Nevada is mainly known for its fabulous gambling and nightlife, but this state has so much more to offer. With amazing natural scenery, museums, wildlife, and much more, it is little wonder that the state is home to over 2.5 million people. Nevada is also home to a thriving healthcare industry and there are programs in place to help people get the right qualifications to meet the shortage of healthcare workers. Students in Nevada can get assistance from the Professional Student Exchange Program as well as the Health Care Access Program.
Nevada’s Employment Environment
Nevada is ranked in the upper middle level for employment of medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state employs nearly 7,000 medical assistants and there is need for more. Even though there is a shortage of healthcare workers in the state, it is a good idea to get certified after graduation to expand your employment choices and to allow you to ask for a higher rate of pay. The average salary of medical assistants in the state is around $32,000, but medical assistants with the proper credentials have the best chance of earning at the high end of the range.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Nevada
All areas of healthcare are expected to grow rapidly in Nevada over coming years, including that of medical assisting. If you are considering entering this field, this is an ideal time to start your training so you can benefit from this growth and expansion. While Nevada is currently in the mid-range for medical assistant pay in the region, this is likely to improve as the demand for qualified workers grows.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in Nevada
Everest College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: At the Henderson campus, students can earn a diploma in medical assisting in under a year. The program includes classroom and laboratory training in clinical and administrative medical assisting and culminates in hands-on externship experience. Students who attend Everest College enjoy small class sizes and supportive staff. In addition, students who complete this program successfully are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: less than one year
- Tuition: $20,652
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 33%
- Fun Fact: Student support services at Everest will help you locate daycare, transportation, and other resources you may need to be a successful student.
Nevada Career Institute
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Nevada Career Institute has campuses in Glendale and Las Vegas that offer students medical assistant training. The school specializes in offering short-term career training for busy students who want to enter a new career quickly. Students who choose this school can benefit from a full set of student support services. After graduating from this program, students can take the Certified Medical Assistant examination to earn professional credentials.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 36 weeks
- Tuition: $11,900 to $12,900
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 66%
College of Southern Nevada
- Program Link: Medical Assisting certificate program
- Description: The College of Southern Nevada has campuses in ten locations, making it a convenient choice for many Nevada students. The school offers a medical assisting certificate program that prepares students to work as general medical assistants, performing both clinical and administrative duties. The program can be completed in around one year of full-time study and may offer some online courses for added flexibility. The program fully prepares students to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination through the AAMA and to work in a variety of thriving healthcare facilities.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: one year
- Tuition: $3,780
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Medical assisting students at CSN may be able to take a portion of the program requirements online.
Northwest Career College
- Program Link: Medical assisting diploma program
- Description: Northwest Career College in Las Vegas offers full student support services and many opportunities for student involvement. At this school, students can earn a diploma in general medical assisting in less than two years. Students in this program will learn the basics of patient care, front office operations, and more and will get real-world experience through an externship in a local healthcare office. If you are looking for a program that will prepare you to become a Certified Medical Assistant in a short time, this is a choice worth considering.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma
- Average Program Length: less than two years
- Tuition: $11,587
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 95%
- Fun Fact: Northwest Career College has been offering a quality education for 16 years.
Pima Medical Institute
- Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate program
- Description: The medical assistant certificate program at Pima Medical Institute provides students with a comprehensive clinical and administrative education that can be completed in around nine months. The program provides students with knowledge and experience needed to run a medical front office and to provide patient care and assistant to physicians. Since the program is ABHES accredited, it qualifies graduates to take the certification examination offered through the AAMA.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 9 months
- Tuition: $11,995
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 73%
- Fun Fact: Pima Medical Institute is well-known and has campuses in nine states.