Job growth for medical assistants in Minnesota is expected to be brisk at almost 20 percent from 2012 to 2022. In more good news, the income for medical assistants in Minnesota is higher, on average, than that of medical assistants in other states. Under the supervision of nurses and other licensed personnel, medical assistants have the flexibility to engage in a wide variety of tasks, including those in the front office and those that deal directly with patient care.
This guide will delve into what students can expect from training and education in Minnesota, as well as what they might seen in terms of salary upon graduation.
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Top Medical Assisting Colleges in Minnesota
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.
When a career in health care is on your radar, finding the right program is key. A career in medical assisting allows you to work directly with patients and physicians, checking vital signs, taking medical histories, assisting with examinations and other tasks. To find the right program for you, check out our list of Top Medical Assisting Colleges in Minnesota in 2017. After looking at a number of factors, including student-to-faculty ratio, student reviews and programs available, we ranked Minnesota's schools to get you on the right track.
These rankings include
#1 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Minnesota
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Granite Falls, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in higher education, Minnesota West Community and Technical College provides educational opportunities to Granite Falls-based students and distance learners. Degree-seekers looking to advance in the medical assistant field should consider the college's medical assistant associate program. Learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research and more.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, enrollees can pursue their studies at their own pace. At the college, 30% of all programs accommodate remote learning. Regardless of enrollment format, participants can access campus resources including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 121
Number of Online Programs: 36
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 45%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 92%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,441
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 24%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,001
Average Price After Aid: $11,244
#2 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Minnesota
Dakota County Technical College
Rosemount, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Dakota County Technical College is a Rosemount-based college supporting academic programs in dual modalities. The school's medical assistant programs equip students with a well-rounded education through their rigorous curriculum. While completing coursework, enrollees can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, learners can pursue their studies at their own pace. Prospective applicants seeking remote study should know that 8% of the college's programs support fully online study. Enrollees benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
Dakota County Technical College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 131
Number of Online Programs: 10
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 55%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 77%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,491
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 32%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,726
Average Price After Aid: $10,805
#3 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Minnesota
Central Lakes College-Brainerd
Brainerd, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a Brainerd-based college supporting academic programs in dual modalities. The school supports programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Students pursuing a medical assistant diploma can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.
Enrollees can complete the program in person or remotely. The institution notes that 9% of its programs enable online study. Learners can access library services, tutoring, and other campus resources.
Central Lakes College-Brainerd at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 86
Number of Online Programs: 8
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 44%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 88%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,060
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 22%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,924
Average Price After Aid: $11,790
#4 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Minnesota
South Central College
North Mankato, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
South Central College connects learners with competitive educational opportunities through in-person and online programs. The school's medical assistant program prepares enrollees for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. Students hoping to deepen their knowledge can collaborate with faculty members on research projects and other endeavors.
Students can complete the program in person or remotely. When considering remote study, applicants should know that 11% of the college's programs support online learning. Enrollees can access numerous campus resources throughout their studies, including academic advising and career services.
South Central College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 109
Number of Online Programs: 12
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 27%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 84%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,832
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 33%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,549
Average Price After Aid: $9,928
#5 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Minnesota
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Hennepin Technical College supports in-person and distance learning opportunities from its main campus in Brooklyn Park. The school offers programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Students in the medical assistant program complete major-specific coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures. They can pursue further learning through internships and research projects.
Depending on their needs, enrollees can complete the program in person or online. The college offers five fully online degrees. Learners benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
Hennepin Technical College at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 149
Number of Online Programs: 5
Admission Rate: Data not available
Graduation Rate: 29%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 72%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,097
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 29%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,329
Average Price After Aid: $11,190
Minnesota Medical Assisting Training
1.How does Minnesota define "medical assistant"?
Minnesota considers medical assistants as unlicensed assistive personnel. According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, "unlicensed assistive person (UAP) means any unlicensed person to whom nursing tasks or activities may be delegated or assigned, as approved by the board."
2.Is certification required for medical assistants?
