The healthcare industry in New Hampshire has experienced incredible growth over the past five years. This growth makes the state one of the most promising for entering a career as a medical assistant. The state offers several accredited medical assisting programs that offer training at every level from certificate to associate’s degree. In addition, students in New Hampshire can benefit from several funding opportunities. These include the Medical Education Program and the Workforce Incentive Program.
New Hampshire Employment Environment
The medical assisting employment environment in New Hampshire is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Hampshire ranks in the upper-middle range for employment of medical assistants and in the top level for medical assistant pay. With as many as 6,800 medical assistants currently working in the state and the average salary being between $32,000 and $40,000 a year, this is one of the best states in which to enter this career field.
The Future of Medical Assisting in N.H.
Although the current employment environment for medical assistants in New Hampshire is promising, it is likely to become even more so over the coming years. All jobs in the healthcare industry are expected to experience growth of over 30% during the next decade, meaning that there will be ample opportunities for new medical assistants to find work. If you want the best possible job options and highest salaries, make sure to become certified after graduation. Having certification shows employers that you meet quality standards and that you take your career seriously.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in New Hampshire
White Mountains Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate; Medical Assistant degree
- Description: Located in Berlin, White Mountains Community College offers a certificate as well as a degree in medical assisting. Both programs prepare students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination and include all the skills and training needed to perform the clinical and administrative duties involved in the daily operations of a physician’s office or other medical facility. Students who attend WMCC have access to modern resources and excellent student support, making it much easier to attain academic success.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate; degree
- Average Program Length: 2 years
- Tuition: $11,734
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: White Mountains Community College was established in 1966 as the New Hampshire Vocational Institute.
Seacoast Career School
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Seacoast Career School offers a medical assistant program that can be completed in as little as nine months. Students at Seacoast get a full medical assistant training program, externship experience, and excellent student services. These services include the ability to take refresher courses, use the resource center, and get job assistance and referrals even after graduation. The program is ABHES accredited, meaning students can sit for the CMA examination offered by the AAMA. If you are a busy student who needs the ultimate in flexibility and support, this program is worth a closer look.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 900 hours
- Tuition: $12,400
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 69%
- Fun Fact: Seacoast Career School offers Professional Medical Assistant training during both day and evening hours, giving students flexibility in scheduling.
Hesser College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant diploma program; Medical Assistant degree program
- Description: Hesser College has campuses in Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Salem, which means there is likely a Hesser College near you. The school offers students a choice between a diploma or associate’s degree in medical assisting, both preparing students to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination. Students who choose Hesser will benefit from the school’s more than 100 years of educational experience and will have full support that includes everything from financial aid assistance to career placement services. Interested students are welcome to meet with an admissions representative and tour the school to learn more.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: diploma; associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: diploma – 33.5 credit hours; degree – 66.5 credit hour
- Tuition: diploma – $14,344; degree – $21,714
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 74%
- Fun Fact: Hesser College has campuses across New Hampshire, making it convenient for many of the state’s students.
Manchester Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant training program
- Description: Manchester Community College is located on a beautiful 57-acre campus near the Merrimack River. The school provides a professional certificate as well as an associate’s degree in medical assisting. Both programs are CAAHEP-accredited and provide clinical and administrative training as well as externship experience that allows students to practice their skills in a real-world setting. Students who are considering MCC can attend one of the school’s scheduled information sessions to meet with school officials and to learn more about the program.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate; associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: certificate – less than 18 months ;associate’s degree – two years
- Tuition: $210/credit hour
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Manchester Community College has been providing higher education since 1945.
River Valley Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant certificate
- Description: River Valley Community College offers a medical assistant certificate program that can be completed in one year at a very affordable price. The program prepares students to competently and efficiently work in the front office of a medical facility as well as to assist in patient care. Completion of the program prepares students to sit for the AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant examination and to work successfully in a wide variety of healthcare facilities.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: one year
- Tuition: $8,800
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 79%
- Fun Fact: River Valley Community College offers both day and evening hours.