New Hampshire Medical Assistant Programs

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

How to Become a Medical Assistant in New Hampshire and Medical Assistant Programs in New Hampshire – The Basic Steps

According to the latest data from the US Department of Labor, the field of Medical Assisting is expected to grow by thirty five percent over the next seven years. There are already more than thirteen hundred medical assistants in the state of New Hampshire and the number is growing regularly. If you want to learn how to become a medical assistant in New Hampshire, the process isn't that difficult to do. First, you'll need to determine which of the two key roles in the field you want to focus on. These are either clinical assisting or administrative assisting.

You'll need to enroll in one of the medical assistant programs in New Hampshire as well. Find a good accredited program that has full accreditation from the CAAHEP – the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs – or from the Committee on Accreditation for Medical Assistant Education. You'll need to ensure accreditation if you want your degree to be accepted by an employer. Most community colleges, trade schools, and other similar institutions offer medical assistant programs in New Hampshire. Some examples include Hesser College, Seacoast Career Schools, and River Valley Community College. The odds are that there is a medical assistant program at a community college or trade school near you.

You'll also need to choose whether or not to pursue a certificate or a degree. The BLS reports that forty percent of those in the field hold a degree while sixty percent hold only a certificate. Earning a certificate will take one year to do while a degree program lasts for two years. Both are viable options, but a degree generally rewards graduates with slightly better pay and with better job opportunities. Whichever option you select, you'll be able to become a medical assistant in New Hampshire and enter a variety of different occupations at numerous facilities.

Interestingly, those pursuing this career aren't required to gain state licensure and in fact it isn't currently possible to do so. They're among the only healthcare workers who lack licensure, but they're still respected and valuable to a team. Once you've finished your program you can start seeking employment. Administrative medical assistants work to file paperwork, records, billing info, and so on. Clinical assistants take patient histories, provide basic care, collect blood, and fill other roles. They're often common in physician offices but can find work elsewhere as well. It's a rewarding career well worth considering.

• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services