Medical Assisting in Texas
Texas is the second largest state in the US and has a huge healthcare industry providing services to its nearly 25 million residents. The pressure of an aging population is expected to cause the healthcare industry to continue to expand and as a result there will be increased demand for all types of medical assistants.
Texas has the second highest employment level for medical assistants after California. Figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show 57,180 medical assistants working in Texas. State law in Texas does not specify the exact clinical duties medical assistants are permitted to perform and it is the responsibility of physicians to delegate tasks appropriately.
State law does not stipulate education requirements and it is not necessary for medical assistants to become certified after graduation. However, by completing your training on a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program and then taking a certification exam, you will enhance your employment prospects when seeking your first entry level job.
Across the whole state, medical assistants in Texas earn an average hourly wage of $14.03, or an annual salary of $29,180. Pay varies by location, experience, credentials and employer. Certified medical assistants can expect higher salaries than general, clinical or clerical medical assistants without a recognized certification credential.
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) affiliate for the state is the Texas Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA) and there are local chapters in the following areas:
- Bay Area
- Bexar
- Central Texas
- Dallas
- Gregg
- Northeast Harris
- Southwest Harris
Texas Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
Richland College
Located in Dallas, Richland College offers a medical assisting certificate program. This program is CAAHEP accredited, which means that students that complete it successfully can apply to take the CMA exam to gain the title of Certified Medical Assistant. Full time students should be able to complete their training in around 12 months on day or evening classes. Part time students can expect to complete the program in under 2 years.
Certificate
- Length: 1 year (full time), 2 years (part time)
- Cost: $3,963
- Job Placement Rate: Not available
Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute runs a general medical assistant certificate program that is available at its campus in Houston and covers clinical and administrative duties. Students will be taught the essential skills needed to work in the medical assisting field through a mix of theory and laboratory lessons, as well as getting hands on practical experience on a clinical externship.
Certificate
- Length: 35 weeks
- Cost: $12,187
- Job Placement Rate: 75%
