Medical Assistant Schools in Alaska

Alaska, the northernmost state in the United States, is a land of untamed beauty and opportunity. While Alaskan life may not be for everyone, those who live there truly enjoy and appreciate their natural surroundings and benefit from a wealth of opportunity as well as the state’s annual profit sharing program. While the state ranks in the lowest tier for medical assistant employment according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is number one for medical assistant pay. Medical assistants in Alaska earn an average salary of $39,610 each year. This is quite a bit above the national average for the profession, which helps meet the higher cost of living in the state.

If you want to work as a medical assistant in Alaska, you must first get the appropriate education and training. At this time, there are no ABHES accredited medical assisting programs in Alaska. However, there are two schools in the state that offer medical assisting programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Tuition: $174/credit hour
• Program: Certificate, Associate’s degree
• UAF’s medical assisting program is fully accredited, allowing graduates to sit for the certification examination. Students who attend this school can choose between earning a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical assisting. The certificate program requires that students complete between 38 and 42 credit hours. Students who choose the associate’s degree program must complete 60 credit hours of education. UAF has been offering higher education since 1917 and serves a student body of over 10,000 students. In addition to quality education, the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides students with on-campus housing and dining services as well as a full range of support services and facilities that allow students to fully enjoy their time at UAF.

University of Alaska Anchorage

• Accreditation: CAAHEP
• Tuition: $174/credit hour
• Program: Certificate, Associate’s degree
• UAA offers students in Alaska the opportunity to earn either a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Both programs are CAAHEP accredited, meaning that graduates are eligible to site for the national certification examination. Students who choose to get their medical assistant training through the University of Alaska Anchorage can enjoy four training paths: a medical assisting certificate or degree, preparation for the Certified Medical Assistant examination, an occupational endorsement certificate in medical office coding, and courses in medical transcription. In addition to a well-rounded education, UAA offers students access to a full range of services, activities, organizations, and facilities that promise a fulfilling educational experience.