Louisiana has a thriving population of medical workers. Hospitals and clinics in the Bayou State are always looking for medical assistants who can handle the demand for healthcare in the area. New Orleans has a particularly high need for workers because of the tourists that pass through the city. You can also find a lot of opportunities in the rural parts of the state. To take on the jobs that are available for you, you need to have a good education. Medical assistant schools in Louisiana can help you get that.
Louisiana Medical Assistant Schools at a Glance
When you start comparing medical assistant schools, try to look for one that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or the Accreditation Bureau of Health Education Schools. The CAAHEP and ABHES are the two biggest names in medical program evaluations, so they will ensure that you are getting a good education. Most medical assistant schools in Louisiana offer associate’s degrees, but some offer bachelor’s programs and beyond. No matter what you decide to pursue, you should be eligible to work in less than two years.
If you want to improve your pay expectancies and job opportunities, you may want to consider getting certified. This requires you to take a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant exam that tests your knowledge of this career. If you are able to pass that exam, you can show your potential employers that you are a trustworthy and talented worker. The jobs will pour in from there.
Medical Assistant Jobs in Louisiana
There are 6,810 medical assistants in Louisiana, making up 3.647 jobs for every 1,000 workers in the state. The average medical assistant in LA earns $12.49 an hour, which is good for the area but low for national standards. With the minimal training needed to start this career, a projected $26,560 annual income seems like a good tradeoff. Worse comes to worse, you could always go back to school to become a registered nurse or other employee after working as a medical assistant.
Top Medical Assistant Schools in Louisiana
Bossier Parish Community College
- Location: Bossier City
- Programs: Diploma, Associate’s
- Tuition*: $7,583 (Diploma); $15,166 (Associate’s)
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
- Location: Monroe and Shreveport
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $32,968
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
Eastern College of Health Vocations
- Location: New Orleans and Shreveport
- Programs: Certificate
- Tuition*: $9,960
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Location: New Orleans
- Programs: Associate’s
- Tuition*: $27,300
- Accreditation: ABHES
- Location: Baton Rouge
- Programs: Diploma
- Tuition*: $13,320
- Accreditation: ABHES
