How to Become a Medical Assistant in Minnesota

Medical assistants serve as vital members of health care teams across Minnesota, working alongside physicians and nurses to deliver comprehensive patient care. From managing clinical procedures to handling administrative responsibilities, these professionals help ensure smooth operations in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals throughout the state.

For those considering a career in medical assisting, Minnesota offers numerous educational pathways and employment opportunities. The role combines hands-on patient care with administrative duties, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy both direct patient interaction and organizational tasks in a medical setting.

Key Points

• Over eleven thousand medical assistants work in Minnesota, with significant job growth projected through 2032.
• Medical assistants handle responsibilities like recording patient vitals, managing records, and assisting with clinical procedures.
• The state offers several accredited programs, including diploma and associate degree options.
• Certification, while not mandated by Minnesota law, is often required by employers for employment.
• The annual mean medical assistant salary in Minnesota is approximately $49,740.

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are skilled professionals who support physicians and other medical staff by performing both clinical and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities include measuring patient vital signs, updating medical records, scheduling appointments, and assisting with procedures such as injections and phlebotomy.

Medical assistants often work in outpatient settings, such as clinics and physicians’ offices, but opportunities also exist in hospitals and specialty practices. To excel in this role, a medical assistant must possess excellent communication, organizational, and technical skills. The ability to remain calm under pressure and provide compassionate care to patients is also essential.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Minnesota

Becoming a medical assistant in Minnesota involves a sequence of steps, starting with foundational education and culminating in employment. Each step provides the knowledge and experience needed for success in the field.

1. Graduate from High School or Earn a GED

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement to begin medical assistant training. High school coursework in biology, anatomy, and health sciences lays a strong foundation for further education. Courses in mathematics and communication are also valuable for preparing to handle responsibilities like managing patient records and scheduling appointments.

2. Research Medical Assistant Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers several medical assistant programs, each tailored to meet different career and educational goals. Options include diploma programs, certificate programs, and associate degree programs, which vary in length and focus. When selecting a program, consider factors like accreditation, location, and hands-on training opportunities.

Diploma Programs: Short-Term Training

• Typically completed in nine to twelve months.
• Focuses on the essential skills needed to begin working quickly.
• Anoka Technical College: Includes a 280-hour externship, emphasizing hands-on learning in clinical and administrative tasks.
• Rasmussen University: Offers hybrid learning options and prepares students for certification exams.

Associate Degree Programs: In-Depth Learning

• Generally requires two years to complete.
• Includes general education courses and additional clinical training.
• South Central College: Prepares students for immediate employment and provides credits that can transfer to a bachelor's degree in health care leadership.

Flexible Learning Options

• Online and hybrid programs provide flexibility for those balancing other commitments.
• Riverland Community College: Offers a fully online curriculum paired with in-person clinical externships.

Accreditation is critical when selecting a program. Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) ensure eligibility for certification exams.

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3. Complete a Medical Assistant Program

Enroll in and finish an accredited medical assistant program. Programs combine coursework with practical training in clinical and administrative skills. Core subjects include anatomy, pharmacology, medical terminology, and diagnostic procedures.

Practical training often involves internships or externships in clinics or hospitals. These experiences provide hands-on practice in tasks like taking patient vitals, administering injections, and managing medical records. Students also gain experience with electronic health record systems and billing software.

Graduates of associate programs may pursue further education, such as a bachelor's degree in health care administration, opening additional career pathways.

4. Obtain Certification

Although Minnesota does not require certification, most employers prefer candidates with nationally recognized credentials. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), is highly recommended.

Steps to Earn the CMA Credential

• Graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program.
• Apply for the CMA exam through the AAMA website.
• Pay the required fee (approximately $125 for members or $250 for non-members).
• Pass the CMA exam, which tests knowledge in clinical, administrative, and general medical topics.

Other certifications include:

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists.

5. Begin the Job Search

Start searching for employment as a certified medical assistant. Minnesota has a robust job market for medical assistants, with major employers such as Allina Health, Essentia Health, and M Health Fairview. Positions are available in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices.

Top Employers in Minnesota

• Allina Health: Employs medical assistants in over 100 clinics statewide.
• Essentia Health: Offers sign-on bonuses for certain roles and has facilities in Central and Northern Minnesota.
• M Health Fairview: Provides opportunities in both primary care and specialty medicine.

Online job boards, career services offered by medical assistant programs, and professional associations like the Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants (MSMA) are excellent resources for finding positions.

6. Maintain Certification

Certification as a medical assistant must be renewed every five years. Recertification can be achieved by completing continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking the certification exam.

CMA Recertification Requirements

• Earn 60 CEUs over five years.
• Includes 10 administrative units, 10 clinical units, and 10 general units.

• The remaining 30 units can be from any category.

• Submit proof of completed CEUs to the AAMA.

Continuing education opportunities are available through webinars, conferences, and workshops offered by the Minnesota Society of Medical Assistants and other organizations.

Licensure in Minnesota

Minnesota does not require state licensure for medical assistants. However, certification through organizations like the AAMA or AMT is often a prerequisite for employment. Certifications demonstrate competency and increase job prospects. For more details, visit this guide on medical assistant certification by state.

Medical Assistant Job Market in Minnesota

Medical assistants in Minnesota are in high demand. Employment is projected to grow by 13% through 2032, driven by the aging population and increasing demand for outpatient services. The annual mean wage of $49,740 is above the national average, with opportunities for advancement in larger health care networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Minnesota?

The time required depends on the program chosen. Diploma programs can be completed in nine to twelve months, while associate degrees take about two years.

What is the fastest you can become a medical assistant?

The fastest path is completing a diploma or certificate program, which typically takes nine months.

Can you become a CMA without going to school?

No, CMA certification requires graduation from an accredited medical assistant program.

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?

Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) often earn higher wages than non-certified medical assistants due to their credentials.

Starting Your Medical Assistant Career in Minnesota

Medical assistants play a vital role in Minnesota's health care landscape, combining clinical expertise with administrative capabilities to keep medical practices running smoothly. The position offers opportunities to work directly with patients while developing transferable skills in technology, communication, and medical procedures that can serve as stepping stones to advanced roles in health care.

Ready to take the first step? Explore accredited medical assistant programs in Minnesota to find the right educational path for your career goals. Many programs offer flexible scheduling options and hands-on training experiences that align with your current commitments while preparing you for success in this growing field.