Medical Assistant Salaries in Florida
Medical assistants in Florida perform many tasks in the physician's office, hospital, nursing home, community health clinic, urgent care center or laboratory. They schedule appointments, fill out insurance forms, take medical histories, draw blood, perform wound care, keep patient exam rooms clean and check vital signs. Medical assistants in Florida earn compensation based upon their credentials, education and previous experience. Some medical assistants also obtain the Certified Nursing Assistant credential to enhance their career options.
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Identification
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A certified medical assistant, CMA, has successfully passed the American Association of Medical Assistant, AAMA, examination. According to "Knock 'Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide" 2010, the CMA credential, while not required, establishes candidate credibility.
"Medical assistant" may also refer to an experienced medical administrative assistant or a CNA with the ability to perform some administrative tasks. Credentials add value when seeking a job as a medical assistant. Some job descriptions require the AAMA credential or the American Society of Medical Technologists' credential. Medical technology experience or a Emergency Medical Technician credential is also helpful for job seekers.
Benefits
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Payscale.com reports that Florida's medical assistants earn an average of $12 per hour, or approximately $25,000 per year. Certified medical assistants in Florida average only a few cents per hour more than uncertified medical assistants. Florida medical assistants earn the national average compensation rate.
MySalary.com reports that the median compensation for medical assistants in most Florida cities is almost $30,000 per year. This site reports that $25,000 per year is earned by the bottom 10 percent of Florida's medical assistants.
According to an individual's schedule, shift differential increases may apply. CMAs with 20 plus years' experience earn up to $40,000 per annum.
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Considerations
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About 95 percent of medical assistants in Florida are female, according to Payscale.com. According to the American Medical Association's "Health Careers Directory" 2008, where a Florida medical assistant's work affects how much she earns. For example, specialist physicians' offices pay medical assistants more than family physicians and clinics. Hospitals pay medical assistants more than doctors in private practice. Those working for large hospitals earn more than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 13 percent of medical assistants work in the nation's hospitals.
Potential
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A medical assistant in Florida may increase her income potential through continuing education. Obtaining related certifications will expand the number of jobs for which she is eligible. Targeting hospital employers will help her earn more. Knowledge of medical coding and billing systems and widely used office software will enhance her candidacy.
Expert Insight
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As the U.S. population continues to age, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a positive job outlook for medical assistants from 2008 to 2018. BLS projects 34 percent job growth during the 10-year period.
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References
- American Association of Medical Assistants: How to Become a CMA (AAMA)
- "Knock 'Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide"; Martin Yate; 2010: According To
- American Medical Association: "Health Careers Directory"; 2008: According To
Resources
- American Society of Medical Technologists: Certification Process
- FloridaHealth.com: Certification Requirements
- "Delmar's Comprehensive Medical Assisting:": Wilburta Q. Lindh, Marilyn Pooler, Carol Tamparo: 2009
- Princeton Review: "Complete Book of Colleges": 2009: Page 1131
- "Administrative Medical Assisting": Marilyn T. Fordney, Linda L. French, Joan Johnson Follis: 2007
- U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Assistants
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
