Medical Assisting in Utah
There are plenty of employment opportunities for medical assistants in Utah and currently 7,270 medical assistants are employed in the state. The employment level is high and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that for every 1,000 employed people in Utah 5.49 work in medical assisting.
As elsewhere, the medical assisting field in Utah is forecast to grow rapidly over future years with the expected growth in the healthcare industry. There is a growing demand for medical assistants to perform general, clinical and administrative duties in hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical facilities.
There is no state requirement to complete postsecondary training to work as a medical assistant, as in theory all that is required is a high school diploma or GED. However, you can help increase your earning potential by doing your training on a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited degree, diploma or certificate program that entitles you to sit a certification exam upon graduation.You can increase your chances of getting an entry level job soon after graduation by gaining a certification credential, such as CMA or RMA.
Utah state law doesn’t provide a formal scope of responsibilities for medical assistants but does prohibit medical assistants from doing certain things, such as prescribing medication and diagnosing ailments.
Medical assistant pay in Utah is on average $14.51 an hour or $30,180 yearly.
The Utah State Society of Medical Assistants is the active state society of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and provides information and news for its members. There are currently no AAMA local chapters in Utah.
Utah Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
Salt Lake Community College
At its Jordan campus, Salt Lake Community College gives students the chance to get their medical assistant training on a certificate program. SLCC’s medical assistant program is CAAHEP and AAMA accredited, so on successfull completion of their training, students will have the option to apply to sit for the nationally recognized Certified Medical Assistant examination. This program aims to equip students with the knowledge and abilities required for an entry level medical assisting role. In addition to coursework, prior to completion of their training, students have to complete 200 hours of unpaid practicum experience.
Certificate
- Length: 3 semesters
- Cost: Not available
- Job Placement Rate – Not available
Bridgerland Applied Technology College
At its main Logan campus Bridgerland Applied Technology College runs a medical assistant certificate program that prepares students to work as general medical assistants performing both clerical and clinical tasks. Students who successfully complete their training on this CAAHEP accredited program will be eligible to take the AAMA Certification examination to earn the title of Certified Medical Assistant.
Certificate
- Length: 10 months
- Cost: $2,620
- Job Placement Rate: 83%
