Balancing Family and Medical Assistant Training

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Deciding to pursue a new career while managing family responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Between work, school, and personal commitments, finding time for everything requires planning and support. Fortunately, a career in healthcare offers flexibility, and with the right strategies, balancing family life while completing a medical assistant training program is achievable. At Allen School, we understand the challenges adult learners face, and we’re committed to providing resources and guidance to help students succeed in both their education and their personal lives.

The Challenges of Juggling School and Family

For parents and guardians returning to school, balancing responsibilities can be one of the biggest hurdles. Common challenges include:
  • Time Constraints: Between childcare, school pickups, meal prep, and household duties, finding uninterrupted study time can be difficult.
  • Financial Pressures: Many adult learners continue working while in school, which means managing tuition costs, household expenses, and childcare needs simultaneously.
  • Emotional Stress: Adjusting to a new routine while fulfilling family responsibilities can feel overwhelming, making time management and self-care essential.
Understanding these challenges is the first step to overcoming them. By establishing a clear plan and using available resources, students can create a balance that works for them..

Time Management Strategies for Success

Successfully balancing family and education requires careful time management. Here are some strategies to help students stay organized:
  • Set Realistic Goals: Instead of focusing on everything at once, break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance.
  • Create a Family Calendar: Keep track of school schedules, work shifts, and family activities in one place. Digital calendars with alerts can help ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
  • Plan Study Time Strategically: Schedule study sessions during quiet hours—such as early mornings, nap times, or after the kids go to bed—to maximize focus.
  • Streamline Household Tasks: Meal prepping, setting out clothes in advance, and using grocery delivery services can help free up time for studying and self-care.
  • Ask for Help When Needed: Whether it’s a partner, relative, or friend, don’t hesitate to lean on your support network when you need assistance with childcare or errands.
With a structured routine and realistic expectations, it can be much easier to manage both your coursework and your family responsibilities.

Guidance and Resources for Adult Students

Balancing education with personal responsibilities can be challenging. At Allen School, we provide guidance and connect students with valuable resources to help them stay on track.

Inspiring Stories from Medical Assistant Students with Families

Many adult learners at Allen School have successfully balanced school and family life while working toward their career goals. Our team can share so many real-life examples that show that with determination, planning, and the right resources, it’s possible to pursue a medical assistant career while maintaining a fulfilling family life. If you’d like to hear more about medical assistant students who have achieved their goals while prioritizing their families, we would love to tell you more – connect with us today!

Learn More at Allen School

Balancing school, work, and family may seem challenging, but with the right approach and a strong support system, it’s absolutely possible. At Allen School, we’re committed to helping students navigate their educational journey while managing their responsibilities. Our hybrid medical assistant program combines interactive online learning with hands-on clinical training. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding healthcare career, contact us today to learn more about our training programs.

Advance Your Career with Medical Assistant Training

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A career as a medical assistant can be a stepping stone to numerous opportunities in the healthcare industry. Whether you’re looking to expand your skill set, earn additional certifications, or transition into a new role, your medical assistant training provides a strong foundation for career growth. By exploring medical assistant career advancement opportunities, you can take the next step toward a fulfilling and long-term future in healthcare.

Career Growth Opportunities for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants gain valuable experience working in both clinical and administrative settings, making them well-equipped for career growth. With the right approach, medical assistants can pursue advancement in several ways, including:
  • Taking on Leadership Roles: With experience, some medical assistants move into supervisory or training positions within healthcare practices.
  • Specializing in a Medical Field: Medical assistant specializations allow professionals to focus on specific areas of care, such as pediatrics, dermatology, or cardiology.
  • Expanding Administrative Expertise: Those who excel in medical office procedures may advance into practice management or medical billing and coding roles.
  • Pursuing Further Education: Many medical assistants use their experience as a stepping stone into nursing, healthcare administration, or other allied health professions.
As you discover the career paths that align with your interests and strengths, you can take steps toward advancement while building on the skills you’ve already developed.

Certifications and Specializations to Consider

Earning additional credentials can enhance your qualifications and open new career doors. Some medical assistants choose to obtain specialized certifications to increase their expertise in specific areas of healthcare. Here are a few options to consider:
  • Medical Assistant Certification: While certification is not always required, earning credentials can validate your knowledge and make you more competitive for advancement.
  • Phlebotomy and EKG Certification: As part of the Allen School of Health Sciences’s medical assistant program, students gain hands-on training in phlebotomy and EKG. If you enjoy working with patients, performing blood draws, and conducting electrocardiograms, obtaining these certifications can expand your role in a clinical setting and enhance your career opportunities.
Adding certifications to your resume can demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and help you qualify for more advanced positions.

Transitioning into Nursing or Other Healthcare Roles

For many medical assistants, hands-on experience serves as a foundation for further education in the healthcare field. If you’re considering transitioning to nursing or another healthcare role, your experience can be advantageous when applying to programs or gaining practical skills. Common career transitions include:
  • Medical Assistant to Nurse: Many medical assistants pursue licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) programs, leveraging their patient care experience to excel in nursing school.
  • Medical Assistant to Healthcare Administration: If you enjoy the organizational side of healthcare, roles in medical office management or healthcare administration may be a natural next step.

Networking and Continuing Education for Career Success

Building connections within the healthcare industry can be a key factor in career growth. Networking with colleagues, attending industry events, and joining professional organizations can provide new opportunities and insights. Here are a few ways to leverage networking and continuing education:
  • Join Professional Organizations: Groups such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offer networking opportunities, continuing education, and industry updates.
  • Attend Workshops and Conferences: Engaging in learning opportunities can help you stay current with medical trends and develop new skills.
  • Connect with Mentors: Seeking advice from experienced healthcare professionals can guide career pathways and advancement strategies.

How Medical Assisting Can Open Doors in Healthcare

Medical assisting provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether you choose to specialize, pursue further education, or move into a leadership role, your background as a medical assistant can help you take the next step in your career. Many professionals use their time as a medical assistant to explore different aspects of healthcare before deciding on a long-term path. The skills gained – patient care, medical knowledge, and administrative expertise – serve as a strong foundation for continued growth.

Contact Allen School to Learn More

If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career, the Allen School of Health Sciences is here to support you. Our medical assistant programs provide students with the training and confidence needed to excel in the healthcare field. Contact us today to learn how Allen School can help you advance your career and achieve your professional goals starting now!

The Fast Track to a Rewarding Career: Medical Assistant Certification Explained

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A healthcare career can be both fulfilling and fast-paced, and becoming a medical assistant is one of the most efficient ways to enter the field. Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare facilities, assisting doctors, nurses, and patients in a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. If you’re considering this career path, earning a medical assistant certification can provide the training and confidence needed to step into this essential role.

What is a Medical Assistant Certification?

Medical assistant certification is a credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and ability to perform key medical assisting duties. While certification is not always required to work as a medical assistant, it can improve your job prospects, increase confidence, and show your commitment to excellence in healthcare. Additionally, medical assistant certification programs provide a structured way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge so that graduates can be well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.

Steps to Achieve Your Certification

The path to earning medical assistant certification involves several steps, each designed to prepare you for success in the field. While each program may vary slightly, here’s a general outline of what to expect:
  1. Enroll in a Medical Assistant Program: Choosing an accredited medical assistant training program is a crucial first step. These programs provide the hands-on experience and coursework necessary to build foundational medical knowledge.
  2. Complete Coursework and Hands-On Training: Students gain skills in clinical procedures, patient interaction, medical office management, and more. Many programs emphasize real-world training to help students feel confident in healthcare.
  3. Meet Medical Assistant Certification Requirements: Certification requirements may include completing an accredited program and passing a certification exam. It’s important to research the specific requirements for the certification you plan to pursue.
  4. Prepare for the Certification Exam: Many students choose to review coursework, take practice exams, and refine their skills before sitting for a certification test.
  5. Take the Exam and Obtain Certification: Successfully passing the certification exam can lead to earning your credential, which can open doors to career opportunities in various healthcare settings.

Key Skills Gained Through Certification Programs

Medical assistant certification programs focus on equipping students with a blend of clinical and administrative skills essential for a successful career. Some key skills gained through these programs include:
  • Clinical Skills: Measuring vital signs, assisting with patient exams, drawing blood, and administering injections.
  • Medical Office Procedures: Scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and handling insurance documentation.
  • Patient Communication: Developing strong interpersonal skills to provide compassionate care and support to patients.
  • Healthcare Technology Proficiency: Learning to use electronic health records (EHR) and other essential medical software.
These skills help prepare students for a dynamic healthcare environment where they can assist medical professionals and contribute to patient care.

Career Opportunities After Certification

Earning a medical assistant certification can lead to various career opportunities in healthcare. Medical assistants can find employment in:
  • Clinics and Physician Offices: Assisting doctors and nurses in day-to-day operations.
  • Specialty Practices: Working in areas such as dermatology, cardiology, and pediatrics.
  • Urgent Care Centers: Handling both administrative and clinical responsibilities in fast-paced environments.
Because medical assistants are trained in patient care and office management, so they can play a versatile role in many healthcare settings.

Medical Assistant Certification: FAQs

How long does medical assistant certification take?

The time it takes to complete certification will largely depend on the student’s personal goals, commitments, and the program they have chosen. For example, many students at the Allen School of Health Sciences take an accelerated approach to earning certification to enter the field as soon as possible.

What topics are covered in medical assistant certification programs?

Medical assistant programs cover a wide range of topics, including clinical skills like taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and administering injections. Students also learn administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, medical billing, and maintaining patient records.

Can I specialize in a specific area as a medical assistant?

While medical assistants receive broad training to handle clinical and administrative tasks, some choose to specialize in pediatrics, oncology, dermatology, or ophthalmology. Specializing may involve gaining experience in a specific setting, learning specialized procedures, or earning additional certifications relevant to a particular field of medicine.

Learn More about How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant at the Allen School

If you’re interested in starting your journey toward a healthcare career, the Allen School of Health Sciences offers a supportive and hands-on learning environment. Our medical assistant certification programs provide students with the training and confidence needed to succeed in the healthcare field. With programs available in New York and Phoenix, AZ, the Allen School is a fantastic first step for future healthcare professionals. Contact us today to learn more about how the Allen School can help you take the next step in your career.

Overcoming Language Barriers: Communication Skills for Medical Assistants

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In today’s diverse healthcare environment, effective communication is a must for quality patient care. Medical assistants often find themselves at the frontline, interacting directly with patients whose first language may not be English. But with the right strategies and skills, medical assistants can have clear, compassionate interactions with all patients, regardless of language differences.

The Importance of Effective Communication

Exactly why are communication skills important in healthcare? When healthcare professionals can communicate with patients, they are empowered to not only deliver effective medical treatment, but also to support patient safety, engagement, and trust. With the ability to communicate with a patient, it becomes easier to provide accurate diagnoses, treatment, and even follow-up care. Language barriers complicate these interactions, potentially leading to misunderstandings or miscommunications that could affect patient outcomes.

Common Language Barriers in Healthcare

Medical assistants frequently encounter language barriers in various scenarios, from initial patient registration to explaining treatment plans and follow-up care. These barriers can pose significant risks, including incorrect medication administration, poor compliance with treatment regimens, and overall reduced quality of care. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Tools and Technologies to Assist Communication

To bridge the communication gap, several tools and technologies are available that can help medical assistants and their patients:
  • Medical Translation Apps: These apps provide real-time translation of patient information, improving accuracy in patient interaction.
  • Language Line Services: Telephone-based interpretation services can facilitate more complex conversations with patients.
  • Portable Translation Devices: Handheld devices that offer on-the-spot translation to support clearer communication during patient examinations and consultations.

Cultural Competence and Sensitivity

Beyond language, cultural competence also plays an important role in effective healthcare communication. Medical assistants must adopt practices that not only overcome language barriers but also respect cultural differences. Depending on the situation, this can mean understanding the nuances of different cultures, including dietary preferences, health practices, and perceptions of illness and treatment. MAs should also prioritize using culturally sensitive communication techniques to build trust and ensure patients feel respected and valued.

Training & Resources for Communication in Healthcare

For medical assistants to succeed in a multilingual, multicultural workspace, proper training and resources are key. Every medical assistant should undergo a basic level of communication training, as well as ongoing professional development, which would ideally include:
  • Multilingual Communication Skills: Courses designed to enhance communication across different languages.
  • Cultural Awareness Programs: Training that fosters understanding and sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Continuing Education: Ongoing opportunities to update skills and knowledge in the latest communication technologies and practices.
At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our medical assistant training programs focus on covering the full range of topics relevant to our modern healthcare world. Because we adapt our educational programs to meet the changing needs of today’s healthcare workspaces, students can build the skills they need to serve patients from all cultures and backgrounds. The importance of communication skills in healthcare cannot be underestimated, which is why this topic is one of the several foundational study areas we cover at the Allen School.

Build a Solid Foundation for a Fulfilling Career in Healthcare

Do you envision yourself working with patients as a medical assistant? In the MA role, you can have fulfilling interactions every day, support patient health and wellness, and have a lasting impact on their quality of life. And with excellent education and training, you can be prepared to pursue all of your career dreams. For more information about how to become a medical assistant, connect with the Allen School team today!

Most Common Challenges Facing Adults Going Back to School

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Choosing to return to school can be a life-changing decision, whether it’s been one year since you graduated or a decade since you sat in a classroom.

  • There are significant challenges posed to adults who decide to pursue education. The good news is these challenges are being recognized by many educational institutions, and non-traditional educational opportunities are becoming widely available. School and institutions are realizing the increasing importance of making learning accessible to everyone and are, consequently, offering more flexible options for students. Many institutions offer evening and weekend classes, as well as online or distance education options.
  • Grants, loans and Scholarships can assist with the costs of tuition and books. As more adults return to school, more services and resources become available to assist with this challenging but worthwhile endeavor.
  • Ultimately, adult learners face a very unique set of challenges when deciding to enter or re-enter the educational sphere. Three of the biggest challenges facing adult learners are balancing school and life, accessibility and costs:

School and Life Responsibilities – The Balancing Act
As any post-secondary student can attest, school is a huge time commitment. There is time spent in class, time spent preparing for class and then the time needed for assignments, labs and other homework. Above and beyond school commitments, adults who are returning to school face additional demands on their time. Many adult learners are pursuing their education while still working full time. Many also have families and family obligations. This means less time available for school-related activities. These additional responsibilities can lead to stress and frustration for adult learners.

Accessibility
A second challenge facing adult students is accessibility to classes. Sometimes getting to class is the biggest challenge! As previously mentioned, many adult learners have extensive time commitments. Whether it’s a full-time job or a growing family, other responsibilities make it difficult to attend classes during regular school hours. This can lead to difficulty succeeding at school, or even reluctance to return to school at all.

Cost
The cost of education can be challenging for anyone. Tuition costs, books, supplies — it all adds up. Throw daycare costs or rent, mortgage payments into the mix and the cost of pursuing an education as an adult learner can become prohibitive. Yet there are many resources available to assist in making their educational and career goals come true. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our spring classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.   -Allen School

Tips for Single Parents returning to School

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We’re really impressed when we hear about single parents returning to school on top of everything else, they’re doing! Getting an education isn’t just important for you, it’s crucial for your kids, too. It was not easy, but this is the goal of many single parents.  We often hear from single parents in school who are:

  • Working full-time and going to school during the day or at night
  • Completing intensive internships on top of their jobs
  • Returning to school as ‘older’ students to earn or finish their program.

Congratulations to all of you! We know how frantic everyday life can get: working and parenting can be overwhelming. We also know that returning to school is one of the best ways to gain new skills and move ahead. If you’re a single parent in school or consider returning to school, here are our tips for success:

Write Down Your Goals

Make your goals specific. For example, “I will have taken all my required courses by summer of 2019.” “I will do this by taking an accelerated program with internship before the end of the year.” “I will attend every optional study session offered, even if it is scheduled on Friday afternoon.” Make a contract with yourself, and sign your name. Promise yourself to move ahead with a well thought out plan.

Get Organized

Do not think you can plop your school stuff down on the kitchen table every night. Find a shelf, box, or file cabinet in which to keep your school materials. The kitchen table can certainly turn into your ‘school desk’ at night, but you need a defined, organized place to keep everything. Otherwise, valuable study time is wasted on looking for misplaced things, or items the children somehow managed to ‘borrow.’

Don’t Procrastinate

Single moms or dads in school do not have the option to procrastinate. Guaranteed, the first time you put off an important school paper, a child will get the flu, and the paper will not be done on time. The best way to manage the inevitable stresses of juggling multiple responsibilities as a single parent in school is to prioritize and NOT procrastinate. When your assignments are completed, you can enjoy guilt-free time away from the pressures of school.

Learn to Say ‘No’

When returning to school, you must learn to say no to demands that do not help you either 1) progress in your studies, or 2) personally benefit you and your children. Lots of us have trouble saying no. If this is difficult for you, keep a tangible reminder, like a picture of a vacation spot you’d like to visit.  To remind you that once you complete your program you can have the opportunity for a better life with increased income, and career advancement.

Now, we’d love to know:

Are you currently working toward finishing school? Are you thinking about a new career? If so, contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-ALLEN SCHOOL

The Best Places to Work as a Medical Assistant in 2022 (Part 3)

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If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, your professional future involves fulfilling an essential role in healthcare. Medical assistants have a broad range of responsibilities, helping contribute to the successful operation of a healthcare facility – and ensuring that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are able to treat and care for patients effectively. You can work as a medical assistant in many different settings, ranging from private practices to large hospitals and other facilities. It’s a position that is in high demand and one that will always be relevant to today’s healthcare systems.  Anytime you decide to pursue a certain career path, you want to be confident that you’re making the right choice for your future – and medical assisting is no different. So, you may have a number of questions about medical assistants, such as:
  • What are the best places to work as a medical assistant?
Here is part 3 of our handy guide with the best cities to find a job as a medical assistant. Refer to part 1 for the top 5 best cities and part 2 for 10 more of the best cities to work as a medical assistant.

16. Seattle, Washington

  • 8,700 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $50,820
  • Average hourly wage: $24.43
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $62,560
Seattle is well known as a hub for the high-tech and internet industries, boasting a rapidly growing economy bolstered by respected names like Microsoft and Amazon. However, this flourishing city is also an excellent place to pursue job opportunities in the healthcare field, including those searching for medical assisting jobs.  So, what makes Seattle one of the nation’s best places to work as a medical assistant? First and foremost, the area has several reputable medical centers, including the region’s only Level I trauma hospital, Harborview Medical Center. What’s more, the increasing population has driven an ongoing need for healthcare facilities and providers of all types. But beyond that, Seattle also offers its residents an excellent quality of life and easy access to entertainment, arts and culture, and more. Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Seattle metropolitan area includes Tacoma and Bellevue, WA.

17. San Diego, California

  • 7,950 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $41,960
  • Average hourly wage: $20.17
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $57,860
If the Southern California lifestyle appeals to you, San Diego is an outstanding place for new and experienced medical assistants to find work. The area’s beachside location, mild climate, and many attractions have drawn a diverse population of residents and tourists alike, creating an ongoing need for skilled healthcare professionals.  For medical assistants in San Diego, salary ranges have excellent potential. As you gain experience, the earning potential only continues to increase, with the top MAs earning near the $60,000 mark. And of course, on your days off, you can look forward to soaking up the sun and everything else this popular city offers. Note: For the purpose of this guide, the San Diego metropolitan area includes Long Beach and Anaheim, CA.

18. San Antonio, Texas

  • 7,710 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $33,870
  • Average hourly wage: $16.29
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $39,970
Texas has long been touted as one of the U.S. states with an extremely low cost of living, offering highly affordable housing, utilities, healthcare, and the like. As a medical assistant, your salary can go significantly farther in San Antonio than in many other large U.S. cities, but you can still enjoy the big-city lifestyle. In San Antonio, medical assistant jobs can be found at a wide range of facilities, from the expansive South Texas Medical Center to small, privately-owned clinics and providers. The city has several neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality and many amenities.  Note: For the purpose of this guide, the San Antonio metropolitan area includes New Braunfels, TX.

19. Sacramento, California

  • 7,270 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $51,530
  • Average hourly wage: $24.78
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $66,960
Sacramento plays an important role in the California healthcare industry, serving as the site of the world-famous UC Davis Medical Center. It is also home to several prestigious US universities and is often described as one of the country’s most diverse cities.  Compared to many other cities, the average salary for medical assistants in Sacramento is relatively high. So, even though the cost of living is somewhat higher in this area, MAs have the earning potential to match. Here, you can explore an array of parks, museums, entertainment venues, restaurants, and unique local businesses of all types. Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Sacramento metropolitan area includes Roseville and Arden-Arcade, CA.

20. Portland, Oregon

  • 7,200 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $46,620
  • Average hourly wage: $22.41
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $53,450
Portland is often recognized for its eclectic vibe, fantastic food scene, and thriving arts community, making it a one-of-a-kind place to live and work. Often known by its nickname, the “Silicon Forest,” due to the high prevalence of technology companies that operate from within the area (more than 1,200 and counting).  The scenic surroundings put you just a short drive away from lush forests and towering waterfalls, and there’s always a great new restaurant to try near you. The comparatively high salary provides an excellent opportunity for medical assistants of all experience levels.  Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Portland metropolitan area includes Vancouver, WA, and Hillsboro, OR.

21. Orlando, Florida

  • 7,140 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $33,370
  • Average hourly wage: $16.04
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $40,750
Many people think of Orlando as a dream vacation destination, but it’s also a wonderful place to live. Aside from its more famous (and extra-magical) employers such as Walt Disney World, Orlando also has a health healthcare industry with a steady demand for medical assistants and other healthcare professionals. The cost of living in Orlando is relatively on par with the national average, and MAs have good earning potential. Despite its large size, the city has maintained a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that is highly tolerant and accepting.  Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Orlando metropolitan area includes Kissimmee and Sanford, FL.

22. Baltimore, Maryland

  • 6,500 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $39,340
  • Average hourly wage: $18.91
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $49,950
Baltimore is typically ranked as one of the most inexpensive options for anyone interested in living in a large, coastal metropolitan area, coming in well below the national average. Rich with history and tens of thousands of historic buildings throughout the city, it is easy to see why Baltimore is a great place to begin your medical assistant career. MA jobs in Baltimore are plentiful, which is just one of the many reasons we’ve included it on our list of the best places to work as a medical assistant. The earning potential for medical assistants, combined with a low cost of living, offers healthcare professionals a great quality of life.  Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Baltimore metropolitan area includes Columbia and Towson, MD.

23. Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • 6,370 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $45,440
  • Average hourly wage: $21.85
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $52,980
Four of the eight hospitals in Minneapolis are ranked among the best in the US, earning accolades from industry publications and news sources. Healthcare is an important component of the area’s economy, providing excellent opportunities for recently graduated MAs and those with established work experience. Living in Minneapolis means reaping the benefits of a well-maintained metropolitan area, including its award-winning parks, arts and culture community, professional sports teams, and more. Despite its bustling city streets, Minneapolis is also a surprisingly scenic place to call home. Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Minneapolis metropolitan area includes Bloomington and St. Paul, MN.

24. Denver, Colorado

  • 6,350 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $41,870
  • Average hourly wage: $20.13
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $51,070
The “Mile High City” proves that the sky’s the limit for medical assistants, providing numerous job opportunities and solid job security across the healthcare industry. The metropolitan area has a multifaceted economy fueled by healthcare and wellness, aerospace, finance, energy, and other sectors, and it’s only continuing to grow stronger. As a Denver local, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and snow-capped mountains, putting outdoor adventure within easy reach. If you prefer to stay in the city, you can choose from many museums, restaurants, shops, and other attractions, all accessible via public transit. Depending on your preferred lifestyle and budget, you can reside in just about any type of home, from a modern apartment in a towering skyscraper to a quiet bungalow in the suburbs.  Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Denver metropolitan area includes Lakewood and Aurora, CO.

