Get Started in Medical Assisting in Indiana

Currently, careers in healthcare are on the rise in the great state of Indiana. As it stands, some 12,650 are currently employed as Medical Assistants statewide.

Increased access to healthcare in the US in recent years creates unusual demand on some facilities, forcing their expansion. To expand, physicians are hiring more of their most valuable team members to keep clinics in smooth operation. Medical Assistants are invaluable to clinical teams and are increasing their visibility in the healthcare field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 600 medical assistant positions open every year. [Leer en español]

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assistants are the glue that holds health and wellness facilities together. They take care of the beginnings and endings of many procedures, like greeting and excusing patients, collecting and receiving specimens, collecting and submitting diagnostic information, turning the clinic lights on in the morning or off in the evening, and closing out or resolving the end phases of treatments and patient inquiries. Meeting these bottom line procedural requirements is their bread and butter.

Their duties may differ from clinic to clinic, but Medical Assistants typically perform both clinical activities and the administrative duties described above. They often bridge the communication gap between physicians, patients, and office staff, due to their cross-training and natural ability to adapt and communicate with a variety of people.

Indeed, even a larger office can operate smoothly with the right balance of staff and a solid system.

Salary

The average wage earned by medical support staff in Indiana is currently $14.08 per hour, or about $29,000 per year. An hourly wage of $12.06 is the lowest, with $18.26 per hour reported at the high end. It is important to remember that these wage estimates are not necessarily representative of what one can expect to earn. Experienced Medical Assistants can earn even higher wages, depending on the region of their employment, and any specializations or credentials they hold.

Salaries by Metropolitan Area in Indiana

Requirements

There are no state mandated certificates or education requirements for Medical Assistants working in Indiana; many of them receive on the job training. But due to the lower wage values assigned to non-certified workers, it is advisable that prospective assistants pursue certification. There are recognized programs that confer certification. Obtaining certification these days makes all the difference in one’s future success in this dynamic and rewarding career.

Steps to Take

If you have already determined this is the career for you, you just need to start your research. Go to the AAMA website to learn the award types, their requirements, and the agencies that offer them.

Certification will almost certainly require some schooling, so you will want to research programs, too. Below is a comprehensive list of colleges and technical schools offering programs that are recognized by qualifying agencies. Each program is different; though you could expect the duration to be one to two years. At the time of graduation they may even assist you with attaining your certification.

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