Despite its size, Idaho has a surprisingly low number of medical assistants working at this time. There are only 2,250 employed medical assistants as of 2012, and many of them work in the Boise and Nampa areas. There is a high demand for medical assistants in rural parts of Idaho, so you can find a job with ease here. All you need is a good education to get started. Here is some information about online medical assistant schools in Idaho and at campus near you so you can take the first step toward your future.
Idaho Medical Assistant Schools at a Glance
There are two major accreditations that you need to look for when assessing medical assistant schools in Idaho: the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These two organizations know what to look for in medical assistant degree programs, and their support will ensure you are being well trained for your job. The average student spends two or three semesters in school before earning an associate of science in medical assisting, but that may vary based on the school you attend. No matter what though, you should be out of school in under two years.
You can attend college online or at a campus in Idaho, depending on where you live. Once you have completed your education, you will want to take a Certified Medical Assistant exam from the National Healthcare Association or a similar organization. Being a certified medical assistant gives you a better chance of finding work because employers know that they can trust your skills. All you have to do is prove to them that you have a passion for this industry.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Idaho
The average hourly rate for medical assistants in Idaho is $13.78, which results in $29,310 a year. This is right in line with the national average of $13.87 an hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a higher-than-average increase of medical assistant jobs throughout the country, raising an estimated 31% between 2010 and 2020. If Idaho follows this trend, there should be a variety of jobs waiting for you when you graduate.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Idaho
- Location: Rexburg
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $31,486
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
Eastern Idaho Technical College
- Location: Idaho Falls
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $12,734
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Twin Falls
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $4,180
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Pocatello
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $32,686
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Coeur d’ Alene
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $30,398
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
