Becoming a Medical Assistant in Minnesota
A Medical Assistant is often the first person patients encounter at hospitals, doctors’ offices and clinics. As the people who schedule appointments, arrange billing, assist with insurance forms, weigh patients, take blood pressure measurements and administer many medications, medical assistants have the opportunity to use both their analytical and people skills to make patients comfortable while working in a vital caregiving profession. [Leer en español]
Requirements for Working as a Medical Assistant in Minnesota
While medical assistants are not required to obtain a certificate under Minnesota law, applicants will find many Minnesota employers require a certificate. Both the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certifications are recognized in Minnesota, but because the Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants is affiliated with the American Association of Medical Assistants, CMA certification is the most widely recognized qualification in the state. Once you’ve graduated from a CAAHEP– or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program, you can apply to take the CMA exam.
Minnesota Schools for Medical Assistants
Studying to become a medical assistant at an accredited school is the best route to achieving CMA certification, which is more widely recognized in Minnesota than RMAs. High school graduates or GED-equivalent applicants should ensure their communications and math skills are at least average.
Looking fora school that offers an externship may be a smart move, as it gives a potential employer a chance to evaluate both your skills and your work ethic, and may lead to employment right out of school. Whether you choose a year-long certificate program or an associate’s degree, becoming a medical assistant should provide you with both career flexibility and mobility as well as a great deal of satisfaction.
- Lake Superior College, Duluth. LSC’s one-year program delivers coursework in communication, anatomy and physiology, medical office, laboratory and clinical skills, with a short internship at the end of the program. It’s designed to prepare students not only for work in clinics, hospitals and doctors’ offices, but also for national CMA certification. The hands-on clinical experience acquired in this program should give students an advantage after graduation.
- Minneapolis Business College, Roseville. This program spans two-and-a-half semesters and includes an extensive, eight-week externship. It can be completed in 10 to 16 months. The college provides individualized access to faculty committed to helping students succeed. MBC offers both a Medical Assistant Diploma Program and a Medical Assistant A.A.S. Program, both of which boast five-year placement rates in excess of 80 percent.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The demand for medical assistants in Minnesota is on a significant upward trend, reflecting the broader national need for healthcare services as the U.S. population ages. With a robust growth projection and competitive wages, Minnesota offers promising opportunities for individuals pursuing careers as medical assistants. As of 2022, medical assistants in Minnesota earn an average annual salary of $47,680, which is notably higher than the national average, making it an attractive state for professionals in this field.
National vs. Minnesota Salaries for Medical Assistants
| Location | Average Salary | Low (10%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,270 | $30,390 | $51,710 |
| Minnesota | $47,680 | $37,380 | $55,890 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Minnesota
| Region | Low (10%) | Median | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $38,350 | $48,850 | $56,780 |
| Rochester, MN | $46,610 | $47,680 | $55,780 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $37,130 | $43,470 | $51,400 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Minnesota
In 2020, Minnesota employed 9,320 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 10,820 by 2030, marking a 16% increase in employment within this period. This growth rate is slightly higher than the national average growth rate for medical assistants, which is projected at 14% from 2022 to 2032. Annually, Minnesota is expected to have 1,320 job openings for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030, which includes openings due to growth and replacements for vacated positions. This data underscores the strong demand for medical assistants in Minnesota, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state and the nation.
Employment Trends
| Indicator | 2020 | 2030 | Projected Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 9,320 | 10,820 | 16% | 1,320 |
Sources of data:
- Minnesota Data: The employment figures and projections for Minnesota 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 Minnesota
While the majority of jobs for medical assistants will naturally be found in the largest urban centers of St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester or Bloomington, Minnesota, work is available throughout the state in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and doctors’ offices. You can qualify as a medical assistant in a year or year and a half, and be assured of ongoing, varied work anywhere in Minnesota.
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FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Minnesota?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Minnesota made an average of $46,920 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $36,590 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $48,510.
