If a career as a medical assistant (MA) in New York strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for MA’s has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. In fact it is predicted that an additional 183,900 jobs will be created in the sector between 2016 and 2024.
This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
How to become a Medical Assistant in New York;
- Find an accredited medical assisting program
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a MA make in New York
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in New York
If you wish to pursue a career as a MA in New York, you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited medical assistant program.
Certification is not essential, but employers generally prefer it.
Accredited Medical Assistant Schools New York
Listed below are the top 18 accredited medical assisting schools and programs in New York.
Accreditation may be granted by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
| College | Metro Area | Accreditation | Program Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASA College | Brooklyn | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Albany | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Buffalo | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Rochester | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Bryant & Stratton College | Syracuse | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Columbia-Greene Community College | Hudson | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Erie Community College | Williamsville | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Hunter Business School | Levittown | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Niagara County Community College | Sanborn | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Plaza College | Forest Hills | CAAHEP | Visit |
| SUNY Broome Community College | Binghamton | CAAHEP | Visit |
| Austin Medical Assistant Training | Forest Hills | ABHES | Visit |
| Center for Ultrasound Research & Education (CURE | White Plains | ABHES | Visit |
| Mandl School | New York City | ABHES | Visit |
| Mildred Elley | Albany | ABHES | Visit |
| Mildred Elley | New York City | ABHES | Visit |
| St. Paul's School of Nursing | Rego Park | ABHES | Visit |
| St. Paul's School of Nursing | Staten Island | ABHES | Visit |
Medical Assistant Certification New York
Medical assistant certification (CMA) is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Certification is not essential in New York but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary in New York
| Average Salary | $36,220 |
| Hourly Wage | $17.41 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $48,730 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $26,430 |
| #'s Employed | 25,140 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 25,140 people employed as MAs in New York with an average salary of $36,220.
This equates to $17.41 per hour and is 10.3% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in New York have an annual income of $48,730 whilst the bottom 10% earned $26,430.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in New York
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $32,760 | $15.75 | 1,090 |
| Binghamton | $30,500 | $14.66 | 310 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $34,520 | $16.59 | 1,500 |
| Dutchess County-Putnam County | $35,390 | $17.02 | 440 |
| Elmira | $34,270 | $16.48 | 50 |
| Glens Falls | $30,920 | $14.87 | 170 |
| Ithaca | $33,870 | $16.28 | 60 |
| Kingston | $33,990 | $16.34 | 70 |
| Nassau County-Suffolk County | $38,050 | $18.30 | 4,420 |
| New York-Jersey City-White Plains | $36,250 | $17.43 | 22,700 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $36,630 | $17.61 | 33,110 |
| Rochester | $32,760 | $15.75 | 820 |
| Syracuse | $34,330 | $16.51 | 600 |
| Utica-Rome | $30,270 | $14.55 | 100 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $35,510 | $17.07 | - |
Related Healthcare Careers in New York
Medical assistants in New York earn 3.2% more than nursing assistants there and 13.6% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $36,220 | 25,140 |
| EMT | $41,930 | 15,290 |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,080 | 94,980 |
| Home Health Aide | $24,720 | 193460 |
| Surgical Tech | $53,280 | 5,740 |
| Dental Assistant | $37,170 | 20,370 |
| Physician Assistant | $111,980 | 12,150 |