Medical Assistant Programs In Tennessee

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.

In Tennessee, the annual projected job opening for medical assistants from 2018 to 2028 is 28 percent or 2,250 jobs.

Formal education and training in medical assisting are not required for medical assistants in Tennessee. However, enrolling and completing a medical assisting program will prepare aspiring medical assistants to learn and develop skills necessary for entry-level employment. Also, they can experience externship and hands-on training in the clinical setting to strengthen their skills and knowledge.

There are plenty of medical assisting programs in Tennessee offered by different colleges. Applicants can choose to pursue a certificate or associate degree in medical assisting. The program length varies and can be completed in less than a year or may last up to two years.

Another advantage of completing a medical assisting program is that some colleges also assist their graduates in preparing for the certification examination and career placement.

There is no specific scope of practice for medical assistants in Tennessee. They are considered unlicensed people but can be delegated administrative and clinical tasks. According to the Tennessee Board of Examiners, the delegated tasks should only be performed under the supervision of the physician. 

Before delegating any tasks to them, the physician should ensure that the task would not create undue risk to the patient and have predictable results. In addition, the physician should also ensure that the tasks can be performed without the need for critical decision-making and repeated clinical assessments.

In case the task is not performed correctly, it should not put the patient in danger, life-threatening situation, or serious harm.

The physician can also delegate tasks only to those who are educated, trained, or competent employees. Some accepted proofs of competence qualification are written documentation such as diplomas, certificates, or degrees from the training programs, documentation of direct observation of repeated and successful performance, or credentialing by an agency or institution.

All delegated tasks should only be routine and technical and should not require the special skills of a licensed physician.

Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant in Tennessee

No law in Tennessee mandates medical assistants to be certified, licensed, or registered. Medical assistants can choose to obtain certification to show to their future employers that they have the credibility and necessary medical assisting skills needed in the job to perform well. 

Listed below are the five certifications for medical assistants accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies:

Salaries for Medical Assistants in Tennessee

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.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, the annual median wage for medical assistants is $36,280, with a median hourly rate of $17.44. They can also earn an annual wage of as high as $45,840, with an hourly rate of $22.04.