How to Become a Medical Assistant in Nevada
Medical assistants play a necessary part in helping a medical facility function smoothly. From helping physicians as they evaluate and diagnose patients, to completing administrative duties like appointment scheduling, record-keeping and other clerical responsibilities, these individuals have a wide range of tasks in the medical environment. A passion for the healthcare system and a high level of meticulousness will help any medical assistant excel in this industry.[Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Nevada
There is a small number of U.S. states that require medical assistants to earn a degree or certification before being eligible to practice. Nevada, on the other hand, is one of many U.S. states that does not set such requirements. You can work as a medical assistant in this state with just a high school diploma or GED. If you choose to complete a post-secondary education program and earn certification, you will likely be able to find higher-paying positions with greater levels of responsibility in this field.
Medical Assistant Training and Educational Programs in Nevada
Enrolling in a training program is completely optional. It is also the best decision if you want to excel quickly as a medical assistant. Each program below is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- College of Southern Nevada is located in the city of Las Vegas. Students can complete a certificate program in medical assisting with about one year of study.
- Nevada Career Institute is also located in Las Vegas and allows students to complete a medical assisting certificate program within less than one year. Completing an externship is a requirement for graduation.
- Northwest Career College offers a certificate program in medical assisting. This program can be completed in just nine months. The school is located in Las Vegas.
Certification for Becoming a Medical Assistant in Nevada
Medical assistants have four national certifications to choose from. Of these, the two most common certifications are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). You may also choose to earn the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications. All of these exams are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Earning one or more of these certifications will likely require successful completion of an ABHES- or CAAHEP-accredited medical assistant training program. Oftentimes, those with professional experience will be able to bypass educational requirements, while some exams may require a combination of both experience and education.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Medical Assistants in Nevada
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, medical assistants in Nevada earned an average hourly wage of $17.77, which is equivalent to $36,960 per year, in 2021. The top 10 percent of medical assistants working in this state earned $29,400 according to the same data.
BLS data also indicate that, during 2020, there were 7,350 medical assistants employed in Nevada. By 2030, there are expected to be 8,930 medical assistants working in the field in this state, signifying a 22 percent expansion in the job market during this 10-year period.
Working as a Medical Assistant in Nevada
Cities like Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and The Lakes are where some of the top-paid medical assistants can be found working in Nevada. Regardless of the city, employment can be found in hospitals, private practices, clinics, urgent care offices and other medical facilities.
You may even choose to work exclusively with specific types of physicians or in certain medical establishments. These may include cardiologists, pediatricians, labor and delivery or emergency wings. No matter where you find employment, you can expect to work directly with both patients and physicians throughout each shift. This will require excellent communication skills as well as acute attention to detail. If this sounds exciting to you, you may want to consider getting started today.
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FAQs
How much do medical assistants earn in the state of Nevada?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state of Nevada made an average of $36,960 per year in 2021. Entry-level medical assistants earned around $29,400 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $47,040.
