Medical Assistant Programs and Certification in Texas
Are you looking to pursue the healthcare industry quickly and qualify for an in-demand career? Projections Central anticipates medical assistant employment in Texas to grow by 25% from 2022-2032, indicating strong demand for the profession.
Continue reading to learn more about this rapidly growing career, including training and certification requirements, salary data, and job prospects.
Did You Know…
Texas employed 66,720 medical assistants in 2023 – the second-highest employment level in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What Tasks Do Medical Assistants Perform in Texas?
Medical assistants carry out clinical and administrative work under the direction of physicians. While the Texas Medical Board does provide a strict definition of a medical assistant, they may perform many support services. Depending on their workplace or specialty area, basic tasks typically include the following:
- Recording patient’s medical history
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Drawing blood and collecting lab specimens
- Sterilizing equipment and maintaining examination rooms
- Administering injections and some medications
- Providing limited wound care
- Performing electrocardiograms and basic radiography
- Conducting inventory and ordering equipment and supplies
- Managing patient scheduling
- Communicating with patients about tests, procedure preparation, and aftercare
Popular Online Medical Assistant Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Do I Become a Medical Assistant in Texas?
Because Texas does not require formal training for medical assistants, you may be able to enter the field with only a high school diploma. However, most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed formal training and earned certification. The state offers several certification program options.
Preferred Qualifications of Texas Employers:
- Completed medical assistant certificate program or degree
- Current medical assistant certification
Medical Assistant Education in Texas
Admission to a certificate program does not include any prerequisites, but high school classes in biology, chemistry, or health-related fields may help prepare you for the coursework. The program, which takes about a year to complete, increases your employment prospects by providing training in basic medical procedures. It also offers a more affordable option than an associate degree.
A two-year associate degree requires approximately 60 credits in general education classes and medical assisting coursework. In certificate and associate degree programs, the medical assisting curriculum includes c anatomy, legal compliance, coding, and ethics courses.
An associate degree boosts your chances for employment and allows you to transfer credits to a bachelor’s program. An associate degree provides a strong foundation for medical assistants who decide to continue their education in nursing or other healthcare fields.
According to theNational Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition and fees for a two-year associate degree at a public institution in Texas reached $2,828 as of the 2020-2021 academic year. Certificate programs cost significantly less.
Benefits of Medical Assistant Education in Texas:
- Builds foundational knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and electronic medical records
- Provides formal training for medical assisting tasks
- Provides laboratory and real-world experience
Medical Assistant Certification in Texas
Certification, while not required, is strongly recommended to work as a medical assistant in Texas. Eligibility varies according to the certification but generally requires completion of a medical assistant program, work experience, and a passing score on the certification examination. Organizations that offer medical assistant certifications receive accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Professionals can pursue the following medical assistant certifications in Texas:
- Certified medical assistant (CMA)
- Registered medical assistant (RMA)
- National certified medical assistant (NCMA)
- Certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA)
Certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have mastered the clinical and administrative skills needed to work in the field. Earning this credential can make you more marketable and boost your salary. One of the most valued certifications in the field is the CMA, administered through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
CMA applicants must be graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Benefits of Medical Assistant Certification in Texas:
- Demonstrates professional competency and expertise
- Can help you access more job opportunities
- Can help you earn higher wages
Directory of Medical Assistant Programs in Texas
Before you can earn your medical assistant certification in Texas, you will need to complete a formal training program. Explore certificate programs and associate degrees available across the state.
| School Name | Campus Location | Program Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College | Amarillo, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| College of the Mainland | Texas City, TX | Certificate |
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | Certificate |
| El Paso Community College | El Paso, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| Houston Community College | Houston, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| Howard College | Big Spring, TX | Certificate |
| Laredo College | Laredo, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| Lone Star College System | The Woodlands, TX | Certificate |
| McLennan Community College | Waco, TX | Associate |
| Northeast Texas Community College | Mount Pleasant, TX | Associate |
| Panola College | Carthage, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, TX | Associate |
| South Texas College | McAllen, TX | Certificate, Associate |
| Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth, TX | Certificate |
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Texas?
Average Wage in the U.S.
