Programs, Certifications, Earnings and Job Growth
Medical assisting is a growing field across the country, and in the big state of Texas, growth is no exception. Long term projection of employment growth for medical assistants in Texas is expected to increase by about 32 percent, according to Projectioncentral.com. The Texas biocorridor, located in College Station less than two miles from Texas A&M University, is expected to be large employer of medical professionals at all levels. While formal training isn't required to work as a medical assistant in Texas, finding a medical assisting job may be easier with some education under your belt, and the state has a variety of education options.
If you are interesting in joining this growing field, read on to find out about employment trends, salaries, certification, training and medical assisting schools in Texas.
Best Medical Assisting Schools in Texas
Completing a degree in medical assisting can lead to career advancement and personal fulfillment for any student, but it is important to maintain life's priorities. We've put in the work to find the best programs offered throughout Texas, basing our findings on graduation rates, tuition cost, and available academic services. Look below to find our list of the best medical assisting programs available in Texas.
These rankings include
#1 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Texas
Panola College
Carthage, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can obtain an associate degree or certificate from Panola College, a public school located in Texas. Through coursework and technical training, associate and certificate programs for medical assistants prepare students to secure employment in entry-level roles. After completing their associate or certificate program, graduates can enroll in a bachelor's program to increase their job options and earning potential.
By studying online, enrollees can eliminate the cost of commuting to Carthage for in-person classes. Asynchronous medical assistant programs often attract busy students and working professionals, who need the ability to schedule coursework around other responsibilities. The institution's admissions counselors can help applicants select the best program for their goals and interests.
Panola College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 13
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 23
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 2
#2 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Texas
Cisco College
Cisco, TX - 2 years
- Campus
With a main campus in Texas, Cisco College delivers medical assistant associate and certificate programs. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain medical assistant-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. Many graduates pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for more advanced positions.
With remote programs, the school provides opportunities for enrollees in any location to study online. Additionally, online medical assistant programs can benefit busy students by allowing them to complete assignments and view lectures on evenings and weekends. Before enrolling, applicants should consider their career goals and contact the admissions department for more information.
Cisco College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 23
Number of Certificate Programs: 20
#3 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Texas
McLennan Community College
Waco, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, McLennan Community College educates learners based in Texas and throughout the country through online education. Associate degrees and certificate programs help prepare graduates for entry-level positions in medical assisting that requires modest technical training. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees living outside of Waco benefit from these programs being available online. Additionally, online learning provides flexible scheduling options that improve accessibility for busy students. For specific information about the institution's programs, prospective applicants can consult an admissions counselor.
McLennan Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 52
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 3
Number of Certificate Programs: 50
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 1
#4 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Texas
San Antonio College
San Antonio, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, San Antonio College offers associate and certificate programs in medical assisting. Although the school is located in San Antonio, Texas, students in any state can enroll in the school's online programs. Rather than relocating or commuting to campus, learners can choose to study online.
Medical assistant programs at the associate or certificate level feature coursework exploring relevant theories and practical knowledge. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level medical assistant positions immediately after graduation. Graduates can also choose to transfer to a bachelor's program for continued education and expanded opportunities, often with a reduced course load or fewer prerequisites.
San Antonio College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 69
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 10
Number of Certificate Programs: 49
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
#5 Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries In Texas
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, El Paso Community College provides medical assistant-specific career preparation through associate and certificate programs. The school delivers programs online and on campus. Learners with full-time jobs often study online because of the increased flexibility remote learning offers.
Along with field-specific knowledge, participants pursuing an associate degree or certificate for medical assistants gain practical skills in the field. These programs often lead directly to entry-level medical assistant positions. Additionally, many graduates enroll in bachelor's programs, saving money by transferring associate or certificate credits toward their degrees.
El Paso Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 77
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 12
Number of Certificate Programs: 49
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6
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Top Online Medical Assistant Programs
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Certification and Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Texas
Q. How does Texas define "medical assistant"?
The Texas Medical Board does not have a strict definition of "medical assistant," but Sec. 157.001 of the Texas Occupations Code states that "A physician may delegate to a qualified and properly trained person acting under the physician's supervision any medical act that a reasonable and prudent physician would find within the scope of sound medical judgment to delegate" based on the delegating physician's opinions in regards to the act being performed in a safe, proper, and customary manner and not in violation of any statutes. Typically, medical assistants act as support personnel and perform basic duties such as the following:
- Recording patient's medical history
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Drawing blood
- Collecting lab specimens
- Prepping patients for exams
- Assisting physicians during patient procedures
Q. Is certification required?
Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant in Texas, but highly desired by most employers. Certification as a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) through the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is one of the desired certifications for most medical assisting jobs. Certification as a medical assistant in Texas can be achieved by completion of an accredited medical assisting program prior to taking the certification exam.
