Programs, Wages & Employment Trends
Medical assisting is a rewarding career choice for those in Rhode Island who want to contribute to providing patient care in settings such as hospitals, laboratories, doctor's offices and clinics. Unlike other states, The Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline has created policy statements and specific guidelines for medical assistants in the state. As a result, focused quality training is needed to pursue this career in the state. Read on to find out more about medical assisting guidelines and regulations in Rhode Island, as well as the job duties and salaries of medical assistants in the state.
Rhode Island Medical Assisting School Spotlight
A successful medical assisting career begins with quality training. The following school in Rhode Island may provide students with that training.
New England Institute of Technology
School Type:
Private college
Accreditation:
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
School highlights:
This is a competency-based program that allows students to work in small classes and labs in order to get the individualized attention needed to learn course material. Classes cover topics such as medical language, clinical care techniques, business math, and pathophysiology. In addition, students get experiential knowledge by working at a medical facility during the last two quarters of the program.
Programs offered:
Associate degreeNew England Institute of Technology
Certification & Training Requirements for Medical Assistants in Rhode Island
1 How does Rhode Island define "medical assistant?"
In Rhode Island, a medical assistant is an unlicensed health care professional that received on-the-job training or a formal education to learn how to perform routine clinical, administrative and clerical duties is a variety of health care settings. Medical assistants must work under the supervision of licensed professionals-registered nurses, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants and licensed practical nurses-at all times.
2 Is certification required?
Rhode Island does not require that medical assistants earn a certification, and the state does not issue licenses to these professionals. They do have the option to earn a certification by passing the examination administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Medical assistants can also become registered through American Medical Technologists.
3 Is medical assistant training required?
Medical assistants can complete a degree program that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). However, a medical assistant degree is not required and medical assistants in the state can receive on-the-job training.
4 What tasks are medical assistants in Rhode Island allowed to perform?
Rhode Island law mandates what tasks medical assistants are allowed to perform, provided they have demonstrated to employers that they're competent in those duties and will not produce undue risk by performing them. The tasks that they're allowed to perform include the following:
- Measuring vital signs
- Conducting telephone follow-up conversations with patients after visits
- Applying or removing bandages
- Performing an ECG
- Obtaining non-invasive (urine, semen, stool, or sputum) samples to be tested
5 What tasks do medical assistants need a certification or registration to perform?
Medical assistants can perform the following duties if they have earned the proper certification, registration, or have demonstrated a "verified competency":
- Collecting peripheral vein or capillary blood work
- Administering medications that are not controlled substances
- Administering subcutaneous, intramuscular, or oral vaccinations
- Applying a cast after a licensed practitioner positions the body part in place
- Performing CLIA-waived test
6 What tasks are medical assistants not allowed to perform?
Along with interpreting tests and diagnosing diseases, medical assistants are legally barred from performing the following tasks:
- Giving intravenous injections, inserting an intravenous catheter
- Triage
- Administering controlled substances
- Interpreting tests
- Using a laser
- Administer contrast dyes
Salaries for Medical Assistants in Rhode Island
Medical assistants in the state make salaries that exceed national levels. The following table compares average Rhode Island earnings to U.S. averages.
Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rhode Island | $28,150 | $32,450 | $36,690 | $15.60 |
National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Rhode Island Area Medical Assistant Salaries
While specific salaries can vary depending on employers, the information below provides a range of what medical assistants in Rhode Island can expect to earn.
Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Providence-Fall River-Warwick, RI-MA | $27,830 | $32,040 | $36,540 | $15.40 |
Source: BLS, 2014
Rhode Island Medical Assisting Employments Trends
According to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing businesses in the state, thanks to factors such as the aging population and advances in medical technology. In fact, in the coming years, the field is expected to grow by 15.8 percent.
Similarly, the available positions for medical assistants are also expected to increase, as outlined by the table below.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rhode Island | 60 | 1,820 | 2,050 | 230 | 12.5% |
National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022
Rhode Island Medical Assistant Resources
American Association of Medical Assistants
This organization administers the Certified Medical Assistant examination. In addition, AAMA also provides continuing education and professional networking opportunities.
American Medical Technologists
This agency provides certifications for medical assistants, as well as continuing education.
The Rhode Island Department of Health outlines the education and professional expectations of medical assistants
Medical Assistants - Rhode Island Department of Health
Provides details about what medical assistants are allowed to do by law, as well as what they are prohibited from doing.
Opportunities in Health Care, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
This page has information from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training about the occupational outlook and salary potential of different health care professions in the state.