Maine is famous for its gorgeous coastlines and scenery as well as delicious, fresh seafood. The state has a shortage of major urban areas, however, making it difficult for medical assistants to find work. There are positions available, but there are less than 100 new openings each year. Since there is so much competition for jobs, it is vital to get the best possible training and to have credentials that will give an edge over other applicants. There are few medical assistant schools in Maine, but several are accredited by organizations that qualify candidates to sit for credentialing examinations.
Maine’s Medical Assisting Employment Environment
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are just over 6,000 medical assistants working in Maine. The average salary of medical assistants in the state is more than $14.50 an hour, making it a lucrative position for those who choose it.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Maine
While Maine is likely to remain a state with a lower level of job opportunities, the field is expected to grow. This growth will result in more employment opportunities for candidates with the right education. If you live in Maine and plan to get your training as a medical assistant, the future should provide ample opportunities for employment and advancement.
Maine’s Medical Assisting Schools
Beal College
- Program Link: Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting
- Description: Beal College offers medical assistant training on a mod schedule. This means that classes last half a semester. This system allows students to complete the same number of credits each year, but allows them to focus on fewer classes at a time. Students in this program will receive all of the necessary training to fulfill the clinical and administrative duties of a medical office and will prepare them to take certification examinations.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: 24 months
- Tuition: $16,270
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 90%
- Fun Fact: Students can choose one of six start dates to enter the medical assisting program at Beal College.
Eastern Maine Community College
- Program Link: Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
- Description: Eastern Maine Community College is located in Bangor on a 72-acre campus. The school offers a medical assisting certificate that can be completed in under a year as well as a two year Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree. The programs provide up-to-date training in the administrative and clinical aspects of medical assisting and allow students to gain real-world experience through externships. Students who graduate from EMCC are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: A.A.S.
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $86/credit hour
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: Students at Eastern Maine Community College can participate in a wide number of school-sponsored clubs, organizations, and activities.
Kennebec Valley Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Kennebec Valley Community College is located on a 70-acre campus in Fairfield. This school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical assisting that can be completed in two years. The school offers a thorough education at a very reasonable tuition rate. The school provides a Student Orientation and Registration program for new students to allow them to become familiar with the school before classes begin. Students who complete the medical assisting program at KVCC are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $86 per credit hour
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 60%
- Fun Fact: Kennebec Valley Community College was ranked in the top 10% of the nation’s two-year colleges by the Aspen Institute.
Washington County Community College
- Program Link: Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting
- Description: Washington County Community College is located in Calais at the edge of 400 acres of natural woodlands. Students who choose the medical assisting degree program at WCCC enjoy modern classrooms and facilities and a thorough education program that includes clinical, administrative, and real-world training so students will be prepared for their entry-level careers in a healthcare facility.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Applied Science
- Average Program Length: two years
- Tuition: $3,503/year
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 65%
- Fun Fact: Students who earn an associate’s degree at WCCC are guaranteed admission as a junior at the Maine public college of choice if they decide to further their educations.