Medical Assisting in Idaho
The is not state law requiring medical assistants in Idaho to have certification and the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Licensed physicians are responsible for the actions of their medical assistants and other unlicensed medical personnel.
Under state law there are stipulations regarding the type of duties medical assistants can perform, although there are no specific definitions of tasks they are prohibited from carrying out.
Figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show there are 3,030 medical assistants employed in healthcare facilities in Idaho, and the majority of these work in Boise City. There is a high demand for more medical assistants in Idaho, particularly in rural areas, and this demand is predicted to carry on increasing in the next few years.
Medical assistants represent 4.71 workers per 1,000 employees in the state. There is a demand for all types of medical assistants in Idaho, but those with Certified or Registered status are more likely to be hired for the best jobs.
Pay for medical assistants in Idaho is around the national average for this profession, at $14.62 per hour or $30,420 yearly. Registered or Certified Medical Assistants have the best chances of earning higher salaries.
There are four local chapters of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) in Idaho:
- Gate City
- Idaho Falls
- Magic Valley
- North Idaho Panhandle
Idaho Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
College of Southern Idaho
Students can study on a medical assisting certificate program at the College of Southern Idaho. This program is CAAHEP accredited and prepares students to take the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam upon successful completion of their training. Students will be taught the range of competencies necessary to work in the medical assisting field. In addition to classroom instruction, students are expected to complete 180 practicum hours to gain real world work experience in a physician’s office.
Certificate
- Length: 10 months
- Cost: $4,180
- Job Placement Rate: 90%
North Idaho College
North Idaho College provides medical assistant training through either a CAAHEP accredited degree or certificate program, on completion of which students are eligible to take the national CMA examination to become Certified. On completing the Technical Certificate program, students can continue their education by studying for the AAS degree.
Certificate
- Length: under 1 year
- Cost: $2,764
- Job Placement Rate: Not available
Degree
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $3,490
- Job Placement Rate: Not available
Lewis-Clark State College
At its campus in Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College runs an AAS medical assisting degree program, which is CAAHEP accredited. Students will receive training in the multiple skills needed to work in the medical assisting field to deliver patient care and maintain medical office records.
Degree
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $5,784 yearly
- Job Placement Rate: 67%
