Anyone choosing a career in New York City would be wise to consider the healthcare field. The healthcare and social assistance sector was the top employer across the city as of September 2024, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Among healthcare career options, medical assisting stands out as a great entry-level field. In the borough of Queens, individuals who want to become medical assistants (MAs) can benefit from access to high-quality training programs and career opportunities.
If you are considering going back to school and enrolling in a Queens medical assisting program, it is helpful to learn about the advantages of pursuing medical assistant training in NY and, more specifically, medical assistant training in Queens.
Overview of Medical Assistant Training in Queens, NY
Medical assisting training teaches individuals real-world skills that prepare them for an entry-level position as a medical assistant.
The Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s medical assisting program in Queens, for example, offers students the opportunity to gain expertise in the administrative and clinical responsibilities performed by medical assistants. Spanning 72 instructional weeks, the medical assistant associate degree program also includes externships in which students gain hands-on experience applying their skills while working at healthcare organizations.
Medical Assistant Training: Administrative Duties
Students in Saint Paul’s medical assisting program receive instruction in a wide range of areas that prepare them for the administrative responsibilities of MAs. For example, students learn about:
Using proper telephone and communication techniques
Working in a professional manner
Performing office management tasks
Using medical office software
Training also covers subjects such as:
Handling billing and collection processes
Performing medical insurance coding
Working with electronic health records
Ensuring compliance with regulations
Medical Assistant Training: Clinical Duties
Medical assistants also perform important clinical duties that promote positive health outcomes in patients. For example, students in Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s medical assisting program in Queens learn about:
Assessing patients’ health
Taking patients’ vital signs
Conducting bacteriological testing
Preparing patients for exams
They also study topics such as:
Testing blood/glucose
Applying burn treatments
Conducting diagnostic imaging tests
Teaching patients how to use ambulatory devices
Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs)
Benefits of Completing an MA Training Program in Queens
Receiving medical assistant training in Queens enables students to capitalize on benefits ranging from ample employment opportunities to the enrichment of living in a diverse community.
Queens Medical Assistant Training Prepares Students for Certification Exams
While licensing and certification are not required by the state to work as a medical assistant in New York, most employers prefer or require MAs to have a certification, according to the National Healthcareer Association.
Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s medical assistant school in Queens prepares students to take the American Medical Technologists certification exam to become a registered medical assistant (RMA) or the American Association of Medical Assistants exam to become a certified medical assistant (CMA).
Earning a certification is a good way for medical assistants to enhance their credentials and show their commitment to the profession.
Queens Offers Significant Cultural Diversity, and Bilingual Healthcare Workers Are in Demand
The state government of New York describes Queens as one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world. According to a 2024 study in the medical journal Vaccine, at least 170 languages are spoken in Queens County.
In addition to benefiting from the rich cultural diversity, MAs in Queens who are bilingual could have enhanced employment prospects. According to the American Immigration Council, the demand for bilingual healthcare workers is increasing.
New York City Has a Significant Number of Public and Private Healthcare Organizations
According to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York has the largest public health system in the country. In addition, the New York Department of Health has reported that the city is home to 62 hospitals. Having a large number of healthcare organizations in the area provides an array of potential employment opportunities for those who complete medical assistant training in NY.
Queens Is a Great Place to Live
Niche, a website that evaluates quality of life in neighborhoods and cities, has given Queens an A- rating. This is based on factors such as its diversity, friendliness to families, outdoor activities, nightlife, and health and fitness opportunities.
Additionally, a 2024 report by apartment search website RentCafe noted that the average rent in Queens was lower than the average rent in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Job Outlook for MAs in Queens
The employment outlook for medical assistants in Queens is bright. Jobs for medical assistants in New York are expected to grow almost 27% from 2022 to 2032, according to Projections Central, a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. That growth rate is significantly higher than the 15% job growth rate that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects for medical assistants nationwide in that period.
In addition, New York City’s population is aging, which could increase the need for healthcare workers such as medical assistants. According to a report from the Office of the New York State Comptroller, the number of New Yorkers aged 65 and above grew by nearly 36% in the decade leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recruiting services firm Goodwin Recruiting ranked New York City among the top 10 U.S. cities in which to find a healthcare job in 2024. It cited the substantial amount of funding that New York City has received from the National Institutes of Health to expand healthcare services, as well as the rapid and extensive growth in New York City’s private and public healthcare sectors.
Medical Assistant Training in Queens Can Be the Start of a Rewarding Healthcare Career
People who train to become a medical assistant in Queens gain valuable knowledge and skills that can lead to a great career in healthcare. The training they receive provides them with administrative and clinical expertise they can use to help a healthcare organization operate effectively.
Individuals interested in medical assistant training in NY can explore Saint Paul’s School of Nursing’s Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Assisting program on its campus in Queens to learn how it can help them achieve their career goals. The program is also available on Saint Paul’s Staten Island campus.
Providing the opportunity to acquire vital healthcare skills, this program can help students prepare for an entry-level position in medical assisting. Take the first step on the medical assisting career path today.
Recommended Readings
Clinical Medical Assistant Duties and Skills
Diversity in Medical Assisting
Exploring the Role of a Medical Assistant