Sunday, 9 October 2011

Top Four Factors That Drive Medical Assistant's Salary

Many are enticed to be part of the medical assisting team because this career offers a promising future and advancing career opportunities. As for others, they choose to become MAs because it provides personal and monetary satisfaction. Personal satisfaction since they are responsible for a wide range of hospital tasks and being able to accomplish those different roles is already very pleasing to one self. Monetary satisfaction as well since this profession is offering good salary benefits and a possible salary increase if the employer sees that the staff is dedicated, passionate and simply because the employee qualifies to the standards set by the organization concerning salary adjustments. Truly, this is a profitable career. But, what are the factors that drive the MA's salary? Curious? Following are aspects that can influence the salary and compensation benefits of medical assistants.

Employee's Skills
Just like in other profession, if a person is highly skilled in the craft and the employer sees potential for growth, without doubt that person will receive higher pay as compared to others whose skills are average. Although it is not compulsory for aspiring MAs to undergo formal training as the minimum requirement for a person to get the job is just a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. However skills are learned and those who wish to become proficient can enroll in qualified schools for proper training and grounding.

Moreover, since the demand for medical assistants is increasing and so are their roles and responsibilities, those who are found to be proficient can garner up to $40,000. Not only are they qualified for increase, they can also be promoted to managerial or supervisory roles.

Licensing
After completion of the training program, he or she can take the next step and that is certification. Being certified can provide a great edge not just in the hiring process but it can also provide excellent salary range.

Work Place Setting
MAs can choose to work in special areas, outpatient departments, schools and conventional hospitals. More of often than not, those who are employed in hospital receive higher compensation and benefits. On average, medical assistants receive $30,000 in these institutions. On the other hand, those working in special areas like private physician's clinic, outpatient departments, schools, colleges and universities can earn about $28,000.

State Of Practice
Another factor that drives the salary of MAs is the location or state the medical assistant is currently practicing. Apparently, the cost of living varies in different states. In large urbanized areas, expect to have a higher cost of living index. Thus the salary and benefits in these areas are competitive as well. Presently, the three top states that provide excellent payouts to medical assistants are District of Columbia, Alaska and Massachusetts. In these areas, medical assistants can earn from $34,490 to $38,000. On the other hand, rural areas can provide lower compensation benefits because the cost of living is lower in these areas.

Then again, areas that are offering lower payouts are Mississippi, West Virginia and South Dakota. Medical assistants who are employed in these areas can receive salaries from $22,510 to $25,310.

MA is truly a lucrative and very promising career. That is why many students are attracted to take up medical assisting courses to equip them and make them proficient in their chosen profession. However, when choosing a career to pursue, remember that salary is not the only thing that should be given consideration. Passion and enthusiasm must be regarded as well.

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