Best Medical Assistant Programs in Louisiana: Online & Campus
Medical assistants are crucial collaborators with Louisiana’s healthcare providers. Learn more about this fast-growing field and the best online medical assistant programs in the state
Becoming a medical assistant in Louisiana is a great option if you like job stability, growth opportunities, and a healthy salary. They play important roles in the medical and administrative sides of healthcare, often collaborating with doctors, nurses, and medical managers. They work in hospitals, private practices, and midsized healthcare facilities with job openings in rural settings as well as city centers like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Plus, becoming a medical assistant takes far less time than going to medical school, so you can start working earlier than many other healthcare professionals. In fact, some medical assistant programs can be completed in as little as a year.
For even more flexibility, consider enrolling in an online medical assistant program. Louisiana offers many high-quality virtual programs, with the best ones outlined in this guide. We’ll also detail how much you can expect to make as a medical assistant in Louisiana, how long these programs take to complete, and financial aid opportunities to make your degree more affordable.
Program Profiles: Louisiana Medical Assistant Programs
Medical assistant programs are often quick and affordable. Online degrees and certifications also offer the convenience and flexibility of virtually attending classes. However, you should ensure an online medical assistant program provides a great education and is accredited before applying.
To help, we detail three of the best programs in Louisiana. Even if the programs below aren’t the right fit, they can be used as quality barometers when exploring other options.
Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College offers one of the best online medical assistant programs in the state. At nine months, this program is also one of the shortest programs in Louisiana. This program covers essential topics such as medical terminology, the basics of healthcare administration, and healthcare laws. Attendees also take a student success course which helps them reflect on their career goals and consider how they can best leverage their degree after graduating.
The school estimates that most students will pay $35,000 for tuition, fees, and other expenses like books and course materials. To help lower costs, Blue Cliff does offer various financial aid opportunities, including scholarships for future medical professionals. Graduates of this program are also offered an associate’s degree, which may lead to better career outcomes than certification programs.
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Louisiana State University’s Alexandria campus offers a robust medical assistant program. The program is completely online, making it a great choice no matter where you live. The 12-month curriculum covers materials on the National Healthcareer Association’s certified medical assistant exam, and students receive a voucher as part of their tuition for this exam’s costs and online study resources. Students also receive a voucher that can be used on one of three medical billing exams, depending on which best correlates with their professional goals.
Unlike other medical assistant programs, the course covers basic medical coding and billing knowledge as well as the duties of a medical assistant. Students also learn medical terminology, healthcare laws, and how telehealth works. For needs after graduation, the school offers an entire course in finding medical assistant jobs as well as online professional development resources to help you reflect on where your career may be going.
Louisiana State University of Eunice
Eunice, another LSU campus, offers a great medical assistant program that can be completed 100% online. You can earn a degree in 12 months and students don’t need to set foot on the Eunice campus once during the program. Regardless of financial resources or past academic performance, all students receive a discount on the program. After the discount is applied, students pay $2,795 for the program, and monthly payment plans are available. This fee includes a voucher for the certified medical assistant exam, administered by the NHA.
By the end of the program, students will have a better understanding of healthcare laws like HIPAA, medical terminology, and medical coding. Students can also take electives in specialties of interest to them, such as mental health or nutrition. Along with online coursework, students can access virtual exam study materials and professional development resources.
A Look at Medical Assistant Salaries in Louisiana
After graduating from an accredited program, medical assistants can expect to make a stable salary in Louisiana. Statewide, salaries range from $25,250-$42,610. Some medical assistants in Louisiana make more, including those who work in metropolitan hubs such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In other parts of the state, like Lafayette, medical assistants make less money.
However, salary isn’t the only indicator of financial wellbeing. The lower cost of living in a city like Lafayette, instead of Baton Rogue or New Orleans, also impacts how much money you can save, invest, and set aside for retirement. Across all of Louisiana, your salary will go further due to the state’s low living expenses, especially when compared to California or nearby Florida.
With that being said, those in the 90th percentile may live more comfortably than other medical assistants in the state. To boost your earning potential, consider taking the CMA certification exam or specializing in a specific medicine type.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Mean Annual Wage | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $43,350 | $56,480 |
| Louisiana | $25,250 | $33,610 | $42,610 |
| Alexandria, LA | $22,280 | $30,820 | $36,500 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $26,120 | $35,140 | $44,740 |
| Hammond, LA | $28,450 | $34,900 | $41,390 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | $25,490 | $33,300 | $41,600 |
| Lafayette, LA | $23,740 | $31,460 | $42,200 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $27,230 | $33,380 | $37,900 |
| Monroe, LA | $22,080 | $30,490 | $35,900 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $28,920 | $35,670 | $42,610 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $26,730 | $33,190 | $40,690 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
The Future of Medical Assistant Jobs in Louisiana
Medical assistant is one of the fastest growing job roles in the United States. The job growth rate is 18.4%, which is way above the 3% average rate. However, there are few new annual openings for medical assistants in Louisiana. The profession has a 5.6% growth rate in the state. While above the national average for all jobs, this is significantly lower than the CMA growth rate nationwide.