Q. Is certification available?
Several national organizations offer certification to Texas medical assistants, and testing may be required. The following titles can be earned through these organizations:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) - National Center for Competency Testing
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - National Healthcareer Association
Q. Is a formal education and/or training required for Texas medical assistants?
Formal training is not a requirement to work as a medical assistant in Texas. It is possible get experience as a medical assistant (MA) with on-the job training, but most employers will want to hire someone who has completed a medical assisting program. Employers want medical assistants that can perform a wide variety of tasks and will seek out those who have had some formal education and certification.
Q. Are there additional requirements?
There are no additional educational requirements for medical assistants in Texas. If you are certified, you will want to keep your MA (medical assistant) credentials current, along with an annual membership to your certification organization. As a registered MA, you may also be required to obtain a certain amount of continuing education credits per year.
Q. Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Texas?
The scope of practice for medical assistants is limited, but loosely defined under Texas State law, as with most states. The medical assistant works closely with all medical personnel, but is ultimately considered under supervision and direction of a physician. Below are a few examples of what medical assistants in Texas may be allowed to perform with proper training:
- Clerical tasks such as answering phones, filing, inventory and ordering of equipment and supplies, patient scheduling and bookkeeping
- Communication with patients regarding diet, examination preparation, explanation of tests and procedures, sterilization of equipment, maintenance of exam rooms, assists doctor with procedures
- Takes patients' vital signs, height and weight, medical history, and records information in computer and on patient charts
- Blood draws, injections (non-IV) such as immunizations, administers some medications, limited wound care, collection of lab specimens, basic laboratory tests
- Perform electrocardiograms, and with additional certification, some basic radiography
Salaries for Medical Assistants in Texas
Salaries for medical assistants vary significantly across the country. This table shows a comparison of what a medical assistant in Texas earned in 2014, compared with the national average.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile |
Annual Wage Median |
Annual Wage 75th percentile |
Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $22,940 | $27,680 | $33,380 | 13.31 |
| National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Medical Assistant Salaries in Select Texas Cities and Areas
The following table compares medical assistant wages across three metropolitan areas of Texas in 2014. According to this information, salaries vary considerably throughout the state, based on geographical location.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile |
Annual Wage Median |
Annual Wage 75th percentile |
Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $25,860 | $30,250 | $35,220 | $14.55 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $25,840 | $30,590 | $36,400 | $14.71 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $23,080 | $26,990 | $30,640 | $12.98 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Texas Medical Assisting Employments Trends
The medical field is ever-changing, and the demand for support personnel such as medical assistants is increasing. For those seeking a career in medical assisting in Texas, the outlook is good, with a strong projected growth rate of almost 32 percent for medical assisting jobs in the next few years. The following table shows current growth rate along with projected growth rate for medical assisting jobs in Texas, compared to the national average.
| Area | Average Annual Openings |
Current Employment |
Projected Employment 2022 |
Jobs Added |
Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 2,630 | 51,560 | 67,960 | 16,400 | 31.8% |
| National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022
Texas Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight
Whether you are looking to earn a certificate or an AAS degree in medical assisting, Texas has a very large selection of schools to choose from, located throughout state, and many schools here offer the choice between a certificate and an AAS degree. Depending on your needs, budget and location, the options include community colleges, career colleges, vocational schools, and even some four year colleges. The following spotlighted schools offer a good look at the types of schools available in Texas.
San Antonio College
School Type: Public, two year college
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights: Certificate or AAS degree available, Graduates qualify for the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credentialing exam
Part of the Alamo Colleges
located in the heart of San Antonio, with college campus feel and vibrant student life
Programs offered: Medical Assisting, Level II Certificate
South Texas College
School Type: Four year public college
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
School highlights: Students have the choice of earning a certificate or AAS degree in Medical Assisting
Day, night, and hybrid classes available
Wide variety of student services and opportunities to engage in student life activities typically found at a four year college
Programs offered: Certificate in Medical Assistant Technology, Certificate in Medical Office Specialist, AAS degree in Medical Assistant Technology