Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in New York

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 New York, are facing a drastic need for medical assistants. If you're looking for an entry-level healthcare career, this is an incredibly lucrative and rewarding one to take on, and with the new increase in medical assistant programs available online, it's a great time to learn a new skillset.

Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in New York

New York 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. Prospective students should first decide which online medical assistant program type they are looking for: the 2-year associate’s degree, or the 1-year certificate or diploma program. There are many options to choose from in the state, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program at Corning Community College or the hybrid program offered at the City University of New York. Whatever program you choose, ensure that it covers a robust curriculum, is properly accredited, and offers scheduling options that work for you.

Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in New York

In New York, 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 New York, 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 New York, 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 New York.

To stay updated with any changes or requirements specific to New York, you can visit the New York State Education Department website or contact the Medical Society of the State of New York. These state organizations can provide information and resources related to the practice of medical assistants in New York and any regulatory updates that may affect your career.

Where Can I Find a Job as a Medical Assistant in New York?

New York has made many recent efforts to get its residents covered by health insurance. For this reason and many others, there has been an increased need for medical assistants in this great state. Many medical assistant positions are readily available, especially to 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 New York’s largest medical establishments, Mount Sinai Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Bellevue Hospital.

What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in New York?

According to Salary.com, the annual salary range for medical assistants in New York ranges from $39,000 to $53,000. This is much higher than almost any other state, and you can assume that you will make the higher end of the range if you are more experienced, and are applying for areas of the state that in higher demand of medical assistants, such as New York City.

Get More information on medical assistant salaries in New York.