Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in Kentucky

Medical assistants are responsible for aiding both doctors and patients during the medical process. They assist with tasks such as scheduling appointments, delivering lab materials, and prepping a patient for medical procedures. Following the pandemic, the US saw a drastic decrease in medical assistants in the workforce, and today, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many states, including Kentucky, are facing a drastic need for medical assistants. If you're looking to enter a new career, this is an incredibly lucrative and rewarding one to take on. With the new increase in medical assistant programs available online, it's never been a more convenient time to learn a new skill set.

Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in Kentucky

Kentucky is home to many great online medical assistant programs and you can certainly count on finding one that fits your specific needs. Talking to medical professionals or career advisors in your area can help you narrow them down. A great place to start looking for online medical assistant programs is on the internet, where you can find programs such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program offered by Eastern Kentucky University.

Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in Kentucky

In Kentucky, medical assistants are not required to obtain licensure or certification from state organizations in order to work in the medical field. However, earning certification through a recognized organization can help you stand out when it comes to the application process and enhance your professional qualifications.

To become a certified medical assistant in Kentucky, you can follow these general steps:

Education and Training: Complete an accredited medical assistant program that meets the criteria set by organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Certification Exam: After completing your education, you may choose to take a certification exam offered by organizations such as the AAMA or the NHA. These exams assess your understanding of various medical assistant competencies, including clinical and administrative tasks.

Application Submission: Once you pass the certification exam, you can submit your application for certification to the respective organization. Follow their specific guidelines and provide any required documentation, including proof of education, training, and exam results. Pay the necessary fees as specified by the organization.

Certification Issuance: Upon successful completion of the application process and meeting the certification requirements, the organization will issue your medical assistant certification. This certification demonstrates your competency and validates your qualifications as a medical assistant.

While there are no specific state organizations for medical assistant certification in Kentucky, obtaining certification from nationally recognized organizations such as the AAMA or the NHA can greatly enhance your professional qualifications and increase your job prospects. These certifications are widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry, including in Kentucky.

To stay updated with any changes or requirements specific to Kentucky, you can visit the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure website or contact the Kentucky Medical Association. These state organizations can provide information and resources related to the practice of medical assistants in Kentucky and any regulatory updates that may affect your career.

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

You can find many medical assistant positions readily available, especially to those medical assistants who have undergone extensive training and education. A great place to locate these positions is online through local listings. Sometimes, these listings can be found on the hiring facility's website itself, for example, the websites of Kentucky’s largest medical establishments, Norton Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital, and St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital.

What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in Kentucky?

According to Salary.com, the salary range for medical assistants in Kentucky is $31,000 to $42,000. However, your actual salary will depend on many factors such as specific location, experience, and any licensing you may hold.

Get More information on medical assistant salaries in Kentucky.