Medical assistants may need to work directly with patients by greeting them, scheduling their appointments or taking their vitals before they see a doctor. Additionally, medical assistants are often responsible for administrative functions like answering phones or keeping track of patients’ medical records. To excel in this career field, you will need to be meticulous, attentive and possess excellent communication skills.[Leer en español]
Some U.S. states require medical assistants to complete a post-secondary education program before being eligible to find employment in this field. The Connecticut Department of Health requires medical assistants to become Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) before practicing. To earn this certification, you must first complete a medical assistant training program that is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Each program below is accredited by either the ABHES or the CAAHEP. To practice in this state, you will need to first earn certification which involves the successful completion of a nationally-accredited training program. Consider the options below:
The College is located in the city of Hartford, Connecticut. The school offers an associate’s degree in medical assisting, which can be completed in about two years. The school is CAAHEP-accredited, and students will be eligible to sit for a national certification exam upon program completion.
Goodwin College is located in the city of East Hartford. The school offers a Collegiate Certificate in Medical Assisting, which can be earned in about one year. This program is also CAAHEP-accredited.
Norwalk Community College is also accredited by the CAAHEP and is located in the city of Norwalk. Students will earn a Certificate of Completion with just three semesters of study.
Gateway Community College is located in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. The college offers an associate’s degree program in medical assisting that is CAAHEP-accredited. Students should be able to finish this program within two years or less.
Quinebaug Valley Community College is located in the city of Danielson and offers a program that leads to an associate’s degree. The school is accredited by the CAAHEP, and students should be able to complete the program within two years.
In this state, you will need to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) to practice. Other possible certifications for medical assistants include the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). All four exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Once you have successfully graduated from one of the accredited medical assistant programs listed above, you are eligible to take the CMA certification exam. This exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed this exam and earned your certification, you may be able to find employment in many different settings like hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and medical offices.
If you have graduated from an ABHES- or CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant training program, you will be eligible to sit for any of these exams. Additionally, those with professional experience in the field may also be eligible to earn certification. Some exams may even require both completion of a training program as well as professional experience as a medical assistant.
Once you have completed a medical assistant program, you can apply to become certified with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The exam is called the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMA-AAMA). You will need to complete an application and pass the test to receive certification.
Once you have your certification, you will need to renew it every five years by completing continuing education credits and paying a fee. The AAMA also offers recertification for those who have not been able to maintain their certification in the past.
By attending an accredited program and taking the necessary steps to receive your certification, you will be on your way toward becoming a medical assistant in Connecticut. With the right qualifications, you will be well-prepared to start a successful career in the medical field.
For those who wish to work in more specialized fields, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, there is the option of becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). The certification exam is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and covers topics relating to patient care and safety. You must first complete an accredited medical assistant training program and have a minimum of one year of clinical experience before you are eligible to take this exam. Successful completion of the exam will make you eligible for higher-level roles in the medical field.
Once certified, you must complete continuing education credits every two years to maintain your certification. You will also need to pay an annual fee and provide proof of remaining in compliance with the NHA’s Recertification Standards.
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). You must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a written exam to get certified. The RMA exam will cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, laboratory procedures, and medical terminology.
Those who receive this certification must renew it every three years. You will need to complete continuing education credits and pay an annual fee to renew your certification. Additionally, AMT requires its members to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Professional Practice Standards to maintain their certification.
By becoming certified as a Medical Assistant in Connecticut, you will be well-prepared for the demands of a career in the medical field. The different certifications can help you stand out from the competition and open up many opportunities for advancement. With the right qualifications, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful medical assistant in Connecticut.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data recorded in 2021 stated that medical assistants working in Connecticut earned an average hourly wage of $18.27, or $38,000 per year. You can expect to earn more than $48,510 per year if you want to become one of the highest-paid medical assistants working in this state.
In 2020, there were 8,910 medical assistants employed in Connecticut, according to the BLS. By 2030, there are expected to be 10,400 people working as medical assistants in this state, signifying a 17 percent increase in the job market during these 10 years.
Cities like Stamford, Norwalk, and Greenwich are some of the best places for medical assistants to work in Connecticut. This is because medical assistants will typically earn the highest compensation in these cities.
You may find employment at physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, or other medical facilities. If you prefer working in particular types of medical environments, like OB/GYN clinics or private practices for plastic surgery, for example, you should apply to work as a medical assistant in those types of facilities. By choosing a work environment that best suits you, you will be setting yourself up for a fulfilling and rewarding career in this industry.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Connecticut made an average of $38,000 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $32,810 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $48,510.