How to Become a Medical Assistant in Alaska
Medical assistants in the U.S. are and will continue to be, in high demand for the next several years. More care facilities, specialty clinics, ambulatory needs, and generally a greater need for care assistants have put medical assisting on the map as one of the most in-demand jobs, with a projected national growth of 16 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). [Leer en español]
Typically, medical assistants are responsible for assisting, administering, tracking, and coordinating patient care. Depending on their background, training, and the setting in which they work, their duties may be specified to a set of highly specialized tasks such as managing lab samples, or they may be assigned a more general workload that includes administrative duties, scheduling, and patient records.
Medical assistants almost always work closely with patients, informing, tracking, scheduling, monitoring, and more.
Medical assistants work in administrative and medical settings of all kinds. They may work in clinics, labs, wellness centers, senior centers, specialty medical centers, outpatient settings, and emergency care, to name just a few examples.
Requirements for Becoming an Alaska Medical Assistant
Though not officially required by the state, formal training (a diploma or degree) and education to be a medical assistant are typically preferred. Colleges, universities, and trade schools often offer accredited programs, which vary from a few months to two years. Coursework for specific degrees will likely be similar among institutions.
Before enrolling in a program, make sure that it is accredited by one of the two main accreditation bodies, either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Many institutions offer practicums to help students gain experience in the field. Having experience before you graduate will typically put you steps ahead of your less-experienced competitors.
Medical Assistant Classes and Educational Programs in Alaska
As a state, Alaska differs from many others due to its unique mix of rural and urban health care. Many rural areas are underserved and offer plenty of well-paying opportunities. The costs of extensive training programs are typically in the range of $30,000 – $40,000.
Following is a sample of medical assistant programs from recognized medical assistant schools in Alaska:
Diploma in Medical Assisting from Charter College
If you are centered in or near Anchorage, you may choose to follow this route, which is a year-long program with a foundation in technical and business skills. This is a good option for those just going into the field. A 180-hour externship (practicum) is available. Graduating students are eligible for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, which takes approximately one and a half years to complete. There are two halves to this program—the first is clinical and the second is admin. Graduates can take the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) exam.
Alaska Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant
To get certified as a medical assistant in Alaska, you can follow the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) training from the American Association of Medical Assistants, or you may become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) via the American Medical Technologists.
Depending on your background, it may be more suitable to follow the path of becoming a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing. Lastly, you may choose to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association.
It’s also important to note that each certification body requires different processes to keep memberships and certifications updated.
Certified Medical Assistant Certification In Alaska
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the CMA certification, which is the most widely accepted medical assistant credential in Alaska. To become certified and maintain your certification, you must complete certain educational requirements and have passed a certification exam.
To be eligible for CMA certification, candidates need to meet the following requirements:
• Have received a certificate, diploma, or degree from an accredited medical assistant program
• Fulfill the practical experience requirement of a minimum of five years as an unlicensed medical assistant
• Submit to and pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam
For more information on how to become a Certified Medical Assistant in Alaska, visit the AAMA website.
It’s important to remember that certification is only one part of becoming a medical assistant. To best prepare for your career, you should also take additional courses such as first aid and CPR, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical billing, and other healthcare-related topics. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your new career. Having a certification can also give you an edge over other medical assistants, as it demonstrates your competencies and abilities, which typically put you steps ahead of your less-experienced competitors.
By obtaining a certification in medical assisting, you will be well on your way to pursuing a successful and rewarding career in the medical field. With the right certification, experience, and education, you can become a sought-after medical assistant in Alaska.
Registered Medical Assistant Certification In Alaska
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) provides Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification training, which is also a widely accepted credential in Alaska. To become certified and maintain your certification, you must complete certain educational requirements and have passed a certification exam.
To be eligible for RMA certification, candidates need to meet the following requirements:
• Have received a certificate, diploma, or degree from an accredited medical assistant program
• Fulfill the practical experience requirement of a minimum of six months as an unlicensed medical assistant
• Submit to and pass the RMA Certification
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Certification In Alaska
The National Health career Association (NHA) offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification, which is another widely accepted medical assistant credential in Alaska. To become certified and maintain your certification, you must complete certain educational requirements and have passed a certification exam.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Alaska
Medical assistants in Alaska continue to be among the highest-paid in the United States. As of 2022, the average annual salary for medical assistants in Alaska is $47,350, with the top 10% earning $59,110 or more. This is a significant increase from the previously reported mean annual salary of $47,400 in 2020. The job market for medical assistants in Alaska remains robust, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location within the state.
Nationally, medical assistants earn an average annual salary of $38,270, with the top 10% earning $51,710 or more. The salary in Alaska is notably higher than the national average, reflecting the state’s demand for medical professionals and the cost of living.
Salary Comparison – National vs. Alaska
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Low (10%) | $30,390 | $38,580 |
| Annual Median (50%) | $38,270 | $47,350 |
| Annual High (90%) | $51,710 | $59,110 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Alaska
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $38,600 | $47,260 | $58,880 |
| Fairbanks, AK | $39,500 | $47,170 | $59,130 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Alaska
The employment outlook for medical assistants in Alaska shows a steady growth trend. In 2020, there were 1,760 medical assistants employed in the state. This number is projected to increase to 2,020 by 2030, indicating a 15% growth in employment. This growth rate is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy job market for medical assistants in Alaska.
Nationally, the 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 | Alaska (2020-2030) | United States (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Employment | 1,760 employees (2020) | 764,400 employees (2022) |
| Projected Employment | 2,020 employees (2030) | 870,200 employees (2032) |
| Projected Growth | 15% | 14% (Much faster than average) |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 240 | 114,600 |
Sources of data:
- Alaska Data: The employment figures and projections for Alaska 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 Alaska
The demand for this role is expected to remain higher than the national average for other jobs, and demand and job opportunities are both comparatively high in the state of Alaska.
In almost all cases, medical assistants are directly supervised by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. However, there are always possibilities to advance leadership and specialization skills to move into supervisory roles.
Alaska is a state with diverse and unique needs, and healthcare demands will continue to increase in every aspect. This means that opportunities for medical assistants will continue to be vast and varied. Those looking to pursue this dynamic and practical profession will need to be aware of ongoing training and recertification requirements as they pursue their career.
