Medical Assistant Schools in Indianapolis
(found 6 schools)
The city of Indianapolis is one of the largest in the Midwest, providing lots of city amenities to students and professionals that live in this metropolitan area. Like any other urban area, Indianapolis has a large network of health care providers and institutions that its population relies on. If you’re considering a career in health care, becoming a medical assistant in Indianapolis may be the right choice for you.
When it comes to medical assistant training, Indianapolis offers a variety of options. You can find a full list of medical assistant schools in Indianapolis listed on this page, to make your search easier. If you would like to request more information about medical assistant programs, Indianapolis schools can be contacted directly from this page. Submit your request for materials to begin.
As far as medical assistant jobs in Indianapolis, this city may be a great hub for this career track. Medical assistants work in many different types of health care institutions, offering you flexibility in your career choices. MAs are often hired by nursing homes, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. The skills you gain in a medical assisting program can make you a valuable asset to a clinic’s administrative or medical care team.
Schools and Jobs in Indianapolis
Getting a medical assisting degree may allow you to benefit from the very positive job outlook in Indiana. O*Net expects job openings for Indiana medical assistants to increase by 31 percent between 2010 and 2020. This job growth rate is 2 percent higher than the national average, and it may create over 500 new jobs annually (O*Net).
Salaries in this area tend to be on par with national averages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for an Indianapolis medical assistant is $32,540
per year (2016).
As the resident of a big city, it’s likely that you’ll be surrounded by many potential employers. In regards to medical assistant jobs, Indianapolis boasts some of the largest medical assistant employers in the area, with Riverview Hospital, Eskenazi Health, Golden Living, and BrightStar Care noted as prominent options.
Of course, you must get the appropriate education before you can start your career. This area has many two-year educational institutions that offer MA programs.
Transportation and Networking in Indianapolis
The Indiana Society of Medical Assistants is the largest professional resource for medical assistants and medical assisting students in Indiana. Taking advantage of the resources offered by this group may allow you to find listings of medical assistant jobs in Indianapolis, attend educational seminars, and network with other medical assistants in Indianapolis.
It’s no secret that school can be a serious financial commitment. However, to help with paying for medical assistant training, Indianapolis area organizations offer scholarships that may help to decrease your expenses. The Indiana Public Health Foundation awards the Dr. Helen L. Scheibner Life Science and Public Health Scholarship to students pursuing careers in public health. Another great resource for local scholarships is The Lutheran Foundation, a group that awards scholarships worth $1,000 each.
Public transit may be another way to save money on your educational costs. IndyGo, the public transportation system of Indianapolis, allows students to use the College S-Pass. This semester pass costs far less than a typical pass.
Getting a Medical Assistant Degree
Completing a medical assisting degree can take between one and two years of full-time study, depending on which type of program you elect to finish. The two-year Associate’s degree may be the most popular option. Some students choose to complete a one-year certificate or diploma.
These three programs usually require fairly similar classes. As you begin your education, you may start with classes like Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Medical Terminology. These courses provide a basic understanding of what it means to be a medical assistant. Higher-level courses include Front Office Procedures, Clinical Procedures, and Exam Room Procedures. When you take these classes, you may learn specific procedures and techniques that you’ll learn throughout the course of your degree. You often complete clinical work as a medical assisting student. You may be taken into nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics to work with patients.
Administrative work is a big part of becoming a medical assistant. During your one to two years of school, you may learn how to check in patients, protect patient’ privacy, and process insurance paperwork. The combination of exam room experience and administrative experience can help you prepare for a range of careers.
Salary numbers provided are from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.