Study At A Medical Assistant School in Arizona, Pursue A Perfect Career For You
If you’re interested in learning more about medical assistant programs in Arizona, there are a variety different program options to consider, including:
- Diplomas
- Certificates
- Degree Programs
Besides the warm weather, want to know a major reason to pursue a medical assisting career in Arizona? Well, it happens to rank in the top five states in the U.S. with the highest location quotient of medical assistant jobs! Before we get into education information for medical assistants in Arizona, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state.
Colleges in Arizona
According to the 2018 National Center for Education Statistics:
- There are 29 public colleges in Arizona
- 9 of those colleges are 4 year schools, while 20 are 2 year schools
- In 2018 there were 589,735 enrolled college students
- Total 2018 male fall enrollment is 233,765
- Total 2018 female fall enrollment is 355,970
Do I Need a Medical Assistant Certification in Arizona?
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 Arizona 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 Arizona Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 17,540 medical assistants in Arizona. These 17k plus pros represent .61% of the states job. The median wage for medical assistants in Arizona is $34,000. With an hourly median pay of $16.35.
What are the top metro areas in Arizona to work in?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metro area that pays the most is Flagstaff. The 2019 median salary for medical assistants in these other metro areas is as follows:
| Metro Area | Jobs | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 370 | $17.19 | $35,760 |
| Lake Havasu City – Kingman, AZ | 450 | $15.18 | $31,580 |
| Prescott, AZ | 440 | $15.57 | $32,170 |
| Tucson, AZ | 2,480 | $15.49 | $32,220 |
| Yuma, AZ | 360 | $15.18 | $31,570 |
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 Arizona include:
- Mayo Clinic-Phoenix
- Banner Boswell Medical Center
- Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
- Abrazo Arrowhead Campus
- Banner Baywood Medical Center
Purdue University Global
Medical Office Administration Certificate
Purdue Global’s online medical office administration program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to pursue entry-level positions in this exciting field. Coursework focuses on areas including insurance processing and fundamental medical office administrative and clerical tasks.
What Medical Assisting Professional Organizations are there in Arizona?
Once you’ve graduated from a medical assistant school in Arizona, you may want to consider joining a professional medical assistant organization. It can be a great way for you network and learn about continuing education and job opportunities. The AMT Arizona State Society gives members access to regional meetings and events, networking and professional development, and important information on how to stay certified. You can find more info on their website.
If you’ve decided that you want to enhance your education to help you pursue a career as a medical assistant, the list below contains some great medical assisting schools in Arizona. While you may not be required to earn a medical assisting degree or licensure, please keep in mind that certain employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed medical assisting programs.