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Students seeking a medical assisting program can find one in numerous schools in Michigan. These programs prepare students to sit for certification exams; those certifications might then help graduates stand out among the pack of otherwise qualified applicants. From working the front desk to handling more advanced medical tasks in the office setting, medical assistants in Michigan can look forward to a challenging, promising career.
This guide focuses on what students can expect from their education, as well as what they might encounter when they graduate, such as employment outlook and salary expectations.
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Best Michigan Schools for Medical Assisting
OUR METHODOLOGY +
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
- Accredited at the institutional level
- Private nonprofit or public school
- Minimum of 1 bachelor's or master's degree in subject area for 4-year schools
- Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Number and variety of program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates (4-year schools only)
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.
Starting a career as a medical assistant can be as simple as earning a degree or certificate in the field. Graduates of quality programs can get a good foot in the door working in hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities, working with patients and helping to reduce workloads for other professionals in the office. But it all starts with an education from a quality school that meets your personal and professional needs. We've taking the lead on the research, providing our list of the Best Michigan Schools for Medical Assisting in 2017. We looked at student promotion rates, class sizes, program availability, tuition and other factors to help you get started on the right foot.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Michigan
Southwestern Michigan College
Dowagiac, MI - 2 years
- Campus
Southwestern Michigan College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The college's medical assisting program provides students with transferrable skills and knowledge necessary for the medical assisting field. Enrollees benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research and more.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, learners can pursue their studies at their own pace. Enrollees can access several campus resources, including career services and academic advising.
Southwestern Michigan College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 47
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 29%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 89%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,898
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 21%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,012
Average Price After Aid: $8,638
#2 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Michigan
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Warren, Macomb Community College offers a variety of academic programs in person and online. The school's medical assistant program prepares students for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. The college boasts a 25-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects.
Enrollees can pursue online and in-person study, depending on their scheduling needs. Approximately 10% of the college's programs include online options. Throughout their program, students can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Macomb Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 197
Number of Online Programs: 20
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 12%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 57%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,323
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 9%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $3,310
Average Price After Aid: $8,648
#3 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Michigan
Alpena Community College
Alpena, MI - 4 years
- Campus
Alpena Community College provides diverse learning opportunities from its main campus in Alpena. The school's medical assistant programs build theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths in the field. While completing coursework, enrollees can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
Students can learn online or on campus. Participants can make use of campus resources, such as academic advising and library services, while enrolled.
Alpena Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 107
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 36%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 89%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,109
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 20%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,044
Average Price After Aid: $3,177
#4 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Michigan
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers a variety of academic programs in person and online. The associate of applied science in medical assistant technology equips learners with industry-specific knowledge, transferrable skills, and learning experiences that prepare them for the demands of their field. Enrollees complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.
Participants can pursue their studies at their own pace. Of all programs offered through the college, 1% can be completed fully online. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 96
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 20%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 76%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,382
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 21%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $3,918
Average Price After Aid: $4,778
#5 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Michigan
Oakland Community College
Bloomfield Hills, MI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Oakland Community College is a public college located in Bloomfield Hills. The school's medical assisting program equips students with a well-rounded education through its rigorous program curriculum. With a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enrollees benefit from personalized study. Learners can also explore collaborative opportunities such as faculty-driven research.
Students can complete the program in person or online. Of its programs, 1% allow for fully online study. Enrollees can access numerous campus resources throughout their program, including academic advising and career services.
Oakland Community College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 108
Number of Online Programs: 1
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 13%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 45%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,182
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 12%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,259
Average Price After Aid: $1,585
Find Medical Assisting Schools in Michigan
Michigan offers numerous medical assisting schools and programs for those who are interested in the profession. This search tool allows students to compare programs based on their particular budget and educational needs.
1.How does Michigan describe medical assistants?
The state recognizes medical assistants as multi-skilled health professionals who have received proper training to work in healthcare settings performing clinical and administrative duties as deemed appropriate and delegated by licensed medical personnel. According to the state's Medical Assistant Education Review Board, "The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public's health and well-being, and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession."
2.Is medical assistant certification required?
Certification is not required in the state; however, since many employers prefer it, many students opt to earn certification and enhance their job prospects in the state. Please note that Michigan only accepts certifications from three specific agencies, as listed below.
3.Is certification available?
Michigan recognizes three specific agencies when considering a medical assistant certified. The following agencies are approved by the Michigan Board of Health.
Certification | Certifying Body |
---|---|
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) |
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) | MNational Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) |
4.Is formal education and/or training required?
