Medical Assistant Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico is the gem of the American Southwest. The state offers some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery and provides excellent opportunities for people from all walks of life. Medical assistants in New Mexico enjoy these benefits as well. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Mexico currently employs between 2,270 and 6,920 medical assistants across the state. This is very close to the national average for medical assistant employment. However, the average salary of medical assistants in the state is in the lowest tier, according to the BLS. The Bureau reports that medical assistants in New Mexico currently earn between $23,310 and $28,450 each year. This is a bit below the national average, but is expected to increase with predicted growth in the industry.
There is good news for anyone planning on entering the medical assisting career field in New Mexico. The BLS predicts that the career field will experience a growth rate of over 30% in the next decade, creating numerous new positions and an increase in salaries across the country. In order to get in on this expanding field, you must first get the proper education. In addition, choosing a medical assistant training program that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) will help you land the better jobs and earn the higher pay rates. This is because students who complete these accredited programs are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant examinations. While earning these credentials is not required, it definitely provides an advantage over other medical assistant candidates.
Pima Medical Institute
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Tuition: $11,734
- Program: Certificate
- With two campuses in Albuquerque, Pima Medical Institute is the choice of many who wish to earn a medical assistant education. At Pima, students can earn a certificate in medical assisting in only 35 weeks. Pima offers morning, day, and evening classes for exceptional student flexibility and provides students with rolling admissions, full support services, caring staff, and industry-standard learning facilities. If you are looking for a flexible training option that will provide you with everything you need, Pima is definitely worth a closer look.
National American University
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $37,016
- Program: Associate’s degree
- National American University, located in Albuquerque, offers an accredited associate’s degree in medical assisting that includes both clinical and administrative training as well as hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare facility. NAU offers four start dates each year and no cohorts, allowing students to begin a program at their own convenience. Students who choose NAU may be able to earn credits for past work and educational experiences. Finally, this school provides excellent student support services that include counseling, financial aid assistance, learner services, job placement, and much more.
Santa Fe Community College
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Tuition: $1,517
- Program: Certificate
- Santa Fe Community College offers a certificate in medical assisting that can be completed in only 37 weeks, allowing you to get to work in your new career quickly. The school has been in business for over 30 years and serves more than 15,000 students each year. Students who choose SFCC enjoy full support services, access to modern, complete facilities, and highly-trained instructors who strive to meet individual student educational needs.
Job outlook of medical assistants: "Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations...As their practices expand, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients."