Medical Assistant Schools & Salaries in Utah
If you’re looking to become a medical assistant in Utah, the earning potential might be a draw. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median salary for medical assistants in Utah is $40,270—close to the national average of $42,000. Additionally, medical assisting in Utah is growing fast, with employment expected to grow by more than 40 percent between 2022 and 2032. Schools that offer medical assisting programs in the state are already gearing up to meet the demand.
This guide explains what’s required to become a medical assistant in Utah, what to expect from medical assisting programs, and the earning potential in Utah City and metro areas.
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Utah’s Best Medical Assisting School
A medical assisting program is an excellent option for students interested in beginning a career in the medical field. A quality program will teach the area-specific information needed to excel in the field while allowing students to earn valuable credentials. Because finding the right school is a crucial step to starting an education, we’ve found Utah’s best program in terms of graduation rate, cost, and provided student services. Check out below to find the best medical assisting program in Utah.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Latter-Day Saints Business College medical assistant program include occupations with insurance companies, hospitals, outpatient facilities and HMOs. Coursework is integrated with spiritual growth and Christian principles. LDSBC, which is owned and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, maintains an Office of Religion on campus. Students are invited to tour the campus, and if they can not, they're encouraged to take a virtual tour online. The college, which is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, offers library services, academic counseling and tutoring services.
Utah Medical Assisting Careers: By the Numbers
1. How are medical assistants described in Utah?
In various statutes, Utah defines a medical assistant as “an unlicensed individual working under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed [or osteopathic] physician and surgeon, and engaged in specific tasks assigned by the licensed [or osteopathic] physician and surgeon in accordance with the standards and ethics of the profession.”
2. Is certification required?
Utah specifically exempts medical assistants from licensure but makes no mention of certification. However, those who choose to become certified might find better hiring opportunities in the state, as most employers prefer to hire those who have proven knowledge and skills related to medical assisting. Certification proves that knowledge and skills, and is therefore preferable.
3. Is certification available?
Medical assistant certification in Utah can be earned through any of the following certifying agencies. Remember that these certifications are recognized nationwide, not just in Utah.
| Certification | Organization |
|---|---|
| Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) |
| Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) | National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) |
4. Is formal medical assisting training required?
In order to sit for the certification exam, an applicant must have completed a formal training program. Though Utah doesn’t require formal education to become a medical assistant, it does require formal training to become a medication aide. This training allows medical assistants and other unlicensed personnel to administer medications to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Those who intend to become a medication aide certified (MAC) must complete the following:
- Complete an approved program. These programs are offered through healthcare facilities, healthcare associations and educational institutions.
- Complete 60 clock hours of classroom training
- Complete 40 hours of practical training in a long-term care facility
5. Are there tasks outside the scope of medical assistants in Utah?
Medical assistants in Utah can provide services that do not require a license, and are delegated by a licensed physician or nurse. Medical assistants may not engage in:
- Diagnosing a patient
- Establishing a treatment plan for a patient
- Surgical procedures
- Prescribing prescription medications
- Administering anesthesia
- Does not engage in medical procedures that were not delegated by licensed personnel
Those who have earned the MAC can administer medications only through certain routes, and cannot administer any of the following:
- Barium and other diagnostic contrasts
- Chemotherapy agents, except oral chemotherapy
- Medication pumps, including patient-controlled pumps
- Nitroglycerin paste
Salaries for Medical Assistants in Utah
Understanding what salary to expect can help Utahns make decisions about a medical assisting career. The following chart compares Utah’s median wages with those of other medical assistants nationwide.
| Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $36,730 | $40,270 | $45,570 | $19.36 |
| National | $36,780 | $42,000 | $47,220 | $20.19 |
Utah City and Metropolitan Area Salaries
The city or metro area in which a medical assistant works can have an influence on their salary. Though those who work in larger metro areas might see higher annual incomes, that isn’t always the case. The chart below offers insight into what medical assistants can expect to make in various parts of the state.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logan, UT-ID | $35,400 | $41,180 | $46,970 | $19.80 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $37,090 | $42,880 | $45,780 | $20.62 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $35,470 | $37,410 | $43,420 | $17.99 |
| St. George, UT | $35,570 | $37,580 | $45,670 | $18.07 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $38,170 | $42,820 | $46,750 | $20.59 |
| Central Utah nonmetropolitan area | $34,060 | $37,640 | $42,360 | $18.10 |
| Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area | $35,320 | $38,250 | $43,870 | $18.39 |
Utah Medical Assisting Employments Trends
The growth of employment for medical assistants in Utah is expected to exceed 40 percent between 2022 and 2032. The chart below breaks that down into hard employment numbers.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2022-2032
| Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 2,000 | 10,060 | 14,440 | 4,380 | 43.5% |
| National | 114,600 | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.8% |
Utah Medical Assisting School Spotlight
There are numerous schools in Utah that offer medical assisting programs. The following spotlight school offers a strong example of what students in Utah can expect when they begin to look into these programs.
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
School Type:
Public College
Accreditation:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
School highlights:
With small class sizes, this community college ensures each student gets all the skills needed to succeed as a medical assistant. Upon program completion, students will be prepared for the following:
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) – National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) – Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- American Association of Medical Assistants Test (AAMA) Eligibility Pilot Program – Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)
Programs offered:
The medical assisting certificate program takes a little over a year to complete and is comprised of 28 credits. Students may choose between a hybrid or traditional classroom model.
Utah Medical Assistant Resources
Utah Administrative Code, Nurse Practice Act Rule
This site has information on the Medical Aide Certified training programs and protocols.
Utah State Society of Medical Assistants (USSMA)
The USSMA is an affiliate organization of the AAMA that updates medical assisting professionals and students about professional advancement opportunities and news relevant to the profession.
Utah’s Medical Practice Act
Utah’s statute which discusses the practice of doctors in Utah also describes how a doctor may delegate tasks to a medical assistant.
Utah’s Osteopathic Medical Practice Act
Utah’s statute controls the practice of osteopathic doctors and lists which tasks a licensed osteopathic doctor may or may not delegate to a medical assistant.
Utah’s Physician Assistant Act
The statute outlining physician assistant practice in Utah provides for certain exemptions from licensure for medical assistants who work under the supervision of a doctor and do not engage in certain medical acts.
