Wisconsin Medical Assistant Programs

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

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Wisconsin and Medical Assistant Programs in Wisconsin

There are many high quality medical assistant programs in Wisconsin for those who are interested in pursuing the career of medical assistant. This is a field that is always growing in leaps and bounds and that is just one reason it is an attractive career option for many students interested in medicine. There are many certification programs as well as training programs, and if you are interested in becoming a medical assistant in Wisconsin, you may be wondering what is the best educational path to take to achieve your goals.

While training programs may be enough to teach you the basics of the profession, a certification program will undoubtedly tell employers that you are capable and experienced in the skills and practices needed to do the job of medical assistant well. Programs can last from anywhere from a few months to seven years depending on the rank of the program and the degree you receive when you're done. Although it is an investment up front to enroll in long term certification programs to become a medical assistant, it is an option many find to be the best way to parlay themselves into the field.

Medical assistant salary has been climbing throughout the last decade. In 2004, average salaries were up to almost 28,000 compared to just 23,000 a few years earlier. It is a tough job market for most jobs these days, and having an educational training behind you can only help distinguish you and add credibility to your search for a medical assistant position. When you enroll in a medical assistant program in Wisconsin, you'll learn state-specific procedures and laws as well. This is important knowledge to have when working as a medical assistant in Wisconsin.

The Certified Medical Assistant examination is open to students who have the credentials to take it. This examination prepares you for a wide range of career options. Not all programs prepare a student for this examination, however. Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is given to schools that train students for the CMA test. Be sure to find out if the program you're interested is accredited if you want to take the exam. Being a medical assistant in Wisconsin is a fulfilling career path for those who find themselves drawn to it.

• Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services