Utah, popular for its Mormon population and the 2002 Olympics, has much to offer. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities or city living, there is something for you. If you live in this amazing state and plan to become a medical assistant, there are many quality schools from which to choose. These schools offer everything from certificates to associate’s degrees and many are accredited, allowing students to take national certification examinations after graduation. There are many financial aid programs that can help medical assistant students in the state. If you are still in high school, for example, you can check into the New Century Scholarship and the Utah Centennial Scholarship programs.
Employment Environment in Utah
While Utah ranks in the lower level for medical assistant salaries, it ranks in the upper-mid range for employment of medical assistants. This means that medical assistant students in the state can look forward to ample job opportunities upon graduation. The current average salary for medical assistants in Utah is $27,630, which is average for the region. In order to earn the best salaries and have the most job opportunities, students should consider becoming nationally credentialed.
The Future of Medical Assisting in Utah
Utah already provides an excellent employment environment for medical assistants, but predicted growth in the healthcare industry will see this field become even more promising. As such, this is an excellent time to begin medical assistant training to enter this growing field.
List of Medical Assistant Schools in Utah
AmeriTech College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: AmeriTech College offers medical assistant training in Provo and Draper. Students can take the classes during days or evenings, allowing flexibility of scheduling. The program provides students with all of the administrative and clinical skills needed to work as a general medical assistant in a variety of healthcare facilities. The program has several start times throughout the year, so students can begin the program at a time that is convenient to them.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 45 weeks
- Tuition: $9,257
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 83%
- Fun Fact: AmeriTech College offers medical assistant training during day or evening hours.
Broadview University
- Program Link: Medical Assistant diploma; Medical Assistant degree program
- Description: Broadview University offers students the choice between earning a diploma or degree in medical assisting. Students who choose Broadview University will be prepared to work in the front office or in direct patient care in a healthcare facility. Students who attend full-time are eligible for a tuition discount, and all students benefit from financial aid assistance, help in locating housing, transportation, and child care, career services, free tutoring, and more.
- Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Programs: diploma; associate’s degree
- Average Program Length: diploma – 15 months; degree – 24 months
- Tuition: diploma – $22,875; degree – $34,500
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: 86%
- Fun Fact: Broadview University offers career services to alumni for life.
Bridgerland Applied Technology College
- Program Link: Medical Assisting program
- Description: Bridgerland Applied Technology College has campuses in Woodland, Brigham City, and Logan, making it convenient for many students. Bridgerland uses a self-guided, problem-solving approach to training that allows students to develop a deep, lasting understanding of the material. The medical assisting program at Bridgerland includes the both clinical and administrative aspects of medical assisting and prepares students to work as generalists. In addition, students who graduate from this program are eligible to become Certified Medical Assistants.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: 9 months
- Tuition: $3,500
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: over 80%
- Fun Fact: At BATC, students can pay tuition quarterly, making finances less of an obstacle.
Salt Lake Community College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Located in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is the largest college in Utah. The school has 13 campuses and serves over 60,000 students. At SLCC, students can earn a certificate in medical assisting that includes all of the administrative and clinical training needed to be a success in the field. All medical assistant students will receive hands-on training through an externship before graduating and are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination. SLCC helps students succeed with a wide variety of student services that cover needs every step of the way, from registration to job placement.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: certificate
- Average Program Length: three semesters
- Tuition: $5,150
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: The average class size is 30 for medical assistant classes at SLCC.
Stevens Henager College
- Program Link: Medical Assistant program
- Description: Stevens Henager College offers an Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Assisting that can be completed in less than two years. The program provides both clinical and administrative training as well as limited scope radiography. The school was founded in 1891 and provides students with modern classrooms and laboratory facilities as well as a chance to use industry-standard machines and equipment. Upon graduation from this program, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant examination that is offered through the AAMA.
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Programs: Associate of Occupational Studies
- Average Program Length: 20 months
- Tuition: $41,395
- Clinical Experience: Externship
- Job Placement Rate: not available
- Fun Fact: All students at Stevens Henager College get a new laptop when they enroll.