How to Become a Medical Assistant in Idaho
Working as a medical assistant involves communicating directly with people on a daily basis. You may need to schedule appointments for patients, record important medical information or take patients’ vitals during hospital or doctors’ office visits. Additionally, you may assist physicians as they evaluate and diagnose patients.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Idaho
While completing a post-secondary education program and earning certification is not necessary to practice in this state, it is a great idea for those who are new to the field. Some employers may choose to hire only applicants who have credentials, while others may set a minimum requirement of a high school diploma or GED.
Idaho Medical Assisting Programs and Training
You won’t be required by law to complete a training program to practice as a medical assistant in this state, but you may find it easier to land employment if you have completed a post-secondary education program. Completing a program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is the best way to meet your educational goals in this industry.
Idaho State University
The University is located in the city of Pocatello. Students will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical assisting, which requires two years of study to complete. This program admits just 18 students per year.
College of Eastern Idaho
It is located in Idaho Falls and allows students to complete a two-year degree in medical assisting. Upon completion, students will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Carrington College
It is located in Boise. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion in less than one year, or they may choose to complete an associate degree, which will require two years of study.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Idaho
The four types of certification available to medical assistants include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). These certifications are all accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you may also need to complete a medical assistant training program to be eligible for any of these certifications. If you have professional experience as a medical assistant, this can often serve as a substitute for educational requirements. It is important to note that in some cases, you may need to have a combination of both.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The CMA credential is offered by the Certified Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam. If you have five years or more of experience working as a medical assistant, you may be able to substitute this experience for the educational requirements.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The RMA credential is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have one year of experience working as a medical assistant. You will also need to pass the Registered Medical Assistant Exam.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
The NCMA credential is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have two years of experience working as a medical assistant. You will also need to pass the Medical Assistant Certification Exam.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The CCMA credential is offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have one year of experience working as a medical assistant. You will also need to pass the Clinical Medical Assistant Exam.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Idaho
Medical assistants in Idaho earn salaries that closely align with the national average. According to the latest 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for medical assistants in Idaho is $38,450, with those in the bottom 10% earning $32,170 or less, and the top 10% earning $46,990 or more.
Comparatively, the national average annual salary for medical assistants is slightly lower at $38,270, with the lowest 10% earning $30,390 and the highest 10% making $51,710 or more. This data indicates that Idaho offers competitive wages for medical assistants, closely mirroring the national salary trends for this occupation.
Salary Comparison – National vs. Idaho
| Location | Average Salary | Low (10%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,270 | $30,390 | $51,710 |
| Idaho | $38,450 | $32,170 | $46,990 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Idaho
| Region | Low (10%) | Median | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | $34,660 | $39,270 | $46,990 |
| Coeur d’Alene, ID | $32,750 | $40,670 | $49,510 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $31,030 | $36,860 | $47,260 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Idaho
In 2020, Idaho employed 3,640 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 4,520 by 2030, marking a 24% increase in employment within this period. This growth rate is significantly higher than the national average growth rate for medical assistants, which is projected at 14% from 2022 to 2032. Annually, Idaho is expected to have 490 job openings for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030, which includes openings due to growth and replacements for vacated positions. This data highlights the strong demand for medical assistants in Idaho, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state.
Employment Trends
| Indicator | 2020 | 2030 | Projected Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 3,640 | 4,520 | 24% | 490 |
Sources of data:
- Idaho Data: The employment figures and projections for Idaho 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 Idaho
In Idaho, medical assistants may want to seek work in cities like Grangeville, Fenn, and Lewiston. In this state, these places are where some of the highest-paid medical assistants can be found working.
Although you won’t be responsible for heavy-duty tasks like those of a nurse or surgical assistant, you will be able to choose the type of environment in which you work. For example, you may prefer to be a medical assistant to gynecologists, pediatricians, or cardiologists. Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice, if you take your career seriously, you can expect to be successful as a medical assistant.
Popular Medical Assistant Schools in Idaho
FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Idaho?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Idaho made an average of $37,120 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $29,170 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $47,240.
