Steps to become a Medical Assistant NJ
If you wish to pursue a career as a medical assistant in New Jersey (NJ) 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 program.
Certification is not essential but it is generally preferred by employers.
Jump to:
- Find an accredited medical assistant school in NJ
- Fulfill certification and licensing requirements
- How much does a MA make in New Jersey
- Salary and employment data by metro area
- Explore related careers in New Jersey
If a career as a medical assistant in New Jersey strongly appeals to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for medical assistants 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.
Accredited Medical Assistant Schools NJ
| College | Metro Area | Find Out More | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Bergen Community College | Paramus | Request Information |
| 2. | Berkeley College | Woodland Park | Request Information |
| 3. | Raritan Valley Community College | Branchburg | Request Information |
| 4. | Sussex County Community College | Newton | Request Information |
| 5. | Warren County Community College | Phillipsburg | Request Information |
Listed above are the top accredited medical assistant schools in New Jersey.
Accreditation may be granted either by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Medical Assistant Licensing Requirements New Jersey
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 Jersey but it will certainly enhance a candidates employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary NJ
| Average Salary | $35,770 |
| Hourly Wage | $17.20 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $48,170 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $26,060 |
| #'s Employed | 18,930 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 18,930 people employed as MAs in New Jersey with an average salary of $35,770.
This equates to $17.20 per hour and is almost 9% above the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in New Jersey have an annual income of $48,170 whilst the bottom 10% earned $26,060.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in New Jersey
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | $33,970 | $16.33 | 470 |
| Camden | $35,340 | $16.99 | 3,560 |
| Newark | $37,170 | $17.87 | 5,550 |
| Ocean City | $32,690 | $15.72 | 140 |
| Trenton | $36,280 | $17.44 | 780 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton | $32,620 | $15.68 | 210 |
Related Healthcare Careers in New Jersey
Medical assistants in New Jersey earn 21.7% more than nursing assistants there and 5.1% less than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $35,770 | 18,930 |
| Nursing Assistant | $29,400 | 56,660 |
| EMT | $37,710 | 8,180 |
| Surgical Tech | $52,450 | 2,040 |
| Physician Assistant | $119,260 | 2,300 |
| Home Health Aide | $23,760 | 41200 |
| Dental Assistant | $42,440 | 10,770 |