Certification is not required by Minnesota. However, many medical assistants choose to earn certification in order to stand out when hiring time rolls around. Certification means that the medical assistant has a certain amount of knowledge concerning the job and potential duties; that can come in handy in a busy office, where physicians and nurses hope to hire someone who already knows how to handle several responsibilities that might be delegated.
3.Is certification available?
Those who choose to earn certification can do so through four major certifying agencies. The agencies and their corresponding certifications are listed below.
| Certification | Agency |
|---|---|
| Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) |
| Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) | National Certification Career Association (NCCA) |
4.Is formal education and/or training required?
Though Minnesota does not require training or education of unlicensed assistive personnel, such as medical assistants, formal education and training must be obtained in order to gain certification. Therefore, many medical assistants do complete a training program that prepares them to sit for the certification exam.
5.Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, both licensed practical nurses and registered nurses can delegate nursing tasks. Though there is no set description in Minnesota law about what medical assistants can and cannot do, nurses cannot delegate tasks that require advanced training.
Medical Assistants Minnesota Salaries
Medical assistants in Minnesota make a substantially higher median wage compared to other medical assistants across the nation. Here's what Minnesota medical assistants might expect to see on their paychecks.
| Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $29,280 | $34,130 | $38,260 | $16.41 |
| National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Minnesota City Salaries
Salaries for medical assistants can vary widely depending upon a variety of factors, including geographical location. It is possible for someone in one part of the state to make a dramatically different salary than someone in another part of the state, simply due to local economies. The following chart illustrates the various income expectations across various regions of Minnesota.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | $29,310 | $33,590 | $37,360 | $16.15 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | $25,650 | $30,180 | $36,540 | $14.51 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington,MN-WI | $30,950 | $34,800 | $38,670 | $16.73 |
| Rochester, MN | $34,000 | $38,790 | $45,430 | $18.65 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $24,550 | $28,950 | $34,250 | $13.92 |
| Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $26,630 | $30,440 | $35,350 | $14.63 |
| Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $24,740 | $32,490 | $36,600 | $15.62 |
| Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $23,890 | $29,120 | $35,200 | $14.00 |
| Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $25,040 | $29,750 | $34,480 | $14.30 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Minnesota Medical Assisting Job Growth
Though Minnesota's median income for medical assistants is higher than the national average, the rate of employment growth for medical assistants is not. At just shy of 20 percent, it's about 9 percent lower than the national average. The chart below goes into further detail.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
| Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 330 | 8,590 | 10,280 | 1,690 | 19.7% |
| National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022
Minnesota Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight
For students interested in attending a medical assisting program in Minnesota, there are dozens of schools available. Below are three examples.
CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE
School Type:Public College
Accreditation:CAAHEP
School highlights:This school emphasizes team-based instruction and has many quality internship placement opportunities available to provide the best learning and career advancement opportunities. The curriculum will help students sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam.
Programs offered:Central Lakes College has both associate's degree and diploma paths available. The associate degree consists of 60 credits, while the diploma takes 39 credits to complete.
LAKE SUPERIOR COLLEGE
School Type:Public College
Accreditation:CAAHEP
School highlights:The medical assisting program can be taken on campus at Lake Superior College's Duluth campus. Before taking medical assisting coursework, students will have to show a certain level of math, English and reading proficiency.
Programs offered:Lake Superior College offers a medical assisting diploma, which is comprised of 43 credits and can be finished in about one year.
Minnesota Medical Assistant Resources
American Association of Medical Assistants
The AAMA not only provides the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, but the AAMA also helps promote the medical assisting profession by supporting local AAMA affiliated medical assistant organizations.
American Medical Technologists
The AMT administers one of the most widely accepted medical assistant certifications - the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification.
Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants
By serving as the statewide affiliate of the AAMA, the Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants provides professional development opportunities to Minnesota medical assistants, as well as helps promote and protect the profession of medical assisting in Minnesota.
Minnesota Statutes - Nurse Practice Act
The Minnesota Nurse Practice Act dictates the practice of nursing in Minnesota, which includes allowing nurses to delegate certain tasks to unlicensed healthcare assistants, including medical assistants.
National Healthcareer Association
The NHA provides for two medical assisting certifications by administering the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exams.