Indiana Medical Assistant Programs

New graduates celebrate with their families at their nursing commencement ceremony.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Indiana – Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana

A medical assistant performs many important tasks that range from taking a patient's vital signs to preparing instruments or keeping track of charts. Typically, a medical assistant must receive some type of certification to perform these tasks, particularly since they are also in charge of dispensing medication. However, there are no actual federal requirements for certification. The United States has four different associations in charge of certifying medical assistants: The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) offers a Certified Medical Assistant exam, or an applicant can take testing and become a Registered Medical Assistant. The National Healthcare Association and the National Center for Competency Training are two other places that offer certification.

The medical profession is the fastest growing industry in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average medical assistant earns $28,860 each year, and the job growth rate is expected to go up by as much as 31%. For those wanting to know how to become a medical assistant in Indiana, they must first check with local medical practitioners and ask about applying for a job. Although the certification is voluntary, most people will have a greater chance of getting hired if they have some college courses under their belt.

As of May of 2011, there were currently 11, 150 medical assistants employed in the state of Indiana. While not all of these employees have been through a medical assistant program, most employers prefer to hire those who have some experience in this field. Many colleges and junior colleges in Indiana offer an Associate's program for the medical assistant designation. The medical assistant programs in Indiana are offered by Everest College, Harrison College, Brown Mackie College, Clarian Health, Davenport University, Daymar College, Ivy Tech Community College, International Business College, MedTech College, Kaplan College, and Sanford-Brown College.

Good attributes for this field include attention to detail, ability to interact with a wide variety of people, staying calm under pressure, and having a strong interest in medicine. However, there are several venue choices, including an optometrist office, a podiatrist's office, a chiropractor's office and much more. Additionally, clinical medical assistants typically do the lab tests, x-rays, dispense medicine and give instructions, take out stitches and draw blood while an administrative assistant works with coding, insurance forms, medical supplies and patient's history information. It is important to have a specialized focus before beginning a career as a medical assistant.

Indiana State Board of Nursing
Professional Licensing Agency
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 234-2043
Fax: (317) 233-4236

Indiana State Nurses Association

• Indiana State Department of Health