Medical Assistant Schools and Careers in New Mexico

The healthcare industry in New Mexico is thriving and there is a need for qualified medical professionals in all areas, including medical assistants. The past five years has shown the largest industry growth in the state’s history, and this growth is expected to continue. There are over two million people living in New Mexico, many of whom live in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. If you plan to attend medical assistant training in New Mexico and need help in paying tuition, there are programs available. Students can seek assistance from the New Mexico Scholars program, the Student Choice Grant, and more.

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New Mexico’s Employment Environment

New Mexico provides an excellent medical assisting employment environment. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, this state currently employs as many as 6,000 medical assistants, and the average salary for these professionals across the state is between $28,180 and $29,900. The state, as with most other states, expects a high rate of growth for medical assisting and other healthcare positions over the next several years.

The Future of Medical Assisting

Since medical assisting is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations from now to 2018, job prospects are excellent for both experienced and new medical assistants. Although jobs are plentiful, the best positions and highest pay will go to those who become Certified Medical Assistants. To become certified, you must meet the qualifications and pass the examination offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants. Getting this credential shows that you are a serious professional who is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service.

List of Medical Assistant Schools in New Mexico

Brown-Mackie College

  • Program Link: Medical Assisting diploma program; Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
  • Description: Brown-Mackie College has a campus in Albuquerque that allows students to earn a diploma or an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical assisting. The program includes all clinical and administrative training needed to work as a general medical assistant. The program culminates with an externship assignment at a local healthcare facility and prepares graduates to sit for the AAMA’s certification examination.
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Programs: diploma; A.A.S.
  • Average Program Length: diploma – 14 months; A.A.S. – 22 months
  • Tuition:  diploma – $19,440; A.A.S. – $29,808
  • Clinical Experience: Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: certificate – 71%;A.A.S. – 68%
  • Fun Fact: Students at Brown Mackie receive an iPad so they can use Facetime and other technology to stay connected and to achieve success.

Pima Medical Institute

  • Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate program
  • Description: Pima Medical Institute offers day and evening classes that allow students to choose a schedule that works for you. Pima offers its students job placement as well as support services to help students with all of their financial, academic, professional, and personal needs. The campus does not offer housing, but will help students locate and secure housing if it is needed. The medical assistant certificate program at Pima offers all the training necessary to work in the front office or alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in giving patient care. The school’s accreditation means that students are eligible to sit for the AAMA’s national certification examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
  • Programs:  certificate
  • Average Program Length: nine months
  • Tuition:  $12,792
  • Clinical Experience: Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: not available
  • Fun Fact: PMI currently has 13 campuses in seven states.

Ashworth College

  • Program Link: Administrative Medical Assistant certificate; Medical Office Assistant diploma
  • Description: Are you looking for a way to get your medical assisting education online. If so, Ashworth College may have the answers you are looking for. This college offers two levels of training that can cost as little as $300 to complete and can be finished in around three months. Since the programs prepare you only for the administrative duties of medical assisting, you do not have to complete on-site training or an externship.
  • Accreditation: Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
  • Programs:  certificate; diploma
  • Average Program Length: certificate – 3 months; diploma – 6 months
  • Tuition:  certificate – $300; diploma – $604
  • Clinical Experience:  none
  • Job Placement Rate: not available
  • Fun Fact: Ashworth’s online medical assisting programs qualify students to take the Certified Medical Assisting Examination.

National American University

  • Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
  • Description:  National American University has a campus in Albuquerque that offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting. This program provides generalist training that includes administrative and clinical components as well as hands-on externship experience. Students at NAU benefit from flexible scheduling options, degree completion options, and full student services. This program qualifies students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination and to work as general medical assistants.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Programs:  Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
  • Average Program Length: two years
  • Tuition:  $35,316
  • Clinical Experience:  Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: 43%
  • Fun Fact: The first NAU was established in 1941.

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate program
  • Description: Santa Fe Community College provides generalist medical assisting training that can be completed at affordable rates in about a year. Students who choose this program will get externship experience, preparation for the Certified Medical Assistant examination, and a full range of student services. These services include financial aid assistance, child care, job placement and career services, and much more. Interested students are welcome to schedule a campus tour and to meet with school representatives for more detailed information on the school and its programs and services.
  • Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Programs:  certificate
  • Average Program Length: 12 months
  • Tuition:  $39.50/credit hour
  • Clinical Experience:  Externship
  • Job Placement Rate: not available
  • Fun Fact: SFCC has a ride sharing network to help students with transportation.