Medical assistant jobs in New Mexico

The median of $39,230 a year works out to $18.86 an hour for medical assistants in New Mexico. Half of workers earn more than that figure, and half earn less. Nationally, the median is $45,690. New Mexico places 45th out of 51 states and DC when ranked by median pay.

The middle half of medical assistants earn between $37,240 and $45,970.

Albuquerque has the most medical assistant jobs, about 2,570. Santa Fe has fewer positions, but workers there earn the most at the median: $45,970 each year.

These numbers come from the federal wage survey. Working in or near Santa Fe could bring higher pay, so it may help to keep that in mind as you choose a program and begin applying.

The state's labor agency expects about 940 openings each year. That figure covers both newly created jobs and positions left behind when workers move on. For yearly openings, the state holds 32nd place out of 51.

That agency also expects the total to grow, from 6,790 jobs in 2024 to 7,660 in 2034. That's growth of 12.8%, a little ahead of the national rate of 12.5%. Right now, around 5,400 people work as medical assistants across New Mexico. That works out to 6.2 medical assistants for every 1,000 jobs.

The state does not credential medical assistants, so you do not need to get a license before you start. Instead, a physician may hand medical tasks to an assistant with the right training. The doctor supervises you directly and stays responsible for the work.

Certain duties carry additional restrictions:

• Cosmetic or therapeutic devices: only devices that do not cut or burn away tissue are allowed. File proof of device training with the Medical Board; the physician has to be on site.
• Cosmetic injections: these are off limits for medical assistants.
• X-rays: you need a license issued by the New Mexico Environment Department. One option is a limited practice of radiography license.

Our list includes 10 schools in New Mexico that report graduates in this field. 5 of the 10 have an accredited program. An outside organization, either CAAHEP or ABHES, reviews such programs against established standards, which is what accreditation means.

Nationwide, career schools that report how long their programs last show a median of 9 months. The typical program runs 7 to 9 months, though some students wrap up in half a year or less. Programs leading to an associate degree at colleges need more time.

Price varies with the school type. Here is what these national median prices look like.

In some programs, you can take your classes online and still complete your externship in person. The externship is supervised hands-on practice in a clinic. Across the country, 30 programs work this way, and 14 of them are accredited.

Contacting an accredited school directly lets you ask about start dates, cost and class schedules. The steps are simple.

1. Open the program list for New Mexico on this site, then check the accredited programs.
2. Choose the single program that fits your location and preferred way of studying.
3. Fill out the Request information form found after the program table on the New Mexico program page. Add your name, email, phone, ZIP code and preferred start time.

Your request goes only to the school you picked. With about 940 openings a year in New Mexico, now is a good time to begin, so pick an accredited program and send the short form today to ask about start dates and cost.