According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national annual projected job opening for medical assistants from 2020 to 2030 is 18 percent or 104,400 jobs.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, the annual projected job opening for medical assistants from 2018 to 2028 is 9 percent or 2,940 jobs.
There is no formal educational degree requirement to become a medical assistant in Michigan. Aspiring medical assistants can choose to take a certificate or associate degree program in medical assisting.
These programs are widely offered by colleges and universities in Michigan that aim for their students to learn clinical skills and develop their personal and professional skills, especially in the medical assisting field.
The program length varies from one to two years, and completing formal education and training is one of the requirements to obtain certification in medical assistant.
Medical assistants in Michigan are considered unlicensed personnel and should only perform administrative and clinical tasks under the direct supervision of qualified licensed staff.
They are also not allowed to make independent medical judgments, prescribe medications, or perform independent medical assessments.
Certification, licensure, or a registration in medical assistant is not required to practice in Michigan. However, obtaining certification from an accredited medical assistant program can boost the chances of getting hired and getting promoted in the future.
Listed below are the five certifications for medical assistants accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies:
As of May 2021, the national annual median wage for medical assistants in the US is $37,190, with a median hourly rate of $17.88.
In Michigan, the annual median wage for medical assistants is $37,120, with a median hourly rate of $17.85. They can also earn an annual wage of as high as $43,790, with an hourly rate of $21.06.
This is the state affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
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.