Formal education is not required in order to become a medical assistant in Michigan; however, those who want to obtain certification must undergo formal training or education in order to sit for the exam. Since certification can provide a boost at hiring time, many students seek out formal education.
5.Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Michigan?
Michigan statues clearly state that those with a medical license can delegate tasks to those that do not have a license (unlicensed personnel), assuming that a license is not required in order to legally complete the task. For instance, a license is not required to take vital signs of a patient, but a license is required to write prescriptions. Therefore, a medical assistant could be allowed to take vital signs, but it would be illegal to allow them to write a prescription.
Salaries for Medical Assistants in Michigan
To make an informed decision about any career, it's important to know what salary to expect. The following chart breaks down the annual median wage for medical assistants in Michigan and compares it with the national average.
Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Michigan | $25,000 | $28,530 | $33,520 | $13.72 |
National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Michigan City Salaries
Income for medical assistants can vary widely depending upon the area in which they work. For instance, someone who works in Ann Arbor might see a higher wage than someone who works in Bay City or Battle Creek. In addition, those who work in metro areas might make more than those who work in non-metropolitan areas, though this is not always the case. The following chart breaks down annual wages for medical assistants based on where they work in the state.
Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ann Arbor, MI | $26,990 | $31,370 | $38,030 | $15.08 |
Battle Creek, MI | $24,960 | $28,100 | $31,740 | $13.51 |
Bay City, MI | $21,780 | $25,340 | $29,430 | $12.18 |
Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Division | $24,110 | $27,670 | $31,640 | $13.30 |
Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $25,000 | $28,430 | $33,120 | $13.67 |
Flint, MI | $24,050 | $28,460 | $34,380 | $13.68 |
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $26,900 | $30,820 | $36,730 | $14.82 |
Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $24,470 | $27,490 | $30,500 | $13.22 |
Jackson, MI | $24,900 | $29,340 | $36,130 | $14.11 |
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $24,980 | $27,820 | $30,720 | $13.38 |
Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $25,060 | $28,830 | $33,760 | $13.86 |
Monroe, MI | $23,760 | $26,830 | $29,880 | $12.90 |
Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $25,130 | $28,110 | $31,680 | $13.51 |
Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | $26,570 | $30,370 | $35,060 | $14.60 |
Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, MI | $22,800 | $26,250 | $29,350 | $12.62 |
Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI Metropolitan Division | $25,460 | $28,890 | $33,730 | $13.89 |
Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $20,420 | $24,680 | $30,920 | $11.86 |
Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $21,640 | $25,320 | $29,850 | $12.17 |
Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $25,220 | $28,670 | $34,020 | $13.79 |
Balance of Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan are | $24,060 | $27,530 | $30,880 | $13.24 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Michigan Medical Assisting Employments Trends
Growth of jobs for medical assistants in Michigan is expected to hit 15 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to Projections Central. Though that is impressive growth, it is still almost half of the growth expected throughout the rest of the nation. Here is a more detailed breakdown of employment trends for Michigan medical assistants.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michigan | 750 | 21,880 | 25,170 | 3,290 | 15% |
National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022
Michigan Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight
Students in Michigan have dozens of accredited medical assisting schools to choose from. Detailed information about a few of the schools can be found below.
MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE
School Type:Public College
Accreditation:Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights:Macomb Community College allows students multiple options to enter the medical assisting career field. It also facilitates the transfer process for students who want to earn a bachelor's degree
Programs offered:The medical assisting certificate consists of 47 credits, while the associate of applied science requires 65 credits. Either program will prepare students to sit for Certified Medical Assistant exam.
OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
School Type:Public College
Accreditation:Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights:This college offers plenty of options to becoming a medical assistant, with several degree and certificate options. After graduation, students will be prepared to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam.
Programs offered:OCC allows students to get either a certificate or associate's degree in medical assisting. However, students can obtain additional medical education by earning a specialty certificate in areas such as insurance billing and coding and phlebotomy.
Michigan Medical Assistant Resources
American Association of Medical Assistants
In addition to providing resources to students and medical assisting professionals, the AAMA also administers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification examination.
American Medical Technologists
The AMT website helps students study for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam, employers to confirm RMA certification and provides professional development opportunities for medical assistant professionals.
Michigan Society of Medical Assistants
The Michigan Society of Medical Assistants exists to help improve patient care delivered by medical assistants, promote the medical assistant profession and provide networking opportunities to Michigan medical assistants.
Michigan Statutes
Michigan's public health laws concerning tasks a physician may delegate to unlicensed medical professionals such as medical assistants.
National Center for Competency Testing
The NCCT issues the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification, which is one of the major certifications available to medical assistants.