The national annual projected job opening from 2020 to 2030 for medical assistants in the US is 18 percent, or 104,400 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Meanwhile, in Ohio, the annual projected job opening from 2018 to 2028 for medical assistants is 18 percent or 3,330 jobs.
Aspiring medical assistants in Ohio are not obliged to complete a formal education degree or undergo medical assisting training. However, those who want to attend classes can opt to apply and enroll in colleges or universities around Ohio that offer a certificate or associate degree program in medical assisting.
Depending on the college, the program length varies from one to two years. Some medical assistant programs in Ohio also offer grants or scholarships to deserving applicants to assist them financially.
There are no published duties listed for medical assistants in Ohio. Also, medical assistants in Ohio are considered unlicensed persons. Still, physicians can delegate tasks to them as long as these can be performed without repeated medical assessments, without the need to use judgment based on medical knowledge, without using critical decisions, and can be safely performed using exact and unchanging directions, and if performed improperly, would not cause serious harm or life danger to the patient.
Licensure, registration, or certification for medical assistants is not required to practice in Ohio. However, obtaining a certification is highly encouraged to increase the chances of getting a job and promotion 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 annual median wage for medical assistants in the US is $37,190, with a median hourly rate of $17.88.
In Ohio, the annual median wage for medical assistants is $36,800, with a median hourly rate of $17.69. They can also earn an annual wage of as high as $45,750, with an hourly rate of $22.
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.