Louisiana is a state known for its food, fun, and resilience. Regardless of the disaster, the state and its residents bounce back with amazing grace. As a state that will never give up, Louisiana provides a wealth of opportunity for aspiring medical assistants. Although the school has few training programs, there are some great choices that have the proper accreditation to allow students to get credentials after graduation. Students can get a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree, depending upon preference.
Louisiana’s Employment Environment
Currently, over 4,000 medical assistants are working across the state. While the hourly wage is relatively low, it is similar to that of other states in the area at a bit over $12 per hour. Shreveport and Houma offer the highest concentration of medical assistant jobs, but Baton Rouge and New Orleans have the highest number of positions overall. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Louisiana as being in the lowest tier of states in regards to medical assistant salary, but in the mid-range for employment.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Louisiana
The future of medical assistants in Louisiana is promising, since this is one of the careers that expect the highest level of growth over coming years. Even though the pay rate will likely remain relatively low, the cost of living in the area combined with the employment benefits of a medical assistant position make this an excellent career choice.
List of Medical Assisting Schools in Louisiana
Fortis College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant diploma program
- Description: Located in Baton Rouge, Fortis offers a quality medical assistant diploma training program for aspiring medical assistants. The program provides students with direct access to industry-standard equipment and facilities. In addition, Fortis helps ensure student success through a variety of support services that includes everything from career counseling to help in locating needed resources.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: 42 weeks
- Tuition: $13,320
- Clinical Experience: externship
- Job Placement Rate: 75%
- Fun Fact: Students in this program benefit from 160 hours of externship experience.
Eastern College of Health Vocations
- Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate program
- Description: Eastern College of Health Vocations has campuses in New Orleans and Shreveport that offer medical assistant certificate programs. The program is available in morning, day, or evening classes to allow students to enjoy the highest level of flexibility. The program includes education in administrative and clinical duties and finishes with an externship in a medical facility. Students who complete this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 10 months
- Tuition: $9,960 (all inclusive)
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 74% Shreveport, 93% New Orleans
- Fun Fact: Prospective students are encouraged to inspect the classrooms, campus, instructors, and equipment.
Bossier Parish Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant diploma program; Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Description: Bossier Parish Community College offers a technical diploma in medical assisting as well as an associate’s degree program with two choices of concentration. Students who attend Bossier Parish Community College receive well-balanced medical assistant training, hands-on experience, and excellent student support services. Interested students may arrange a campus visit to learn more or can speak to a representative on the phone.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: diploma; Associate of Science
- Average Program Length: diploma – 14 months; A.S. – two years
- Tuition: $148.80/credit hour
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: As part of the program, students are taught to prepare resumes and provided assistance on job hunting and interview skills.
Career Technical College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
- Description: Located in Monroe and Shreveport, Career Technical College prides itself on offering a high quality medical assistant education that fully prepares graduates to fulfill the duties of the job. Some campuses also offer medical assisting diploma programs that can be completed in as little as nine to twelve months. Students who get their medical assistant training at CTC will receive the latest instruction in clinical and administrative practices as well as a high quality externship that offers the chance to practice newly acquired skills.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Occupational Studies
- Average Program Length: 72 weeks
- Tuition: $25,661
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 79%
- Fun Fact: Career Technical College offers Open House opportunities to allow students to visit the campus and meet instructors before making a decision about enrollment.
Herzing University
- Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
- Description: Conveniently located in New Orleans, Herzing University has provided medical assistant training to hundreds of students. With very small class sizes, instructors at Herzing are available to offer individualized instruction and assistance. Students who choose Herzing will enjoy a wide range of student support services and a full training program that will prepare them for every aspect of medical assisting jobs.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: 4-5 semesters (if graduating in a normal time)
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 75%
- Fun Fact: Herzing offers flexible scheduling that includes day, evening, and online classes for student convenience.