Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in Texas
Medical assistants fill an important role by scheduling appointments, filing paperwork, and assisting doctors with the medical process. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 19% increase in medical assisting positions within the next decade opening up this job market wide open. The first step many people take when starting a career as a medical assistant in Texas is to enroll in a training or certificate program. Many of these programs are available in the state online, which adds further convenience to getting started. To find out what online medical assistant programs are available to you in Texas, continue reading below.
Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in Texas
Finding an online medical assisting program starts with weeding out any programs that don’t have official accreditation, as accredited schools are a sign of high educational standards. Texas has several quality online medical assistant programs that are worth looking into. The first is a clinical medical assistant certification program offered at Tyler Juinor College. Another example is a similar certification program offered at Texas A&M. Before enrolling in any medical assistant program, consider whether you want a diploma/certificate or associate’s degree, and whether you require part-time or full-time scheduling.
Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in Texas
In Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas, 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 Texas.
To stay updated with any changes or requirements specific to Texas, you can visit the Texas Medical Board website or contact the Texas Medical Association. These state organizations can provide information and resources related to the prac
Where Can I Find a Job as a Medical Assistant in Texas?
You'll find that like the rest of the country, Texas has plenty of job opportunities for newly certified medical assistants. To start applying, a good place to start is to call up local medical centers, hospitals, and nursing homes to ask if they have any open spots. In Texas, large employers of medical assistants include Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor University Medical Center, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in Texas?
According to Salary.com, the salary range for medical assistants in Texas is $33,000 to $44,000 per year. Your actual pay will be determined by your level of experience, the need for medical assistants in your area, and if you've completed training and certification prior to applying.
Get More information on medical assistant salaries in Texas.
The following cities in Texas offer medical assistant schools and courses.
- Austin, TX 4 schools
- Corpus Christi, TX 4 schools
- Dallas, TX 11 schools
- El Paso, TX 5 schools
- Fort Worth, TX 12 schools
- Frisco, TX 2 schools
- Houston, TX 20 schools
- Laredo, TX 3 schools
- Lubbock, TX 1 school
- McKinney, TX 7 schools
- Plano, TX 7 schools
- San Antonio, TX 14 schools