends on the size, location and type of health care environment they work in. Experienced certified medical assistants may choose a career in a specialty area or may choose to move into higher level medical or administrative roles.

Medical assistant jobs are expected to be on the rise well into the future, primarily because of the aging population. Those considering a career in this fast-paced and varied field will find promising projections for training and career growth throughout the U.S., where, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is expected to increase by 6 percent between 2020 and 2030.

Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Louisiana

There are no formal requirements for becoming a medical assistant in the state of Louisiana; however, most institutions prefer to have proof of post-secondary education as well as practical experience. In addition, you must be at least 18 years of age to practice.

In addition to being technically qualified, those considering a career as a medical assistant should be aware of the communication, technical and interpersonal skills required for the job. Deep listening skills, empathy, speaking clearly and reading accurately are all essential to fulfill day-to-day tasks. Medical assistants should also be detail-oriented and technologically adept.

Medical Assistant Classes and Educational Programs in Louisiana

Though it is not required, medical assistants should have post-secondary training, which may range from a few months to two years. Certificate and diploma programs are readily available at local colleges and trade schools.

Online education is available as well, but due to the hands-on nature of the medical assistant’s job, students should consider going into a program that offers in-person experience, such as a practicum, specifically if they are working toward patient care (rather than office administration).

Here are a few schools that offer medical assistant diplomas and certificates in Louisiana:

  • Medical Assistant Certificate Program from the Eastern College of Health Vocations. This is a private college located in both Shreveport and New Orleans. Classes are flexible, and an externship is available. The program is 10 months, and after successful completion students will be accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
  • Remington College’s Medical Assistant Certifications come with hands-on training in the heart of Louisiana, with a strong community focus. At Remington, students may either get a one-year Medical Assistant Diploma or a two-year Associate’s Degree in Clinical Medical Assisting, after which they may receive accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant

To apply to be a certified medical assistant, one must first meet the specific eligibility criteria of the accrediting institution, choose a specialization and schedule the exam. There are a few certification methods, and students should ensure that they are taking the appropriate course of training before they enroll in school.

The main two certifications are Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), which may be acquired via the American Association of Medical Assistants and the American Medical Technologists, respectively. Other certifications are available and may be acquired depending on a student’s background and experience. All certifications require ongoing updating and upgrades, so it’s important that all professionals are clear on what is needed to stay current.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Louisiana

The demand for medical assistants in Louisiana, as in the rest of the United States, is influenced by advancements in medical technology and an increasing need for healthcare services. While the national growth rate for medical assistants stands at 29%, Louisiana expects a growth of 18% from 2020 to 2030. As of 2022, medical assistants in Louisiana earn an average annual salary of $31,150, with the starting salaries at $22,580 and the top earners making up to $40,760 annually.

National vs. Louisiana Salaries for Medical Assistants

Location Average Salary Low (10%) High (90%)
United States $38,270 $30,390 $51,710
Louisiana $31,150 $22,580 $40,760

Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Louisiana

Region Low (10%) Median High (90%)

Baton Rouge, LA

$24,850 $32,350 $42,000
New Orleans-Metairie, LA $27,510 $31,990 $39,180
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA $24,900 $30,400 $38,640

Medical Assistant Trends in Louisiana

In 2020, Louisiana employed 8,520 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 9,000 by 2030, marking a 6% increase in employment within this period. Although this growth rate is lower than the national average of 14% from 2022 to 2032, it still signifies a positive trend in the healthcare sector in Louisiana. Annually, Louisiana is expected to have 1,060 job openings for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030, which includes openings due to growth and replacements for vacated positions. This data underscores the consistent demand for medical assistants in Louisiana, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state.

Employment Trends

 
Indicator 2020 2030 Projected Growth Annual Openings
Employment 8,520 9,000 6% 1,060

Sources of data:

  1. Louisiana Data: The employment figures and projections for Louisiana 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.
  2. 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 Louisiana

Medical assistants typically work in high-pressure environments that require a high level of compassion and diplomacy. Though it can be challenging, there is great variety for qualified workers, both in entry-level positions and with regards to choosing specific career paths.

Medical assisting is an exciting, fast-paced and varied job, which offers the opportunity for ongoing career development in many directions. If you love helping the public, can balance empathy with diplomacy and you have technological or analytical skills, this could be the career for you.

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FAQs

How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Louisiana?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Louisiana made an average of $29,470 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $22,640 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $38,000.

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