Medical Assistant Schools in New York
(found 9 schools)
Overview
In the wake of the Affordable Care Act, millions of New York City’s 8.3 million residents are seeking medical care for the first time. Medical assistants are relied upon to offer speedy, accurate care under the supervision of doctors and nurses.
The first step to becoming a medical assistant is getting your education from a New York school. There are plenty of technical and community colleges that give you the chance to learn all you need to know to become a medical assistant. You can use our convenient list of schools below to find nearby MA schools and contact schools you are interested in.
Medical assistants are used in many settings throughout New York City. Large hospitals, like Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Medical Center, and Hackensack University Medical Center all use medical assistants in order to use doctors’ time more efficiently.
If you decide to work and study in New York City, you can get around the city with ease when you use the New York City Metro Transit Authority. The MTA offers many different services and schedules, including subway service, bus service, and three different railways.
Medical Assistant Education in New York City
As you prepare to begin a medical assistant program in New York City, you may be faced with two types of programs: one-year diploma programs, which are the more common choice, and two-year Associate’s degree programs, which are less common. As you evaluate different schools, be sure to look at tuition and financial aid. Some schools charge by the credit. Other schools charge a lump sum for the program; for example, the New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants charges a lump sum of $14,150. You may also be able to apply for scholarships. The New York State Society of Medical Assistants awards the Dorothy Ross Scholarship for New York MA students.
The curriculum of your MA course will likely be very demanding, since you need to be able to work in a variety of settings. Some commonly required courses include Anatomy & Physiology, Clinical Procedures, Human Body in Health and Disease, and Clinical Competencies. Most programs end with a clinical practicum. By working in a hospital or clinic, you can hone your skills and learn how to provide excellent care to patients.
You may wish to end your educational experience by pursuing Certified Medical Assistant licensure. This goes through the American Association of Medical Assistants. After demonstrating proof of program completion and passing a comprehensive exam, you can become certified for five years.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistant Graduates in New York City
There could be multiple positions in the NYC metro that you can apply for after graduating from an accredited medical assistant program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the NYC metropolitan area has the second-highest employment level of medical assistants in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014) also reports that the average salary for a medical assistant in New York City is $67,980 per year.
It is important to network with others in your field if you want to thrive in the medical industry. In New York, you can join the New York State Society of Medical Assistants. This group offers many benefits, including conventions, ongoing education events, and advocacy services. They encourage networking and provide information on becoming certified as a Certified Medical Assistant.
Salary numbers provided are from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.