How to Become a Medical Assistant in Mississippi
Some of the most important aspects of being a medical assistant include recording patients’ medical information, scheduling appointments and assisting doctors as they diagnose and treat patients. You will need to be an excellent communicator, good at retaining information and committed to helping people on a daily basis.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Mississippi
Across the U.S., there is a small number of states that have regulations in place governing this career field. Mississippi is not one of them. In this state, employers will decide the credentials medical assistants need in order to be hired. Some employers will set a high school diploma or GED as their minimum requirement, while others may prefer candidates who have completed a post-secondary training program, earned certification or both.
Medical Assistant Training and Educational Programs in Mississippi
Enrolling in a training program is optional; however, choosing a program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) will be of great benefit, especially if you’re interested in earning certification.
- Meridian Community College allows students to complete an associate’s degree in medical assisting, which will take two years to complete. This program is accredited by the CAAHEP.
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is located in the city of Lucedale. The school offers an associate’s degree, which requires two years of study. This program is also CAAHEP-accredited.
- Northeast Mississippi Community College is located in the city of Booneville and allows students to earn a Certificate of Completion in medical assisting. This program is accredited by the CAAHEP and can be completed in about one year.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Mississippi
As a medical assistant in Mississippi, you can choose to earn certification to help distinguish yourself from other candidates who may be applying for the same positions. These available certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), 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).
These exams each have their own sets of requirements. Typically, you will be eligible to sit for the exam by successfully completing a medical assistant training program that is accredited by either the ABHES or the CAAHEP. Some exams may require a combination of education and experience, while others will allow you to substitute education for professional experience as a medical assistant.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Mississippi
The demand for medical assistants in Mississippi is expected to continue growing, driven by the aging U.S. population and the increasing need for healthcare services. Medical assistants in Mississippi play a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. As of 2022, medical assistants in Mississippi earn an average annual salary of $30,930, with the starting salaries at $23,480 and the top earners making up to $41,400 annually. This competitive wage reflects the vital services medical assistants provide in the healthcare industry in Mississippi.
National vs. Mississippi Salaries for Medical Assistants
| Location | Average Salary | Low (10%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,270 | $30,390 | $51,710 |
| Mississippi | $30,930 | $23,480 | $41,400 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Mississippi
| Region | Low (10%) | Median | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS | $27,480 | $31,500 | $41,500 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $25,460 | $31,860 | $37,350 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $30,000 | $35,710 | $45,820 |
Medical Assistant Trends in Mississippi
In 2020, Mississippi employed 3,660 medical assistants. This number is projected to grow to 4,480 by 2030, marking a 22% increase in employment within this period. This growth rate is notably higher than the national average growth rate for medical assistants, which is projected at 14% from 2022 to 2032. Annually, Mississippi is expected to have 550 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 Mississippi, reflecting broader trends in healthcare employment across the state and the nation.
Employment Trends
| Indicator | 2020 | 2030 | Projected Growth | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 3,660 | 4,480 | 22% | 550 |
Sources of data:
- Mississippi Data: The employment figures and projections for Mississippi 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 Mississippi
In Mississippi, medical assistants will earn the highest compensation in cities like Southaven, Horn Lake and Walls. Medical assistants will continue to be in high demand throughout the coming years, so now is an opportune time to enter the industry.
Clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices and other medical facilities are all places where medical assistants can be found working. If you feel this would be a fun and exciting way to pursue your passion for healthcare and customer service, you should get started today.
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FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Mississippi?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Mississippi made an average of $29,760 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $23,290 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $43,120.
