Becoming a Medical Assistant in Hawai’i: Explore the Best Options for Your Future
Hawai’i offers convenient paths for medical assistants through online programs, paving an exciting road of diverse career opportunities. Get started by finding the right school today.
You’ve decided you wanted to become a medical assistant — and now the first step is getting an education. While there are no strict education requirements to becoming a medical assistant in Hawai’i, earning a certification from an accredited institution can boost your resume and may even earn you a higher salary.
In a typical medical assistant program, you’ll gain essential skills and knowledge in:
- Clinical skills: Taking vital signs, administering medications, performing basic laboratory tests, and assisting with procedures.
- Administrative tasks: Scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and handling insurance claims to ensure compliance with the latest healthcare regulations.
- Medical terminology: Understanding and using medical terms and concepts accurately.
- Patient communication: Interacting effectively with patients, families, and healthcare providers to maximize the patient experience.
Fortunately, many online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i provide the flexibility and convenience to help you easily launch a career in this growing field. In this guide, we’ll explore key factors to consider when evaluating online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i, highlight one of the state’s most popular programs, explore salaries and career potential, answer frequently asked questions, and discuss the scope of practice for medical assistants.
Considerations for Online Medical Assistant Programs in Hawai’i
While there are many online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i from which to choose, they don’t all offer the same experience. When evaluating potential programs, there are several essential factors to consider to ensure the right fit for you. Below, we’ll explore four of the top considerations to make when researching online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i.
Accreditation
Accreditation is crucial for online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i, as it’s a testament to the program’s quality and integrity. Accredited programs go through a rigorous review process that ensures the curriculum is up-to-date with the latest information and adequately prepares you for the field. For online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i, you should look for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Cost & Financial Aid
The cost of MA programs in Hawai’i can vary significantly and it’s crucial to find one that aligns with your budget. While online programs may be cheaper than traditional in-person offerings, they may have additional fees that add to the cost, so it’s important to do your research. Many online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i offer financial aid to help offset the cost. Additionally, you may be eligible for federal student aid programs such as grants, loans, and work-study.
Flexibility & Format
While flexibility is a major benefit of online medical assistant programs in Hawai’i, the format of each program can vary. Some programs may be asynchronous, allowing you to work at your own pace, while others may require you to attend virtual classes at specific times. For some programs, you may be required to complete in-person clinical hours or labs. Clinicals for online MA programs are either arranged through the school or independently. When choosing a program, make sure it matches your schedule and level of flexibility to maximize your success.
Preparation
While online medical assistant programs are more readily accessible and convenient than their in-person counterparts, that doesn’t mean they don’t require preparation. In addition to making sure you have the admission requirements for your program of choice, there are several other steps you need to take to prepare. For example, there may be specific technological skill requirements that you need to meet. Additionally, you should brush up on your time management and organization skills to ensure you’re ready for success.
Herzing University offers a medical assisting program for residents of Hawai’i, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in healthcare. It also prepares them to earn either of the certifications needed to commonly find work: the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant from the National Healthcareer Association, or the Registered Medical Assistant certification exam from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the online program offers either a 10-month diploma program or a 20-month associate degree program. Through this program, students have the option to progress towards a higher degree, transferring earned credits to either an associate or a bachelor’s degree, depending on requirements.
Salary & Career Potential for Medical Assistants in Hawai’i
Medical assistants in Hawai’i have ample opportunity within the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawai’i medical assistants can expect a higher-than-average salary compared to the national average. The mean annual wage for medical assistants in Hawai’i is $47,840, which is significantly higher than the national average of $43,350 and is likely due to the higher average cost of living.
It’s important to note that salary can be impacted by a specific location. For example, the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina area has the highest mean annual wage among the areas listed, with a value of $49,720, while Urban Honolulu has a slightly lower mean annual wage of $47,430. However, it’s important to remember that your personal salary will also depend on your experience, company, education, and other credentials.
In terms of job growth, medical assisting is experiencing higher than average growth. The job growth rate for medical assistants in Hawai’i is projected to be 22%, slightly higher than the national average of 18.4%, indicating strong job prospects.
Overall, medical assistants in Hawai’i can expect competitive salaries, strong job growth, and a high quality of life. Explore the charts below to get a closer look at the salary and career potential for Hawai’i MAs.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $43,350 | $56,480 |
| Hawai’i | $37,770 | $47,840 | $58,390 |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | $38,110 | $49,720 | $65,320 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $37,440 | $47,430 | $58,390 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 132,600 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| Hawai’i | 930 | 22 | 640 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020-2030
Answers to Your Questions
What is the salary of medical assistants in Hawai’i?
Salary figures for Hawai’i medical assistants depend on factors such as experience, location, and employer. According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for medical assistants in Hawai’i is $47,840, while the average national wage is $43,350. However, salary varies slightly across the state, with some areas making more than others on average. For example, earners in the 90th percentile in Kahului-Wailuku-Lah earn $65,320 on average while their counterparts in Urban Honolulu earn just an average of $58,390.
How do I pass the certified medical assistant exam?
The CMA exam tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of medical assisting, including clinical skills, administrative tasks, medical terminology, and patient communication. The exam leads to medical assistant certification.
While not required by the state of Hawai’i to become a medical assistant, passing the certified medical assistant exam demonstrates to employers you have the skills you need to succeed in the field. To prepare for this exam you should complete an in-person or online medical assisting program in Hawai’i that offers exam preparation courses or resources. Additionally, you can complete online practice exams to familiarize yourself with its format and content.
What is the cheapest medical assisting program in Hawai’i?
There isn’t a “cheapest” program, as the cost of medical assisting programs in Hawai’i can vary depending on the school, program length, and specific courses. For example, certificate programs may be cheaper than associate programs. However, given there are many online and in-person programs you can choose, you should be able to find one that matches your budget and expectations. Plus, your school may offer financial aid options like scholarships, grants, or payment plans to help alleviate costs. You can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal financial aid.
Does Hawai’i state law require medical assistants to be certified?
As we’ve mentioned, Hawai’i does not require medical assistants to be certified by law. MAs are only required to have a high school diploma or GED. However, getting certified can be beneficial for your career as many healthcare employers prefer to hire CMA-certified candidates. Certification demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills, and can improve your job prospects and earning potential.
Medical Assistant Scope of Practice
As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and contribute to the overall health and well-being of your community. Medical assistants in Hawai’i play a vital role in healthcare settings, performing a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks.
It’s important to note that medical assistants perform work under the supervision of a physician or other licensed healthcare professional. As such, they may not be allowed to independently perform certain tasks. Although medical assistants may not be able to diagnose conditions or prescribe medication, they are crucial to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare teams.
Day-to-day medical assistant work can vary depending on employer policies and state regulations, but typical tasks include these:
Administrative
- Scheduling appointments
- Managing medical records
- Handling insurance claims
- Answering phones and greeting patients
- Assisting with billing and collections
- Maintaining patient databases and electronic health records
- Coordinating referrals to specialists
- Assisting with quality assurance and compliance initiatives
Clinical
- Taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiration)
- Preparing patients for examinations and procedures
- Assisting with examinations and procedures
- Administering medications
- Collecting and preparing specimens for laboratory testing
- Assisting with minor procedures, such as wound care and electrocardiograms
- Performing basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, blood glucose testing)
- Assisting with patient education and health promotion activities
Since healthcare regulations can change rapidly, it’s crucial for medical assistants to participate in continuing education to stay updated on the latest medical practices and technologies. By understanding the scope of practice for medical assistants in Hawai’i and staying informed about relevant regulations and guidelines, you can position yourself for a successful and rewarding career in this growing field.