| Area | New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 132,600 | 18.4% | 104,400 |
| Louisiana | 480 | 5.6% | 1,060 |
Source: Projections Central, 2020 – 2030
Common Questions About Louisiana Medical Assistant Programs
While exploring medical assistant programs in Louisiana, you’re bound to have questions. To help, we compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions. These answers cover topics like the average length of medical assistant programs and what you can do with your degree after graduating.
How do I become a medical assistant in Louisiana?
There’s one requirement to become a medical assistant in Louisiana: graduate from an accredited program. However, many of the highest paying or most desirable roles will expect other credentials, including passing the medical assistant certification exam and possessing relevant work, volunteer, or internship experience.
What are medical assistants allowed to do in Louisiana?
Medical assistants in Louisiana work alongside doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to provide care. What you may not know about medical assistants is that they are in an excellent position to specialize and take on leadership roles. In fact, some CMAs end up running day-to-day operations for private practices thanks to their specialized knowledge.
How long is medical assistant school in Louisiana?
In medical assistant school, students learn valuable skills such as how to report lab work to patients, coordinate with doctors to provide care, and follow medical diagnostics and charts. As a result, these courses can take some time to complete, with the average medical assistant program in Louisiana lasting about 12 months.
How much does a CMA make an hour in Louisiana?
The average hourly rate for a CMA in Louisiana is $16.16, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since that number is an average, some medical assistants will make more or less.
Can medical assistants practice limited-scope radiography in Louisiana?
In order to perform limited-scope radiography services in Louisiana, a person must earn a radiologic technology license. Only then can medical assistants use this type of healthcare technology.
What is the shortest medical assistant program?
Typically, a medical assistant program can take up to two years, but some are shorter. While it’s possible some programs can be completed in six weeks, these are extremely rare in Louisiana. The shortest accredited program we found in the state can be completed in nine months and is offered through Blue Cliff College.
List of Top Resources for Medical Assistant Students in Louisiana
Getting a medical assistant certification or degree can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to pursue it alone. There are many free resources including podcasts, articles, and Louisiana organizations that can help you throughout your degree and after graduating. Below are 10 of the most useful free resources for medical assistant students in Louisiana.
- Admissions Process for Medical Assistant Programs
In order to graduate as a medical assistant, you must first be admitted to a relevant program for your degree. This blog post details the admissions process, how to ensure you apply to the right programs, and steps you take to make your application stand out. - American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
This is a nationwide organization that provides networking opportunities, career resources, and continuing education materials to medical assistants throughout the US. - Inside Medical Assisting
If you are wondering what you actually do as a medical assistant, this podcast pulls back the curtain and features the real-life responsibilities, obstacles, and benefits of that profession. Episodes cover topics such as how to earn more as a medical assistant and mental health tips for MAs. - Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
While some states license medical assistants, Louisiana does not require certification or licensing. The state government explains the reasoning behind this decision and gives general guidance on working as a medical assistant in Louisiana through its FAQ page. - Medical Assistant Financial Aid Resources
It’s no secret that getting a degree is expensive. To help lower costs, consider applying for financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, loans, and grants. This guide details opportunities specific to medical assistant students and provides tips to make your financial aid applications more successful. - Medical Assistant Knowledge and Help
This Facebook group was designed to educate and connect medical assistants. Each day the moderators post a fact, term, and question related to the field. There’s also the option for medical assistants and students to post questions, receiving feedback from their peers. - Medical Assistant Lounge
This Facebook group helps medical assistant students through their studies, with a particular focus on passing the certified medical assistant exam. In the group, students can ask questions about course materials and how to study for the licensing exam. They can also network and learn more about career opportunities. - Medical Assistants of Central Louisiana
If you live in central Louisiana you may benefit from this Facebook group for medical assistants in the area. The group has a specific focus on helping graduating students find their first role, making it especially great for those beginning their career. - Student Resources
Check out our longer, nationwide list of resources if you’re looking for more general help to help you ace your medical assistant program. The list includes information on career planning, scholarships, and nationwide networking groups for medical assistants. - Traveling Medical Assistants
If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, you may want to explore this Facebook group which provides insight on how to become a traveling medical assistant and info on open traveler roles. Students can also ask specific questions and receive answers from current traveling medical assistants.
