Connecticut does not have any particular education or licensing requirements for medical assistants. However, most employers will only hire medical assistants who have completed a formal education program and some require that their employees be registered or certified. Since many students take the time to get the official training for the profession, the only way to get into this career is to find a quality school and complete a training program. If you want to become licensed or registered, you will also need to find a school that is accredited by the ABHES or the CAAHEP. These accreditations show employers that you have received the highest quality of education and that you are fully prepared to do the job.
Connecticut Medical Assisting Employment Environment
Connecticut state law places restrictions on the tasks that can be performed by medical assistants. The Connecticut Department of Public Health outlines the tasks that can and cannot be performed legally by medical assistants. Even with these task restrictions, Connecticut provides a wonderful employment environment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the state enjoy some of the highest employment rates and salaries in the nation. Medical assistants in Connecticut can earn salaries ranging from $32,090 to $39,900 a year, depending upon location and experience.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Connecticut
The future of medical assisting in Connecticut looks to be just as promising. The Connecticut Department of Labor predicts a growth of almost 18% by 2018. This is a much faster growth rate than average for other occupations, and this growth is guaranteed to provide excellent job opportunities for new graduates of medical assisting programs.
Connecticut Medical Assisting Programs
Branford Hall Career Institute
- Program Link: Professional Medical Assistant Program
- Description: Branford Hall Career Institute offers medical assistant training at the Windsor, Southington, and Branford campuses. These multiple locations combined with flexible scheduling options make this a great choice for any student with a busy schedule. Branford has been providing a quality professional education for over 75 years and demonstrates its commitment to students through a wide range of student services, job placement assistance, and the availability of free refresher courses to graduates.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 1080 hours
- Tuition: $16,027
- Clinical Experience: externship
- Job Placement Rate: 61%
- Fun Fact: Graduates of Branford Hall can take refresher courses after graduation at no charge.
Capital Community College
- Program Link: Certificate in Medical Assisting; Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
- Description: Located in Hartford, Capital Community College offers a choice of a certificate or Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting. This school was started in 1946 as an engineering school and has evolved over time to offer over 50 programs. The school offers the latest medical office equipment and technology so students can train in a way that will best prepare them for a thriving career as a professional medical assistant.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate; A.S. in Medical Assisting
- Average Program Length: certificate – 30 credits; A.S. – 60 credits
- Tuition: $217.75 per credit hour
- Clinical Experience: externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Capital offers campus tours for interested students.
Norwalk Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate program
- Description: Graduates of Norwalk’s medical assistant certificate program are prepared to perform all the duties of the job including exam room prep, phlebotomy, data collection, bookkeeping, insurance monitoring, and more. The program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, electronic health records, and more. Norwalk’s staff help students every step of the way through academic and career advising, tutoring, financial aid assistance, and more. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: three semesters
- Tuition: $216/credit hour
- Clinical Experience: 180 hour externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Norwalk has received recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Porter and Chester Institute
- Program Link: Here
- Description: Porter and Chester offers medical assistant training at the Branford Enfield, Rocky Hill, Stratford, and Watertown campuses. This medical assistant program allows students to learn through projects and situations taken from actual medical office environments. The school offers excellent support services to students, including ongoing career placement and assistance to ensure that graduates are enjoying the career for which they received training. Graduates of this program are qualified to take the Certified Medical Assistant and Registered Medical Assistant examinations, offering the professional credentials needed to land the best jobs.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 9-15 months
- Tuition: $16,680
- Clinical Experience: 160-hour externship
- Job Placement Rate: 65% (81% at Branford)
- Fun Fact: Porter and Chester students can get their medical assistant training through day or evening classes for convenience.
Stone Academy
- Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate
- Description: Stone Academy has been offering a quality education since 1864. With campuses in Waterbury, East Hartford, and West Haven, the school is convenient to everyone. The medical assistant program at Stone Academy can be completed in under a year, allowing you to go to work quickly. The school offers excellent student support and career placement assistance and prepares students to become Certified Medical Assistants, Registered Medical Assistants, or Certified Phlebotomists.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: Certificate
- Average Program Length: 12 months
- Tuition: $18,200
- Clinical Experience: 160-hour externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Service-oriented students can participate in Phi Beta Lambda.