One of the most rewarding positions you can take in Ohio is working as a medical assistant.
These positions give you the chance to step into the healthcare industry and work in all areas, allowing you to understand and gain fundamentals.
If you are interested in pursuing medical assistant as a career, below are five of the best programs in Ohio, and some common questions you can expect around this career.
4 Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio
If you want to get your certification as a medical assistant, choose from one of these five programs below.
1. Ross Medical Education Center
Available as an online program, the Ross Medical Education Center allows students who are working full-time to earn a certification in their career.
Students can choose from four concentrations: patient experience, general concentration, electronic medical records, and medical scribe.
Those who are already working as medical assistants find this program to fit their needs.
It is 40 weeks long and has 12 total courses.
2. Larock Healthcare Academy
At Larock Healthcare Academy, the medical assistant program is one of many to help new healthcare professionals take advantage of entry-level opportunities in the industry.
The medical assistant program lasts between 20 and 24 weeks for those who want a quick and full-time program.
The class sizes are small, which makes this an ideal program for those who need more one-on-one time with their instructor.
The schedule is flexible, so even if you are currently working, you can still work with your instructor to complete the program.
Payments can be made to the program while you are taking classes so that it is affordable.
There are also three campuses: Columbus, Cleveland, and Canton.
3. Fortis College
At Fortis College, the medical assistant program is designed to offer students a well-rounded program with hands-on skill development and a thorough understanding of what is needed in the medical office.
This includes everything from computer skills to working with patients and completing basic triage skills.
Financial aid is available for this program when you apply.
After completing the program, the school will help graduates with locating a job in their field.
4. Aultman College
With a recent tuition freeze, Aultman College is attracting lots of students to the medical assisting program.
The program can be completed in as little as two semesters and hands-on training is available on campus at Aultman Health Foundation locations.
They help students find positions once they have graduated.
They accept new students to the program each fall, with applications due by August 1st.
This program has accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Financial aid is available to help with tuition costs.
Medical Assistant Schools in Ohio – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Ohio
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Larock Healthcare Academy | 2780 Airport Dr. Suite 150, Columbus, OH 43219 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 11590 Century Blvd Ste 210, Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
| Fortis College | 4151 Executive Pkwy Suite 120, Westerville, OH 43081 |
| Aultman College | 2600 6th St SW, Canton, OH 44710 |
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can expect a salary of approximately $37,000 as a medical assistant.
This is a great entry-level salary and position in the healthcare industry, with the option of adding certifications and boosting your skills.
For those looking to work part-time or PRN, medical assistants average around $18-$20 an hour.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Medical Assistants in Ohio
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $37,402 |
| Cleveland | $37,527 |
| Cincinnati | $37,076 |
| Toledo | $36,697 |
| Akron | $36,401 |
| Dayton | $36,856 |
| Hamilton | $36,925 |
| Youngstown | $36,011 |
| Canton | $36,351 |
| Lorain | $36,917 |
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 1,280 | $39,730 | $19.1 | $47,050 | $31,680 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 690 | $37,550 | $18.05 | $45,640 | $29,570 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 4,160 | $41,500 | $19.95 | $48,740 | $33,840 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 3,570 | $39,930 | $19.2 | $48,150 | $30,290 |
| Columbus, OH | 4,530 | $40,840 | $19.63 | $46,630 | $33,760 |
| Dayton, OH | 1,410 | $40,650 | $19.55 | $48,000 | $33,710 |
| Lima, OH | 360 | $39,510 | $18.99 | $48,670 | $29,860 |
| Mansfield, OH | 230 | $37,020 | $17.8 | $44,720 | $29,190 |
| Springfield, OH | 250 | $37,430 | $18 | $45,520 | $31,140 |
| Toledo, OH | 1,360 | $39,810 | $19.14 | $46,910 | $30,940 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 1,120 | $34,750 | $16.71 | $42,300 | $26,580 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Schools by City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the outlook for medical assistants in Ohio?
In the state of Ohio, it is expected that the outlook for medical assistants will grow by 20 percent in the next decade.
There is a significant growth happening in this area due to the rise in healthcare and its need for the residents.
Is a certification required to be a medical assistant in Ohio?
You can be hired to work in a medical facility without a certification as a medical assistant.
However, you will not be paid the same as those who are certified and have gone through the necessary training.
Certification not only guarantees a better salary, but it gives you a competitive edge when jobs are hiring and looking for the best available candidate for the job.
Will I get to work with patients as a medical assistant or spend time doing office duties?
As a medical assistant, you will split your time between assisting the nursing staff with triaging patients, as well as following up on charting and completing the necessary paperwork that goes with the job.
A medical assistant has a solid balance of work and gets to pursue all parts of the facility and decide which areas they prefer more during their shift.
This is a good way to determine where you would like to take your career in the healthcare industry.
