Did you know that around 48% of ICU nurses have considered leaving their jobs? It is no secret that burnout from the recent pandemic pushed many healthcare workers to the breaking point. The large shift in healthcare jobs and high patient caseloads increased the need for more employees. 

Medical assistant jobs in North Carolina might be on your radar if you want a break from another demanding job or are interested in working in the medical field. Since medical assistants do not need a bachelor’s degree, it can give you excellent experience before pursuing other degrees like nursing or medical school. 

Before starting your new career, you might be interested in learning more about job outlook and opportunities in North Carolina. Luckily, we have a must-read article for you. Keep reading on and learn more about medical assistant jobs in North Carolina and how to get started with your certification!

What Is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the direction of a physician or other providers. Medical assistants do not need an undergraduate degree.

Instead, it requires a specialized training program that can be completed in less time and gives you direct experience in the medical field. The job responsibilities of a medical assistant are broken down into two categories:

1. Administrative
2. Clinical

Administrative duties include checking patients in, submitting billing, answering phones, or scheduling appointments. Depending on the setting, medical assistants in North Carolina might also assist the physician with the following:

• Obtaining vitals
• Speaking with the patient regarding medical history
• Assisting with physical exams
• Perform simple wound dressing changes
• Dispensing medication

You can find medical assistant jobs in physician offices, hospitals, or outpatient clinics. Lesser populated jobs include physical therapy clinics or universities. 

Medical Assistant Jobs in North Carolina

There are several metropolitan and nonmetropolitan regions where you can find medical assistants in North Carolina. Some of the major cities and regions include:

• Asheville
• Charlotte
• Durham-Chapel Hill
• Fayetteville
• Greeneville
• Raleigh
• Wilmington
• Salem

Typically, metropolitan regions will pay more. There are a few reasons, including:

• Greater demand
• More job settings (e.g., universities, major hospitals)

On average, a North Carolina medical assistant will make $35,650 annually. This number reflects full-time work, and the mean hourly pay is $17.14. 

Medical Assistant Job Outlook North Carolina

Like other health professions, medical assistants are in high demand. The national job outlook growth between 2021 and 2031 is 16%. Compared to other professions, this is nearly 11% higher. 

In North Carolina, the fastest growing (and largest) sector is Health Care and Social Assistance. Between 2017 and 2026, North Carolina predicts nearly 93,000 new jobs. These new health and social sector careers account for a 16.1% growth rate. 

Where To Work as a Medical Assistant

Where can you start working as a medical assistant in North Carolina? Here are some of the top medical facilities to check out:

• Duke University (located in Durham, NC)
• University of North Carolina Hospitals (located in Chapel Hill, NC)
• WakeMed Raleigh Campus (located in Raleigh, NC)
• Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (located in Charlotte, NC)
• FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital (located in Pinehurst, NC)
• ECU Health Medical Center (located in Greeneville, NC)

U.S. News ranked 18 hospitals that met excellent standards. Duke University was the top-ranked hospital in North Carolina and has11 specialty units. Hospitals such as Duke University provide an excellent opportunity to gain specialized experience, including working with pediatrics. 

How To Become a Medical Assistant in North Carolina

There are two avenues to becoming a medical assistant in North Carolina. First, you can find local in-person classes. These are usually offered at community colleges or universities. 

Or, you can choose to complete your medical assistant certification online. One of the top reasons online courses are a better option in North Carolina is the flexibility. You can access course materials 24/7 and still work or keep up with your daily duties. 

It can also be more affordable for many individuals since it reduces commuting or travel. Phlebotomy Career Training is an accredited online program that costs $700. You can complete your certification in six weeks. 

However, if you have a busy lifestyle, the materials are open for six months. During your medical assistant course, you will cover 996 hours of instruction and 204 hours of clinical internship experience.

Once these two tasks are finished, Phlebotomy Career Training will pay for a one-time national exam. If you pass the exam, you will achieve national certification that gives you a cutting edge in finding a job in North Carolina or other states. 

Finding Medical Assistant Jobs Near You

Once you have your medical assistant certification, how can you find a job near you? First, look at major cities and hospitals. Usually, these employ high numbers of medical assistants. 

You can also ask your internship about job openings or family and friends. Here are some other helpful tools to improve your job searches:

• Update your resume
• Ask for referrals
• Gain experience before applying to specialized jobs
• Obtain additional certifications

Medical assistants with additional training have a greater competitive edge. If you want more expertise, consider combining a medical assistant and phlebotomy training certification. With your phlebotomist certification, you can perform venipunctures and work more directly with patients. 

Is a Medical Assistant Career Right for You?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a need for healthcare professionals. Medical assistant jobs in North Carolina are growing annually. 

In addition, the aging American population placed a greater strain on healthcare workers. If you want to immerse yourself in the medical field, a medical assistant certification opens doors and does not require any previous college coursework. 

Are you interested in getting started? Phlebotomy Career Training has several online courses you can take starting today. Check out our online classes to begin!

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.