Study At A Medical Assistant School in Maryland, Pursue A Perfect Career For You
Many colleges in the state of Maryland offer medical assisting certificates, diplomas and associate and bachelor degree programs that help prepare graduates to pursue careers in physicians’ offices, clinics and nursing homes. Medical assistants, not to be confused with physician assistants, work in clinical or administrative settings or perform a variety of both. They:
- Schedule patients’ appointments
- Change bandages
- Use electronic health records (EHRs) software
- Record patients’ vitals
Before we get into education information for medical assistants in Maryland, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state.
Colleges in Maryland
According to the 2018 National Center for Education Statistics:
- There are 30 public colleges in Maryland
- 14 of those colleges are 4 year schools, while 16 are 2 year schools
- In 2018 there were 370,101 enrolled college students
- Total 2018 male fall enrollment is 163,805
- Total 2018 female fall enrollment is 206,296
Do I Need a Medical Assistant Certification in Maryland?
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 Maryland are available from community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities. These programs usually lead to earning a certificate or diploma. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five certifications for medical assistants.
How Much Do Medical Assistants in Maryland Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 13,110 medical assistants in Maryland. These 13k plus pros represent .49% of the states job. The median wage for medical assistants in Maryland is $36,330. With an hourly median pay of $17.47.
What are the top metro areas in Maryland to work in?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metro area that pays the most is Baltimore-Towson. The 2019 median salary for medical assistants in these other metro areas is as follows:
| Metro Area | Jobs | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Towson, MD | 6,830 | $17.61 | $36,620 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 170 | $15.57 | $32,370 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 560 | $16.47 | $34,260 |
| Salisbury, MD | 1,050 | $15.06 | $31,330 |
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 Maryland:
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
- Anne Arundale Medical Center
- MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
What Medical Assisting Professional Organizations are there in Maryland?
By becoming part of a professional medical assisting organization after graduation, you could find resources to assist you in jumpstarting your medical assisting career. In Maryland, the Maryland Society of Medical Assistants is such an organization. When you visit their website, you can find information about becoming recertified, membership qualifications, fundraisers, and additional resources.