Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Massachusetts

You’ll find Massachusetts has many options for medical assisting schools and job opportunities in the field. As a graduate of a medical assisting program in Massachusetts, you will have the chance to work in clinics, hospitals, and physician’s offices as a medical aide, medical assistant or clinical practice assistant. Massachusetts medical assistant programs can be found in cities throughout the state at private colleges and universities, as well as vocational and community colleges. Many programs are also available online. Massachusetts is currently one of the top paying states for this profession, with a mean hourly wage of $18.09.

In this guide, learn more about medical assistant training, search for schools and see what certifications medical assistants in Maryland can receive.

In most cases, medical assistants need to earn a degree or certificate to start their careers working with patients in physician offices and clinics. They help physicians with examinations, give injections, measure vital signs and record patient histories, among other tasks. If you’re interested in a career as a medical assistant, the first step is finding the right program for you. We’ve done the research, looking at student surveys, tuition rates, career services and class sizes to bring you our list of the Best Schools for Medical Assisting in Massachusetts. Start here for the best options in the field.

1. How are the duties of medical assistants in Massachusetts defined?

In Massachusetts, medical assistants are considered unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). UAPs in Massachusetts, including medical assistants, can be delegated by licensed physicians to perform certain tasks according to state law and regulation. Generally speaking, however, a medical assistant is an individual who works in a hospital, physician’s office, clinic or other healthcare facility. He or she is responsible for providing physician support to ensure the smooth running of the facility. They may also work in an administrative or clerical capacity.

2. Is certification required?

Certification for medical assisting is not mandatory in the state of Massachusetts, though it may be in your best interest to become certified as it is left to the discretion of the hiring doctor.

3. Is certification available?

The following certification options are available in Massachusetts. Some of these are available in other states as well. Certification achieved may be determined by medical assistant training program attended.

4. Is formal training required?

Although formal education is not required, formal training is necessary in order for a medical assistant to perform certain medical support services. You will find medical assistant training programs in Massachusetts at diploma and associate degree levels. Diploma programs usually take a year to complete, while associate degree programs usually take two years of fulltime study.

5. Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a medical assistant who is working in a clinic is not allowed to administer injections. However, medical assistants who are working in a private office are permitted to administer injections.

The following 2014 salary figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offer a comparison between medical assistant earnings in Massachusetts and nationally.

Source: BLS, 2014

Salaries in Massachusetts for medical assistant jobs can vary by thousands of dollars a year depending on location, illustrated by the 2014 wage amounts from the BLS shown in the table below. The highest paying areas are located in or around Boston and Cambridge, while New Bedford and North Central Massachusetts have considerably lower wages.

Source: BLS, 2014

In Massachusetts, medical assistant jobs are projected to grow by 18.5 percent from 2012-2022. One of the main reasons for this rapid expansion is the growth of the baby boomer population and their increasing need for preventative healthcare. The table below compares Massachusetts medical assisting job growth with national growth.

*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022

There is a big selection of medical assisting schools and programs to choose from throughout Massachusetts, including universities, community colleges and vocational school. See what this spotlight school offers its medical assistant students.

School Type:Community college

Accreditation:Bunker Hill Community College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

School highlights:Practicum Seminar Allied Health
Prepares students in Healthcare Provider CPR, EKG, and phlebotomy

Programs offered:Medical Assistant Certificate
Medical terminology
Medical assistant skills
Principles of clinical practice
Computer essentials or applications/concepts or medical computer applications

Bunker Hill Community College

Legal Eye on Medical Assisting
This up-to-date blog gives information on the legalities of medical assisting in several states, including Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Society of Medical Assistants
Members can find information on upcoming events and meetings along with an event calendar and information on becoming a medical assistant in Massachusetts.

Salary: Massachusetts Medical Assistants
Find out about medical assisting and salaries in Massachusetts, and search job listings.

The American Registry of Medical Assistants
ARMA is a national registry, which provides membership to medical assistants throughout the USA. Their aim is to advance the status and professionalism of medical assistants within many allied health professions.