Medical Assistant In New York - Career Preparation

In order to get a job as a medical assistant in New York, you will need to first get your education and qualifications in order. Most importantly, you will need to complete a Council on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approved course of study resulting in a certificate or an associates degree. It would be to your advantage to then take the certification exam from the American Association of Medical Assistants, as most employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. You might also wish to join a professional organization such as the New York State Society of Medical Assistants.

There are fifteen CAAHEP approved programs to become a New York medical assistant. Thirteen of these programs result in an associates degree. These are taught through the ASA Institute of Business & Computer Tech Inc., Broome Community College, Bryant & Stratton Business College (in Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester), Elmira Business Institute, Erie Community College, Everest Institute in Rochester, Niagara County Community College, Plaza College, Trocaire College, and the Wood-Tobe Coburn School. The Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute (in Poughkeepsie and Binghamton) and the Wood-Tobe Coburn School also have certificate programs for those who want a shorter program of study.

For those who want the highest pay and the best job security possible as a medical assistant in New York, it would be advisable to take the American Association of Medical Assistants certification exam to become certified. Many employers prefer to hire medical assistants with this qualification, so it is easier to find a job if you have it. You do need to become recertified every five years, but the added benefits of certification are worth the time and money necessary to get and keep this qualification.

The New York State Society of Medical Assistants can be a valuable resource for those wanting to work as a medical assistant in NY. There are events that provide networking opportunities, as well as educational opportunities.

Once you are ready to look for a job, there are a number of resources that you can take advantage of. Most major job search engines include a variety of jobs for a medical assistant in New York. As many medical assistants work in hospitals, you can also check out the employment opportunities listed by the hospitals in your area. The school where you studied might also have a job placement office that can help you secure positions as well. Louis Zhang, Medicalassistantprogram dot org