The medical assisting field is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for skilled workers across the country, including Montana.
Individuals currently interested in entering this flexible and stable career path have several options for getting the education and training they need.
Keep reading to learn more about the state’s salary potential and education opportunities.
Page Navigation
- 4 Medical Assistant Schools in Montana
- Salary of Medical Assistants in Montana
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to train to become a medical assistant in Montana?
- Does the candidate need to pass a national exam to become a qualified medical assistant?
- Can an individual have felonies and become a medical assistant?
- What duties do I do as a medical assistant?
- Does an individual need to recertify if they take another job out of state?
4 Medical Assistant Schools in Montana
Montana offers various technical programs in school courses to provide students with the ideal training necessary to become medical assistants in the state.
The following are top programs available to trained individuals wanting to begin a rewarding career in this industry.
1. Highlands College
The school is designed to provide comprehensive in-person training to help individuals become medical professionals in Montana.
The course lasts approximately two semesters, and the tuition for the school is $3,800 per semester.
The location of the college campus is 25 Basin Creek Road, Butte, MT 59701.
The number for the admissions office is 406-496-3707.
2. Bitterroot College
This course offers comprehensive Hands-On training to individuals wanting to begin a career as a medical assistant in Montana.
This course requires 140 hours of classroom instruction and a 200-hour externship.
The cost of tuition for the school is $2,100 per semester.
The location of the school is 103 South 9th Street, Hamilton, Mt 59840.
The phone number for the admissions office is 406-375-0100.
3. Charter College
This in-person training course can be completed in 10 months with a 180-hour externship program in the area.
The tuition for this school is $20,200.
The school campus is located at 1930 Brooks Street, Missoula, Mt 59801.
The phone number for the admissions office is 406-303-3259.
4. Flathead Valley Community College
This program gives individuals the complete education and training they need to begin a career as a medical assistant.
The training also involves an externship, including classroom instruction that lasts approximately nine months.
The cost of tuition for this program is $138.20 per credit hour.
The location of the college campus is 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, Mt 59901.
The phone number for the admissions office is 406-756-3822.
Medical Assistant Schools in Montana – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Montana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Highlands College | 25 Basin Creek Road, Butte, MT 59701 |
| Bitterroot College | 103 South 9th Street, Hamilton, Mt 59840 |
| Charter College | 1930 Brooks Street, Missoula, Mt 59801 |
| Flathead Valley Community College | 777 Grandview Drive, Kalispell, Mt 59901 |
Salary of Medical Assistants in Montana
The average salary of a medical assistant in Montana is $37,914.
Individuals with more experience and education may earn a higher yearly salary.
Some factors that depend on an individual’s salary include their job location, specialties, and experience.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Assistants in Montana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $36,310 |
| Missoula | $31,336 |
| Great Falls | $32,871 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $31,336 |
| Bozeman | $31,336 |
| Helena | $31,905 |
| Kalispell | $33,295 |
| Belgrade | $31,336 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $31,336 |
| Miles City | $35,741 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 410 | $42,170 | $20.28 | $49,530 | $31,860 |
| Great Falls, MT | 220 | $42,030 | $20.21 | $44,800 | $36,850 |
| Missoula, MT | 460 | $44,570 | $21.43 | $54,740 | $37,010 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to train to become a medical assistant in Montana?
The length of time it takes to become a medical assistant in Montana depends on several factors, including whether the candidate has met the prerequisites yet.
Once an individual meets the prerequisites, they may apply to a school or training program.
Most schools and programs require the individual to be over 18 years of age and have a clean background check.
Additionally, the individual must have a high school diploma or a GED to begin.
The training portion can last anywhere from 40 weeks to one year on average.
Once the individual successfully passes the training course, they are eligible to take the national medical assistant exam.
Once the medical assistant exam is completed with a passing grade, the individual’s information is entered into the national database, and they may begin their career.
On average, someone can complete their training and pass the exam within a year.
Does the candidate need to pass a national exam to become a qualified medical assistant?
Once an individual completes their formal training and education, they are required to pass a national medical assistant exam.
Once the exam is successfully passed and the information is added to the National Database, they may begin working for an employer.
Can an individual have felonies and become a medical assistant?
One of the prerequisites for entering a training program is a clean background check.
A third party will thoroughly investigate an individual’s past criminal record and uncover any felonies they may have on that record.
Anyone with a felony may not apply to a training program or a school and may not serve as a medical assistant in the country.
What duties do I do as a medical assistant?
A medical assistant’s duties require providing clinical support to doctors and nurse practitioners.
Their jobs entail providing basic medical care such as wound care and routine medical services.
However, they may also offer diagnostic testing and patient care services without the direct supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
In some cases, not only will the medical assistant provide clinical support, but they may even provide administrative support for their employer.
Does an individual need to recertify if they take another job out of state?
To become certified nationally, a medical assistant must successfully pass an accredited training course or school program.
Once the program is completed, there must be a passing grade on the national medical assistant exam.
Once the individual passes this exam, they do not need to recertify in the future.
However, some employers may require medical assistance to undergo ongoing education to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and emerging technology.
