Did you know that experts predict an additional 2.6 million jobs in the healthcare industry between 2020 and 2030? The substantial growth in the health field makes it a promising choice as a career. Even if you don’t quite know yet if you want to jump in fully, there are several certifications you can quickly obtain that can give you plenty of exposure. 

Medical assistant jobs in Michigan are growing with the rest of the nation. Based on the same study noted above, the health field should grow by 16%, and Michigan is no exception. 

How can you get started? Luckily, we have a complete guide on medical assistant jobs in Michigan that you don’t want to miss out on, so keep reading for more information!

Become a Certified Medical Assistant

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs clinical and administrative duties. Some different medical assistant job responsibilities include:

• Helping patients to exam rooms
• Assisting physicians in exams or procedures
• Recording symptoms and medical history
• Collecting laboratory samples
• Changing dressings
• Removing stitches
• Scheduling appointments
• Updating billing and other insurance paperwork
• Answering phone calls

A medical assistant’s job is fairly comprehensive and an excellent opportunity to gain entry-level exposure to the health field. Here is how you can get started on becoming a medical assistant in Michigan. First, you will need to decide between in-person or online courses. 

Next, you will complete your coursework and clinical internship requirements. Lastly, you will need to pass and obtain certification before you can go on the job hunt.  

Medical Assistant Coursework

Phlebotomy Career Training has in-person and online options for Michigan students. The benefit of in-person is you get hands-on experience and learn from top professors. It takes around three months to fully complete. 

Online courses are for those looking for more flexibility and 24/7 access to courses. This might be ideal if you work odd hours or have other full-time responsibilities. Some of the medical assistant coursework that you will learn and review in either course are:

• Vital sign measurements and recording
• How to chart notes
• Adhering to OSHA and HIPAA guidelines
• How to assist with minor surgical procedures
• How to perform injections (e.g., intramuscular, subcutaneous)
• How to perform simple testing (e.g., pregnancy tests)
• Communication techniques
• Supply management
• Administrative tasks

With online coursework, you can complete it between six weeks and six months. You will need an additional 204 hours of the clinical internship experience. If you have past experience working in this field, you could obtain a waiver. 

Lastly, you have the option of combining your medical assistant certification with other medical certifications. Opting for continued education through phlebotomy training or other technicians gives you added expertise (more on that later). 

Medical Assistant Job Outlook Michigan

In the Detroit region, medical assistants average $35,970 annually or $17.29 hourly. Between Grand Rapids and Wyoming, you can expect around $35,690 annually or $17.16 hourly. In Lansing, Michigan, medical assistants average $35,540 annually or $17.09 hourly. 

Let’s dive into some nonmetropolitan areas for comparison. The upper peninsula nonmetropolitan region averages $34,340 annually or $16.51 hourly. The northeast lower portion averages $34,920 annually or $16.79 hourly. Moving west, you make slightly more at $35,750 hourly or $17.19 hourly. 

Michigan’s nonmetropolitan lower west region is a bit of an oddball regarding pay and salary. In general, metropolitan or larger cities pay employees more money. While Detroit still has the largest hourly pay, you can see that most major cities are over $17 per hour, and the rate drops slightly if you move into nonmetropolitan regions. 

How does this compare to national averages?

The national mean wage for medical assistants is $38,190 or $18.36 hourly. However, if you break it down by percentiles, the 25th to 50th percentiles earn between $30,200 and $37,190. Additionally, you must factor in the cost of living expenses in Michigan compared to other states. 

If the national average cost of living is 100, Michigan is around 89.6. That means that Michigan is cheaper to live in than the national average, including home prices, groceries, and health costs. 

How To Get Medical Assistant Jobs in Michigan

Typically, the highest paying sectors for medical assistant jobs are outpatient care centers, hospitals, and employment services. Since these jobs can be in higher demand, it might be challenging to snag one right off the bat. Instead, here are some suggestions that can improve your resumé and help you land your ideal job:

• Complete a medical assistant certification
• Choose your internship wisely
• Ask for referrals
• Work elsewhere for a couple of years
• Increase your medical certifications

The medical industry has several jobs at your disposal, but most of them will need a certification. If you want to increase your value as an employee, you could consider obtaining other medical certifications in:

• Phlebotomy 
• IV technician
• EKG technician

Most hospitals or physician clinics could benefit from having a person with multiple skills and expertise. This makes you a likely candidate to get hired over someone with only a medical assistant certification. Additionally, if you gain a couple of years of work experience elsewhere, you could also qualify for some of these more challenging jobs. 

Start Your New Career Path Today

Medical assistant jobs in Michigan are readily available; all you need is a certification that you can obtain in as little as six weeks. Why would you want to become a medical assistant? For starters, it is a great way for you to get your feet wet in the medical industry. 

All you need to qualify for courses is to be 18 years or older. If you have future plans to apply to health programs, the experience you gain as a medical assistant could be crucial to your success. 

Are you interested in getting started? Visit Phlebotomy Career Training today and find your next online or in-person course!

Nancy Kimmel, PhD MSN FNP-BC

Nancy L. Kimmel obtained her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2002, then went on to teach Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Henry Ford College and Oakland University. She obtained her Associate in Nursing from Henry Ford College and then went on to earn her Master Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became Board Certified working as a licensed FNP in the State of Michigan. She then went on to Medical School where she is now in her 3rd year, and is also in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Nursing Practice through Chamberlin University. She has authored the NET Study Guide, as well a several books on subjects of Math, ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy. She holds a patent on an Air Filter through the U.S. Patent Office.