A different trend, is occurring in many of the state’s large and mid-sized urban centers. These locales are seeing dynamic growth in the healthcare industry, namely the emerging demand for medial assistants. Michigan now ranks high, as it places in the top 10 for employment opportunities in the field.
The state offers bountiful opportunities for those interested in beginning a career in the field. Currently over 20,000 medical assistants are employed in the state of Michigan with in excess of 750 job openings per year. Medical assistants with the appropriate certification credentials have access to the the Michigan Society of Medical Assistants as an additional resource. According to statistics compiled by the United States Bureau of Labor, the average hourly wage exceeds $13.50. More information on medial assistant salary in Michigan.
Medical assistants are versatile, vital parts of any health care team. They bring a diverse, unique set of skills to the healthcare industry, trained to perform in ambulatory proceedings as well as clinical and administrative settings. The work of medical assistants impact profoundly the health and well-being of the public at large, requiring a command of a deep and nuanced set of intricate skills and detailed knowledge. Accumulating the necessary qualifications entails both formal classroom education as well as applications rooted in practical experience, serving as the benchmark for placement in the field.
These professionals perform a medley of duties, reporting directly to a physician. Daily responsibilities administrative duties entail:
- utilizing computer applications
- coordinating meetings and appointments by phone
- managing medical records
- greeting patients
- coding information for insurance claims
- performing hospital admissions
- laboratory tasks
- maintaining billing and bookkeeping records
Some of the clinical responsibilities encompass:
- performing readings of vita signs
- obtaining and documenting medical histories
- discussing treatment procedures with patients
- preparing patients for procedures and examinations
- assisting physicians during evaluations and procedures
- taking blood samples
- administering medication dosages under the direction of a physician
- preparing and collecting laboratory samples and executing laboratory tests and analysis
- instructing patients about medication and dietary plans
- authorizing refills for prescriptions as approved by a physician
- performing electrocardiograms
- changing dressings and discarding sutures
The state of Michigan features nearly 20 schools that feature established medical assistant programs. The majority of the programs are accredited offering certificates and associate degrees. Financial aid opportunities are available to students from national medical assistant organizations and societies such as the American Medical Technologists and the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistant Society of Michigan: http://www.msmaonline.org/
Medical Assistant Programs in Michigan
Alpena Community College
Locations: Alpena, MI
Outcome: Associate Degree
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Baker College
Locations: Allen Park, MI / Auburn Hills, MI / Cadillac, MI / Clinton Township, MI / Flint, MI / Jackson, MI / Muskegon, MI / Owosso, MI / Port Huron, MI
Outcome: Associate Degree, Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Career Quest
Locations: East Lansing, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Carnegie Institute
Locations: Troy, MI
Outcome: Diploma
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Davenport University
Locations: Battle Creek, MI / Caro, MI / Grand Rapids, MI / Lansing, MI
Outcome: Associate Degree, Diploma
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Detroit Business Institute – Downriver
Locations: Riverview, MI
Outcome: Diploma
Dorsey Schools
Locations: Farmington, MI / Roseville, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Glen Oaks Community College
Locations: Centreville, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Henry Ford Community College
Locations: Dearborn, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Jackson Community College
Locations: Jackson, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Kaplan Career Institute
Locations: Dearborn, MI / Detroit, MI
Outcome: Diploma
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Locations: Kalamazoo, MI
Outcome: Diploma
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Macomb Community College
Locations: Clinton Township, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Mid Michigan Community College
Locations: Harrison, MI
Outcome: Associate Degree
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Montcalm Community College
Locations: Sidney, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Oakland Community College
Locations: Waterford, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Sanford-Brown College
Locations: Dearborn, MI / Grand Rapids, MI
Outcome: Diploma
Schoolcraft College
Locations: Garden City, MI
Outcome: Certificate
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Are we missing any schools? Please let us know! We aim to be the most comprehensive directory of medical assistant programs. Please send us an email at info@medicalassisting-edu.com to have a school added to our website.