According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual projected job opening from 2020 to 2030 for medical assistants nationwide is 18 percent or 104,400 jobs.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, the annual projected job opening from 2018 to 2028 for medical assistants is 44 percent, or 1,140 jobs.
Generally, formal education is not required for medical assistants in Arizona; however, medical assistants who work in naturopathic and homeopathic medicine are required to complete an approved medical assisting program.
The approved medical assistant training programs that the Arizona Medical Board recognizes should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
In Arizona, medical assistants can administer injections and take body fluid specimens under the direct supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
Furthermore, they can also administer massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous nerve stimulation unit treatments, hot and cold pack treatments, traction treatments, whirlpool treatments, diathermy treatments, electronic galvation stimulation treatments, and small volume nebulizer treatments under the direct supervision of a physician or physician assistant.
Certification is not required in Arizona, but some employers may prefer applicants who obtained certification from one of the accredited medical assistant programs.
The Arizona Medical Board recognizes medical assistant certification from organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute.
Listed below are the five certifications for medical assistants accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies:
Medical assistants in Arizona aspiring to practice naturopathic medicine can apply for certification at the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board. Likewise, medical assistants interested in homeopathic medicine can apply and register at the Arizona Board of Homeopathic and Integrated Medicine Examiners.
This is the state affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
This state board is in charge of the exam and licenses of medical doctors. They also described the statutes and rules for medical assistants in Arizona.
This is a trilevel organization that administers the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)®—or CMA (AAMA)® exam.
This association administers the Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) exam and Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) exam.
This association administers the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Certification exam.
This is an independent credentialing organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which administers the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA).
This association administers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam.
This is the state board in charge of the registration, licensure, and regulation of physicians and medical assistants practicing homeopathic medicine in Arizona.
This is the state board in charge of regulating licensed naturopathic physicians and the application and certification for naturopathic medical assistants in Arizona.