25. Indianapolis, Indiana

  • 5,880 medical assisting jobs
  • Average annual salary: $38,720
  • Average hourly wage: $18.61
  • Average 90th percentile salary: $45,950
Indianapolis has all the charm of a small town and all the amenities and opportunities of a big city, combined with an extremely affordable cost of living and a thriving job market. Medical assistants can find jobs in the heart of the city or in the suburbs, including at hospitals, clinics, residential care facilities, and physicians’ offices.  The city has been counted among the favorite – and most fun – cities in the US, which is no surprise to longtime locals. Finding things to do in Indianapolis is easy, whether you tend to enjoy fine dining, outdoor activities, arts, and culture, or sports.  Note: For the purpose of this guide, the Indianapolis metropolitan area includes Carmel and Anderson, IN.  

The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment for our classes starting soon. Contact the Allen School today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

Medical Assisting Is More Than Just A Job. It’s an Important Healthcare Career.

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If you’re considering pursuing a career in healthcare, medical assisting can allow you to do meaningful work that matters in your community. Medical assistants play an essential role in the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities and are often among the first and last people a patient sees at their check-ups or doctor’s appointments. If you think the healthcare field could be right for you, here are three reasons why medical assisting is a great place to start.
  1. Medical assisting is more than just a job. It’s an important healthcare career.
Medical assisting is a rewarding healthcare career that can give you the chance to contribute to patient health and care as you support physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals. Medical assistants often interact with patients and, with an upbeat attitude and positive demeanor, can help to keep patients feeling at ease and smiling during a physician’s visit that might otherwise be stressful. In fact, the Allen School of Health Sciences has been graduating healthcare professions for nearly 60 years. As a medical assistant, you’ll also be learning a lot about the healthcare field, and, in time, may find opportunities for advancement into roles like medical office or records manager, healthcare administrator, nursing or other related jobs.
  1. Medical assisting encompasses many duties, keeping you engaged and on your toes.
As a medical assistant, you may perform a diverse mix of administrative and clinical responsibilities. On the administrative side, you might schedule appointments, greet patients, update electronic health records, and handle billing and insurance. Clinical duties can include recording patient information and history, instructing patients on medications, checking vital signs, preparing blood samples, conducting basic lab tests, and assisting the doctor before and during a patient exam. In some states, medical assistants may also give patients injections or medications as instructed by the physician.   Medical assistants can work in a variety of care facilities, with most having time schedules while others have the option to work part-time instead. If you work in a physician’s or practitioner’s office, you’re likely to work a predictable schedule as most clinics and offices open during standard business hours, allowing you to more easily plan and schedule time with family and friends. Other large employers of medical assistants include hospitals and outpatient care centers.
  1. Employment of medical assistants is growing faster than average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant employment is expected to increase 23% by 2024, much faster than the 7% average across all occupations. Medical assistant employment growth follows the general growth of the healthcare industry and the increasing need for support workers at healthcare facilities. By 2024, the BLS projects that 730,200 medical assistants will be employed in the US, compared to the 591,300 medical assistants counted in 2014. Such an increase in demand can provide workers with increased career stability and the knowledge that, no matter where they are in the country, medical assistants will be needed. How to Prepare for Your Medical Assisting Career At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our accelerated medical assisting program can prepare you to begin working as a medical assistant in as little as 9 months. Learn more about the Allen School of Health Sciences medical assisting program available at our 3 locations, Brooklyn, Jamaica Queens N.Y.  and our campus in Phoenix Arizona. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our spring classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.  

Graduate Spotlight Blog: Jasmine Perez

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What brought me to The Allen School?

The fact that I wanted more for myself, my daughter and the fact that The Allen School lets you kick start your career in 9 short months was perfect when I thought impossible.

 

How did my experience at Allen school prepare me for what I am doing today?

It gave me the fundamentals I needed to grow and harness my medical knowledge which is needed for my career to take off.

 

What made you go into this field?

My mom is an Allen School Graduate and if she can do it as a single mother so could I. She really supported my dreams along with Gabby, the teachers, and staff.

 

My advice for Allen School students and alumni is:

Never give up and remember your dreams and goals are bigger than your struggles and hardships.

 

My ultimate career goal is:

To become a physician’s assistant or an RN.

 

What’re the most important things you have learned?

Never give up and it is okay to be open about what you’re going through cause you never know who is going through it as well. Be supportive to everyone cause sometimes a smile means the world to someone.