The Medical Assistant profession in California is expanding rapidly, with National Career College ready to jump-start your career in this exciting field. Due to the significant demand for these roles, the medical assistant salary in California is notably higher than in many other regions, making this career path both lucrative and rewarding. Medical Assistants in California enjoy excellent job security, along with a wealth of opportunities for career growth in various medical settings.
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make in California?
In California, Medical Assistants enjoy salaries that are considerably higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a Medical Assistant nationally is $37,190. Data from Salary.com shows that in California, the average Medical Assistant salary jumps to $43,046 annually.
Medical Assistant Salary in Los Angeles
According to Indeed.com the average salary for a Medical Assistant in the Los Angeles area is $50,425 per year. This figure is significantly higher than both the national and state averages, making Los Angeles an attractive location for aspiring Medical Assistants seeking competitive pay.
What Is The Medical Assistant Job Outlook?
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Medical Assistants to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Global health concerns in the last several years have put an enormous strain on the healthcare system. The significant increase in demand for medical services has led to changes in demand for medical assistants. Therefore, many states have increased the range of procedures that medical assistants may perform.
In response to the increase in functions a medical assistant may perform (generally grouped as "extended functions/roles"), additional levels of certification are available and increasing in demand. The net effect to the medical assistants job outlook is higher demand for both certified medical assistants and specialized medical assistants.
Where Do Medical Assistants Work?
As a medical assistant, you can work in a variety of healthcare facilities. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical assistants are usually employed full-time. Depending on the hours of the medical facility, medical assistants may work days, evenings, or weekends. The top four employers of Medical Assistants are:
57% – Physicians Offices
15% – State Local and Private Hospitals
10% – Outpatient Care Centers
4% – Chiropractors Office
Within these organizations medical assistants will typically perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants are typically responsible for:
- Taking patient's vital signs
- Recording patient's symptoms
- Accessing electronic health records
- Assisting physicians with examinations
- Preparing patients for x-rays and other diagnostic procedures
- Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
- Schedule patient appointments
- Enter patient information into medical records
- Administering injections and medications (as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law)
Medical Assistants play an important role in the medical industry. Medical Assistants aid physicians and other healthcare professionals by performing both administrative and clinical duties.
For details read Medical Assistant Duties in California 2024
What Is the Career Path for a Medical Assistant?
The typical path into a medical assisting career involves two steps:
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Medical Assistant Training Program
Step 2: Become Certified
A medical assistant certification helps jump-start careers. There are several certifications available to individuals who have successfully completed an accredited training program:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) - American Association of Medical Assistants
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) - American Medical Technologists
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) - National Healthcareer Association
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) - National Healthcareer Association
- Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) - National Center for Competency Testing
For details read How to Become A Certified Medical Assistant in California 2024
After a base certification has been achieved, some medical assistants choose to further specialize. The designation of those certifications is SCMA or Specialty Certified Medical Assistant. Some of the specialty certifications are:
- Cardiology (SCMA-CD)
- Dermatology (SCMA-D)
- Endocrinology (SCMA-END)
- Family Medicine (SCMA-FM)
- Geriatrics (SCMA-G)
- Internal medicine specialty certification (SCMA-IM)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (SCMA-OBG)
- Oncology (SCMA-ON)
- Orthopedic Surgery (SCMA-ORS)
- Pediatrics (SCMA-PD)
- Transplant Surgery (SCMA-TTS)
- Urology (SCMA-U)
- Women's Health (SCMA-WH)
Specialty certification is beneficial to medical assistants looking to advance their careers and increase earning potential. Medical assistants with specialty certifications can usually earn a higher salary than those without, making the investment in certification a worthwhile endeavor.
Ready to Learn and Earn? Join NCC’s MA Program Today!
Elevate your career and salary prospects by stepping into the rewarding world of medical assisting. At National Career College, we empower you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in California’s booming healthcare industry. Don’t miss out on the chance to earn a great salary and secure a fulfilling career. Learn more about our Medical Assistant Program now and take the first step towards a brighter future.
