Medical Assisting in New Mexico
Demand for medical assistants in New Mexico is strong and is forecast to continue growing into the future. With 4,840 people employed as medical assistants, New Mexico has the third highest concentration of medical assistant jobs out of all the states, with 6.07 medical assistants per 1,000 jobs. The majority of medical assistants in the state work in the Albuquerque area, where the employment level is 7.79 per 1,000.
Medical assistants working in New Mexico can expect to earn on average $13.84 per hour, or a salary of $28,790. The state doesn’t outline an official scope of responsibilities for medical assistants and the minimum education required is a high schol diploma or GED, although employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed their postsecondary education on a recognized training program. There is a need for all types of medical assistants in this state, but those who have become certified after graduation are more likely to be hired by physicians’ offices and other healthcare facilities than those without this credential.
The New Mexico Society of Medical Assistants is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) affiliated society for the state and can help its members with career and training advice. The society is active but there are no local chapters.
New Mexico Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe Community College runs a general medical assistant certificate program, where students will receive training in the necessary administrative and clinical skills required for entry level positions. Students will also gain experience of performing prodcedures in real world settings.
Certificate
- Length: 37 weeks
- Cost: $1,517
- Job Placement Rate: Not available
Brookline College
Brookline College runs a medical assistant diploma program that is available at its Albuquerque campus. Students will be taught all aspects of the adminstrative and clinical duties necessary to perform a medical assistant role. Practical skills will be learned in lab lessons, and essential knowledge in areas that include anatomy and medical terminology will be gained.
Diploma
- Length: 8 months
- Cost: $15,225
- Job Placement Rate: 68%
