Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in Arkansas

In doctor's offices, hospitals, and other medical centers, medical assistants help both patients and doctors streamline the medical process through tasks such as scheduling appointments and prepping patients for medical procedures. This is a crucial position in the medical field and there are increasingly fewer people to fill this role due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 19% increase in medical assisting positions in the next decade. For those who are looking to start a career as a medical assistant, there are programs available to ensure that you have the training you require to succeed, many of which are available partially, or fully online.

Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in Arkansas

Arkansas currently has several online medical assistant programs, including the Clinical Medical Assistant program offered at the University of Arkansas. Take at the website program and see if you think it would make a good fit. If you'd like to see if there are others like them, an online search can help you discover more. Another good way to research online medical assistant programs is to talk to people who may be familiar with them already, such as medical professionals, or career advisors.

Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in Arkansas

In Arkansas, medical assistants are not mandated to obtain licensure or certification in order to practice in the medical field. However, pursuing certification through recognized organizations can greatly enhance your professional profile and improve your prospects during the application process.

To pursue medical assistant certification in Arkansas, you can follow these general steps:

Education and Training: Enroll in an accredited medical assistant program that meets the criteria established by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) or other recognized accrediting bodies. These programs typically offer a comprehensive curriculum combining classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Certification Exam: Upon completion of your education and training, you may choose to take a certification exam offered by nationally recognized organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These exams assess your proficiency in various medical assistant competencies, including both administrative and clinical tasks.

Application Submission: If you opt for certification, submit your application to the respective organization, adhering to their specific guidelines and requirements. Include all required documentation, such as proof of education, training, and exam results. Ensure that you fulfill any applicable fees as outlined by the organization.

Background Check: Depending on the certification organization’s policies, you may be required to undergo a background check as part of the certification process. This step is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of healthcare professionals.

Certification Issuance: Upon successful completion of the application process, meeting the education, training, and exam requirements, the certification organization will issue your medical assistant certification. This certification validates your competence and serves as a testament to your qualifications as a medical assistant in Arkansas.

Where Can I Find a Job as a Medical Assistant in Arkansas?

Applying for medical assistant positions in Arkansas will likely be a similar process to any other job you may have applied for. Start by looking at online job boards such as Indeed or Craigslist. You can also contact hospitals, nursing homes, and medical facilities directly and inquire about medical assistant positions that may be available. Many of Arkansas' medical assistant positions come from medical establishments such as Baptist Health Medical Centre, Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital, and Arkansas Heart Hospital.

What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in Arkansas?

According to Salary.com, the salary range for medical assistants in Arkansas is $31,000 to $41,000. Your actual salary will depend on many factors such as location, experience, and licensing.

Get More information on medical assistant salaries in Arkansas.