Montana is the land of the Big Sky and offers some of the world’s best outdoor living. The state has a population of close to one million, many of whom live in the city of Billings. The state has seen a massive growth in the healthcare industry over the last few years, mainly in urban areas, which offers great opportunities for medical assistants. While the state offers few medical assistant training programs, there are some good choices available.
Montana’s Medical Assisting Employment Environment
Medical assistants in Montana earn around $27,570 a year on average and enjoy excellent employment benefits. Montana ranks in the lower level for medical assistant employment statewide, so it is important to get a quality education and to become a Certified Medical Assistant to give yourself an edge over other applicants. Having a good education and the proper credentials shows potential employers that you are serious about your profession and that you have the qualifications and skill to perform the job efficiently.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Montana
The healthcare industry growth that Montana has experienced over the past few years is expected to continue. This continued growth will result in more medical assisting positions, better benefits, and a higher rate of pay. If you are looking for a new career that offers a promising future, this is an excellent time to get your training to enter this field.
List of Medical Assisting Schools in Montana
Flathead Valley Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
- Description: Located in Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College offers an exceptional educational experience as well as housing for students who wish to live on campus. The campus is located only 30 minutes from Glacier National Park and in close proximity to several ski trails. The medical assisting program at FVCC provides students with a well-rounded education at an affordable price. Students who graduate from this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination, offered by the AAMA.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $1,183/semester
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Flathead Valley Community College has a low student to faculty ratio of 18:1.
Great Falls College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting degree program
- Description: Great Falls College offers students a medical assistant training program that culminates in an Associate of Applied Science degree. In two years, students can complete this accredited program and get to work as general medical assistants who work in clinical and administrative capacities. Students who choose this program enjoy full student support services, low tuition rates, and the eligibility to take the certification examination offered through the AAMA to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $1,248/semester
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Great Falls College was established in 1969.
Ashworth College
- Program Link: Administrative Medical Assistant certificate; Medical Office Assistant diploma
- Description: Ashworth College offers busy students an online choice to enter the medical assisting field. Students who complete these programs can finish training in as little as three months and for as little as $300. These programs only prepare students to work as administrative medical assistants, so there is no externship experience required. The fees at Ashworth include all costs, including the CMAA examination. In addition, students can complete all training online from the comfort of home and on any schedule that fits their needs.
- 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: Students who complete these programs can take the examination to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant.
>Allied Schools
- Program Link: Medical Administrative Assistant program
- Description: Allied offers medical assistant training at two levels. Whether you choose the certificate or diploma program, you can finish your training quickly and can complete it entirely online. This program only includes training for administrative medical assisting, so there is no need to report to a physical site for clinical experience. Program costs include all materials and supplies, and the school offers one-on-one support when students need help. This is an ideal program for someone who wants to work in a medical office.
- Accreditation: Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- Programs: certificate; diploma
- Average Program Length: 210-510 hours
- Tuition: $1,952 – $2,464
- Clinical Experience: none
- Job Placement Rate: 29%
- Fun Fact: Allied has open enrollment, allowing students to enroll at any time they are ready.
Bryant and Stratton College
- Program Link: Medical Administrative Assistant degree program
- Description: Bryant and Stratton offers a program for students who want more than a certificate or diploma, but still want to earn an education online. This A.A.S. in medical administrative assisting is perfect for busy students who want to further their education and enter a thriving new career. All coursework can be completed online at the students’ convenience and will prepare students for stable careers working in the front office area of a variety of healthcare facilities.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $32,100
- Clinical Experience: none
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Graduates of this program can take the examination to become Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialists.