Study At A Medical Assistant School in Alaska, Pursue A Perfect Career For You
Are you interested in learning more about medical assistant programs in Alaska? There are a variety of:
- Different certificates
- Diplomas
- Degree programs
You probably already know that Alaska is the northernmost state in the country. However, you may not be aware that Alaska is the top paying state for medical assisting! Before we get into education information for medical assistants in Alaska, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state.
Colleges in Alaska
According to the 2018 National Center for Education Statistics:
- There are 4 public colleges in Alaska
- 4 of those colleges are 4 year schools, while 0 are 2 year schools
- In 2018 there were 26,547 enrolled college students
- Total 2018 male fall enrollment is 10,900
- Total 2018 female fall enrollment is 15,647
Top 4 Schools With Medical Assisting Programs in Alaska
The medical assistant schools in Alaska below are ranked according to total number of graduates reported by NCES in the 2018 school year.
Alaska Career College
Anchorage, AK
The Medical Assistant program at Alaska Career College blends theory and practical skill building classes. You could learn how to draw blood, take vital signs, give injections and ECGs. In addition, there are classes in medical administration, ethics and HIPPA compliance. The program comes with day/evening options.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK
UAA offers a CAAHEP accredited 60 credit Associate of Applied Science degree with a 38 credit Certified Medical Assistant Preparation. The program includes a 6-week clinical externship during the summer. As a graduate, you may be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
Associate
Bachelor
$55,770 (AAS)
N/A (BS)
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
This is a degree completion program designed to provide students with the opportunity to build upon the foundation of skills and knowledge developed at the certificate level. As a student, you could expect to complete extra allied health and general education coursework. This could include classes in nutrition, first aid, CPR and computer oriented topics.
Associate
University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK
This is a degree completion program designed to provide students with the opportunity to build upon the foundation of skills and knowledge developed at the certificate level. As a student, you could expect to complete extra allied health and general education coursework. This could include classes in nutrition, first aid, CPR and computer oriented topics.
Associate
Do I Need a Medical Assistant Certification in Alaska?
While medical assistants are not required to be certified, many employers may prefer to hire someone who has earned a certification or degree in medical assisting. It is typical for medical assistants to pursue graduation from postsecondary education programs, and medical assisting programs in Alaska are available from community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities. These programs usually lead to a certificate or diploma. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five certifications for medical assistants.
How Much Do Medical Assistants in Alaska Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 2,740 medical assistants in Alaska. These 2k plus pros represent .86% of the states job. The median wage for medical assistants in Alaska is $44,820. With an hourly median pay of $21.55.
What are the top metro areas in Alaska to work in?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metro area that pays the most is Birmingham. The 2019 median salary for medical assistants in these other metro areas is as follows:
| Metro Area | Jobs | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 2000 | $21.49 | $44,690 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 230 | $21.15 | $43,980 |
Where do medical assistants work?
Medical assistants usually work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that involve working with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
A few hospitals in Alaska include:
- Alaska Native Medical Center
- Alaska Psychiatric Institute
- Alaska Regional Hospital
- Bartlett Regional Hospital
- Bassett Army Community Hospital