Medical Assistant Programs & Certification in Idaho

Many people wanting to get into the medical profession start with medical assisting. Medical assistants help doctors with day-to-day tasks such as prepping a patient for medical procedures or scheduling appointments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 19% increase in medical assisting positions within the next decade. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities to fill the empty positions that need to be filled for the next ten years. If you'd like to enter the workforce as a medical assistant, a great place to start is by enrolling in an online medical assistant training program. You'll be given the tools you need to start strong, and you'll be able to learn the job from the comfort of your own home.

Finding an Online Medical Assistant Program in Idaho

While there are many medical assistant programs available in Idaho, there are currently none that offer online education as an option. This will likely change soon as the current trend amongst colleges since the 2020 pandemic is to make as many courses available online as possible. You can keep tabs on this as it progresses by doing an occasional online search, or by talking with friends or family that are already working in the medical profession. If you'd like to check out a few medical assistant programs in Idaho that aren't offered online, check out the Medical Assisting Program offered at Idaho State University or the Medical Assistant program offered at the College of Western Idaho.

Getting a Medical Assistant Certification in Idaho

In Idaho, 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 Idaho, 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 Idaho, 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 Idaho.

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

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

Medical assistant jobs are plenty in the State of Idaho. You can find them easily on job boards like Craigslist or Indeed, or even by calling medical centers, nursing homes, and hospitals directly and asking them about any positions they may have open. Some examples of these in Idaho are St. Luke's Health System, Boise VA Medical Center, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant in Idaho?

According to Salary.com, the salary range for medical assistants in Iowa is $31,000 to $42,000. This is amongst the highest medical assistant salary ranges in the country. 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 Idaho.