Timeline: Most employers require a high school diploma, and many require the completion of a reputable medical assisting program. Finding a program with MAERB (Medical Assisting Education Review Board) accreditation would be a good first step. Depending on the program and externship hours, this can range from a couple of months to two years.
Career advancement: Medical assistants may advance their careers by expanding into other health careers such as nursing or earning a bachelor’s degree in health career subjects like healthcare administration or management. An education can help lead the way to a position as a health care administrator, patient financial advisor, or clinic manager.
Outlook: Nationally, the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 16% percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations[1]. In California, medical assisting jobs are expected to grow 20% between 2018-2028 (an increase of 19,000 jobs. Nationally, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 in May 20211 and in California, the median annual wage in 2021 was $41,342.[2]. For more information about training programs, please visit the California Employment Development Department website our Resources page.
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