Training & Certification
Medical assistant schools and programs are available in several different educational venues in Maryland, including community colleges, accredited colleges, vocational schools, technical colleges and universities, many of which offer online courses. There are currently over 10,000 medical assistant jobs throughout the state with an expected growth of 30 percent over the coming decade. Although medical assistant salaries vary slightly depending on the area, the hourly median wage in Maryland is $5 more than the national wage. If you're looking for a rewarding career in healthcare in a state with growing opportunities, look into training and certification as a medical assistant in Maryland.
- Maryland's Best Medical Assisting Schools
- Finding a Medical Assistant Program in Maryland
- Maryland's State Certification Requirements
- Medical Assistant Salaries in Maryland
- Maryland's Medical Assisting Career Trends
- School Spotlights in Maryland
- Extra Resources
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Top Medical Assisting Schools: Maryland
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.
Aspiring medical assistants start ton their career paths by first earning a degree or certificate in the field. This puts them on the path to helping patients and assisting health care professionals by managing medical offices and clinics, maintaining patient records, taking medical histories and scheduling patient appointments. To find the medical assisting program that allows you the time and resources you need to maintain your personal and professional obligations, do your research. Our list of 2017's Top Medical Assisting Schools in Maryland can help.
#1 Maryland Medical Assistant Schools and Salaries
Harford Community College
Bel Air, MD - 2 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, Harford Community College offers associate and certificate programs in medical assisting. The Bel Air-based school delivers courses online and on campus, providing opportunities for students located in Maryland and elsewhere. With flexible scheduling options, online programs allow learners to maintain full-time employment while completing their program.
Along with field-specific knowledge, participants pursuing an associate degree or certificate in medical assisting gain practical skills in the field. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level medical assisting roles. To increase their earning potential, graduates can pursue bachelor's studies after earning their associate degree or certificate.
Harford Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 34
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 38
#2 Maryland Medical Assistant Schools and Salaries
Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, Frederick Community College educates learners based in Maryland and throughout the country. Through coursework and technical training, associate and certificate programs in medical assisting prepare students to secure employment and succeed in entry-level roles. To increase their career options, graduates can transfer into a bachelor's program.
Enrollees can study online without relocating. In addition, online learning allows students to continue earning an income while pursuing their education. Before enrolling, prospective applicants should review the institution's available programs to ensure they align with their goals.
Frederick Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 52
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 1
Number of Certificate Programs: 87
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 3
#3 Maryland Medical Assistant Schools and Salaries
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MD - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners interested in medical assisting can pursue a certificate or an associate degree from Allegany College of Maryland, a public school. Featuring crucial technical training, associate and certificate programs help students gain medical assisting-specific skills necessary for entry-level positions. Before pursuing employment, graduates can also earn a bachelor's degree, which can increase their career opportunities.
The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near Cumberland. Additionally, many online medical assisting programs allow students to complete coursework at their convenience, which can be ideal for students with personal or professional responsibilities. Before enrolling, applicants can speak with an admissions counselor to ensure the institution offers a program aligning with their goals.
Allegany College of Maryland at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 29
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 31
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 4
Certification & Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Maryland
1.How is "medical assistant" defined in Maryland?
Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians, usually in outpatient facilities, such as clinics and medical offices. They are trained to perform clinical duties including assisting during exams, preparing and administering medications and collecting and preparing lab specimens, as well as administrative duties.
2.Is certification required?
Licensure and certification is not required of medical assistants in Maryland. All that is needed is a high school diploma or GED.
3.Is certification available?
Although certification is not required in Maryland, physicians hiring them are at liberty to request training or certification. For this reason, medical assistants may voluntarily become nationally certified. Approved certifications available include (but may not be limited to):
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
4.How do Maryland medical assistants maintain their credentials?
The CMA credential is valid for 60 months. Recertification in Maryland through the AAMA requires the medical assistant holds a current CMA credential and completes one of the following:
| Recertification by ExaminationTo pass the examination originally taken to become a medical assistant. | |
| Recertification by Continuing Education | To accumulate 60 recertification points over the five years of the current CMA credential's validity. This must include 10 administrative points, 10 general points, 10 clinical points, 30 points from a combination of the above categories. |
5.Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Maryland?
A Maryland medical assistant may not:
- Conduct a physical exam
- Dispense medications
- Provide physical therapy services
- Give medical advice without consulting a physician
- Initiate independent treatment except CPR
Salaries for Medical Assistants in Maryland
The following 2014 salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offer a comparison between medical assistant earnings in Maryland and nationally.
| Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $26,990 | $31,980 | $36,950 | $15.37 |
| National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Maryland Medical Assistant Salaries: City and Metropolitan Area Salaries
Salaries for medical assistants can vary by thousands of dollars a year depending on location, illustrated by the 2014 wage amounts from the BLS shown in the map below. The highest paying areas are located in or around Bethesda, while Cumberland and Hagerstown have lower wages.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Towson, MD | $27,760 | $32,450 | $36,870 | $15.60 |
| Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick, MD Metropolitan Division | $27,470 | $33,250 | $38,210 | $15.99 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | $24,590 | $28,860 | $35,060 | $13.87 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $24,020 | $28,270 | $33,380 | $13.59 |
| Salisbury, MD | $26,390 | $30,460 | $35,500 | $14.64 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Maryland Medical Assisting Employments Trends
Medical assistant jobs are projected to grow by 6.4 percent from 2012-2022 in Maryland. While this is respectable growth compared to other jobs, it's much lower than growth for medical assistants in other parts of the country. The table below compares Maryland medical assisting job growth with national growth.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
| Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 250 | 9,810 | 10,440 | 630 | 6.4% |
| National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022
Maryland Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight
There is a wide range of medical assisting programs to choose from throughout the state of Maryland's universities, community colleges and vocational school, here are a few reputable ones to give you a place to begin your search.
ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
School Type:Community college
Accreditation:Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
School highlights:A 31-credit, three term program
Offers degree, certificate and Letter of Recognition for graduates
Practice in the clinical college laboratory
Programs offered:Medical Assistant Certificate
Healthcare Delivery Systems Certificate
Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science
Pharmacology for health professions
Allied health and medical ethics
Electronic medical records
Anne Arundel Community College
CECIL COLLEGE
School Type:Vocational college
Accreditation:Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB):
School highlights:Courses include coding and insurance and managed care
Opportunity to sit for to the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/AAMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Programs offered:Certificate of Medical Assisting
Associate Degree in Healthcare Sciences
Anatomy and physiology for allied health
Medical terminology
Psychology essentials
Medical office procedures
Professionalism in healthcare
Maryland Medical Assistant Resources
Maryland Society of Medical Assistants
This is the website for the MSMA; a professional body which provides membership and promotes the professional identity of people in the medical assisting profession throughout Maryland.
Maryland Medical Assistant State Exam
While the state does not require a license or certification, you may need one to get a position or a promotion. This site details the CMA and RMA and explain how you can take them.
The American Association of Medical Assistants
The AAMA provided certification, information and membership for medical assistants throughout the USA.