Becoming a Medical Assistant in Michigan
Whether filling out insurance forms, drawing blood, preparing or administering medications or taking a patient’s medical history, medical assistants in Michigan are multi-skilled multi-taskers who often spend as much time with patients as with physicians or nurse practitioners. Mastering both administrative and clinical duties, medical assistants can ensure patients get the kind of efficient, caring treatment they deserve at all stages of the appointment process.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Working as a Medical Assistant in Michigan
While Michigan has no state requirements for medical assistants to be certified, a high school diploma or GED equivalent is the minimal educational requirement. Medical assistant certification, or a practical nursing or registered nursing license, would give candidates an edge. Some employers require completion of certification within six months of hiring.
Becoming a Medical Assistant in Michigan
With no formal certification requirements in Michigan and the only education requirement being a high school diploma or GED, Michigan does recognize three national certifications: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA); Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA). Candidates with these certifications will certainly have an advantage when applying for medical assistant jobs. While some healthcare practitioners may be willing to provide on-the-job training, this is expected to lead to certification within six months.
Medical assistants need to remain certified by paying annual dues of less than $100 and recertify every three years by completing continuing education units under the Certification Continuation Program.
Michigan Schools for Medical Assistants
Enrolling in a medical assistant program at a community college will jumpstart your career. Whether you choose to complete an associate’s degree or merely acquire certification, there are many training options available throughout Michigan.
- Henry Ford College, Dearborn. Average class size at this institution is only 19, ensuring hands-on training in billing, coding, patient care and practice management. Students can complete the program in a single year, and will graduate with a medical assistant certificate of achievement as well as eligibility to complete CMA certification.
- Baker College. With campuses in Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Cadillac, Clinton Township, Flint, Jackson, Muskegon and Owosso, Michigan, Baker College delivers a one-year program that includes a practicum. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Association of Medical Assistants’ exam to earn their CMA credential.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
As Michigan’s healthcare needs grow, particularly with an aging population, the demand for medical assistants is expected to rise significantly. The state anticipates an 18% increase in medical assistant positions by 2030, aligning with the national trend towards higher demand in healthcare professions. In 2022, Michigan employed a substantial number of medical assistants, offering competitive wages that reflect the essential role they play in healthcare settings.
National vs. Michigan Salaries for Medical Assistants
| Location | Average Salary | Low (10%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,270 | $30,390 | $51,710 |
| Michigan | $36,790 | $29,570 | $45,060 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Michigan
| Region | Low (10%) | Median | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $35,170 | $38,580 | $45,290 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $29,120 | $36,780 | $45,010 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $30,210 | $36,580 | $44,760 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Arizona
In 2020, Michigan employed 23,810 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 28,010 by 2030, marking an 18% increase in employment within this period. This growth rate is higher than the national average growth rate for medical assistants, which is projected at 14% from 2022 to 2032. Annually, Michigan is expected to have 3,420 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 Michigan, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state.
Employment Trends
| Indicator | 2020 | 2030 | Projected Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 23,810 | 28,010 | 18% | 3,420 |
Sources of data:
- Michigan Data: The employment figures and projections for Michigan 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 Michigan
Whether you choose to work in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Lansing or Saint Johns, there is demand for medical assistants throughout Michigan. As part of a faster-than-average-growth profession, you can expect to always be employed and to have many career options, whether you choose to work in a clinic, hospital, physician’s office, nursing home or with a home health agency.
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FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Michigan?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Michigan made an average of $37,120 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $29,140 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $43,790.