$20.19/hour
$42,000/year
Average Wage in Texas
$18.06/hour
$38,870/year
Source: BLS 2023
Medical assistants in Texas earn lower salaries than the national average for the profession. However, your salary goes further in Texas than in some of the more expensive areas of the country, such as Hawaii, Alaska, or the East and West Coasts.
While the national average salary is higher than the average salary for Texas, basic expenses for necessities such as housing, utilities, and healthcare are less expensive than in other regions. In 2023, Texas ranked eighteenth for the lowest cost of living among all 50 states.
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Hourly Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $16.10 | $17.68 | $20.84 | $22.70 | $27.15 |
| Texas | $14.25 | $16.89 | $18.69 | $21.29 | $22.60 |
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | Annual Mean | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $33,500 | $36,780 | $43,350 | $47,220 | $56,480 |
| Texas | $29,640 | $35,140 | $38,870 | $44,270 | $47,010 |
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock | 5,500 | $20.80 | $43,270 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 17,280 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | 15,820 | $19.55 | $40,670 |
| Midland | 460 | $19.66 | $40,900 |
| Odessa | 310 | $18.62 | $38,730 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 7,410 | $18.56 | $38,600 |
Medical assistants find the highest-paying jobs in the most populated areas of Texas. Several factors contribute to these higher wages. Metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio have higher costs of living, causing employers to pay increased salaries and attract medical assistants. The 900 hospitals and healthcare facilities serving the 30 million residents of the state face an increasing demand for qualified medical assistants, driving up salaries.
Comparing Healthcare Support Occupation Wages in Texas
| Occupation | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $11.47 | $23,850 |
| Pharmacy Aides | $16.91 | $35,170 |
| Nursing Assistants | $17.01 | $35,370 |
| Medical Transcriptionists | $17.44 | $36,270 |
| Medical Assistants | $18.69 | $38,870 |
| Phlebotomists | $19.79 | $41,170 |
| Dental Assistants | $20.04 | $41,690 |
The BLS projects employment in healthcare occupations, including healthcare support positions, to increase much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022-2032.
Employment in a healthcare support occupation typically requires similar educational and training commitments, such as completing a certificate program or associate degree. However, salaries for these health support workers vary by field, ranging from about $20,000-$40,000 a year. Medical assistants rank among the highest-paid healthcare support occupations in Texas.
Medical assistants can pursue several pathways to advance their careers. Work experience makes it more likely that you will qualify for positions with higher pay. Acquiring new professional skills, completing specialized training, earning certifications, or learning foreign languages can boost your employability. Earning a bachelor’s degree may also help you branch out into other clinical or administrative roles.
What is the Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in Texas?
| Area | Current Employment | Projected Employment | Projected Change | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | +105,800 | +14% |
| Texas | 66,740 | 83,570 | +16,830 | +25% |
The demand for medical assistants in Texas far surpasses most other states. Medical assistant jobs in the state are projected to grow by 25% from 2022-2032, compared to 14% nationally. The Dallas and Houston areas rank among the top ten U.S. metropolitan centers for employment of medical assistants.
Several factors continue to drive this unprecedented demand. Demographic changes, including the baby boomer population, have resulted in an expansion of healthcare services and the creation of more healthcare support positions. Many of these vacancies relate to the need to replace retired workers or professionals who move into different occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Medical Assistant Certification
Do you need medical assistant certification in Texas?
Texas does not require certification to work as a medical assistant. While you may enter the field after earning your high school diploma or GED certificate, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed a training program and certification.
How do I get medical assistant certification in Texas?
After completing your high school diploma or GED certificate, you need to attend an accredited medical assistant program. A certificate program or an associate degree both prepare you for field-specific certifications. You must currently attend or have graduated from a medical assistant program to qualify for major certifications. Some require professional work experience.
What is the best medical assistant certification in Texas?
The best choice for you may not be right for someone else. Always consider several factors, such as whether you meet eligibility requirements and the certification preferences of potential employers. The CMA credential is one of the most recognized certifications obtained by new medical assistants entering the field before moving into specialized clinical or administrative roles.
How much can I make with medical assistant certification in Texas?
According to BLS statistics, the average annual wage for medical assistants in Texas as of May 2023 was $38,870, with those in the top 90th percentile making $47,010 a year. Medical assistants who work in the most populated metropolitan areas of the state earn the highest salaries.
