Lakeland FL: Top Medical Assistant Schools

Looking for medical assistant schools in Lakeland, FL? Check out our top picks and get started on your training today!

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Introduction

In the Lakeland area, there are several medical assistant schools that can provide you with the education and training you need to start a career in this growing field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical assistants is expected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1

The medical assistant occupation is projected to grow much faster than average due in part to an aging population. As the baby-boom generation ages, they will require more medical care, which will in turn require more Medical Assistants In addition, as physicians expand their practices and hire additional staff, there will be an increased need for medical assistants

There are many factors to consider when choosing a medical assistant school, such as location, curriculum, length of the program, and externship opportunities. To help you make an informed decision about which school is right for you, we have profiled three of the top medical assistant schools in the Lakeland area.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in outpatient clinics, by performing administrative and clinical tasks. Medical assistants must be able to perform both clerical and clinical duties. They are often the first point of contact with patients and must be able to provide them with information about the medical practice in a professional and friendly manner.

Medical assistants typically have an associate degree or certificate from an accredited program. Some medical assistants may also have a bachelor’s degree. Most states do not require certification for medical assistants, but certification may be required by some employers.

The duties of medical assistants vary from state to state and from one healthcare facility to another. However, there are some tasks that are commonly performed by medical assistants. These tasks include taking and recording patient history, measuring vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with procedures, drawing blood, administering medications, handling laboratory specimens, and providing patient education.

Duties of a Medical Assistant

At its core, the job of a medical assistant is to support the work of physicians and other medical professionals. They do this by performing a variety of administrative and clinical tasks.

The responsibilities of a medical assistant can vary from office to office, but there are some duties that are common to most positions. These duties include:

* Answering patient questions
* Scheduling appointments
* Managing medical records
* Preparing patients for examinations
* Taking and recording vital signs
* Assisting with minor procedures
* Drawing blood
* Giving injections

Education and Training for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient settings such as medical offices and clinics. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks that keep the office running smoothly. Their duties vary from day to day, but may include taking and recording patient medical histories, measuring vital signs, drawing blood, handling lab specimens, preparing patients for exams, giving injections, scheduling appointments and providing patient education.

Medical assistants must be able to work well under pressure, be detail oriented and have excellent communication skills. They must also be able to juggle multiple tasks at once and have a strong desire to help others. A successful medical assistant is both organized and personable.

While there is no formal education requirement to become a medical assistant, most employers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited training program. Medical assistant programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools. These programs typically take one year or less to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a medical office setting. Some programs also offer externships or internships that provide real-world experience.

Once you have completed your training, you can take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Passing this exam is voluntary, but it will show employers that you are committed to your profession and have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful medical assistant.

Job outlook for Medical Assistants

Medical assistant job outlook is positive due to the expected growth in the healthcare industry. Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient facilities such as medical offices and clinics. They work under the supervision of licensed physicians or other health practitioners and perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly. They may also be responsible for patient education, record keeping, and billing.

Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program, although some have on-the-job training. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing demand for preventive medical services will continue to increase the need for well-trained medical assistants.

Lakeland is known as a city in central Florida between Tampa and Orlando. Major cities nearby are Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, and Bradenton. Lakeland has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. The top industries in Lakeland are healthcare, education, retail trade, manufacturing, and professional services.

Salary for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants in Lakeland FL earn an average salary of $33,610 per year. That’s $16.12 per hour! The top 10% of medical assistants in Lakeland FL make $41,870 per year, while the bottom 10% earn $27,200 per year.

Top Medical Assistant Schools in Lakeland FL

There are many schools that offer medical assisting programs in the Lakeland FL area. Here are some of the top schools that offer medical assistant programs:
-Rasmussen College
-Keiser University
-Florida Career College
-Southeastern University

Conclusion

After researching and reviewing several medical assistant programs in the Lakeland, FL area, we have come to the conclusion that the best schools for medical assistants are:

1. Polk State College
2. Rasmussen College
3. Herzing University

These three schools offer comprehensive medical assistant programs that will prepare students for the challenges they will face in the field. All three schools have positive reviews from former students, and all three have job placement rates that are above average.

Resources

If you’re looking to become a medical assistant in Lakeland, FL, then you need to know what the top medical assistant schools are in the area. Here is a list of the best ones:

1. Florida Southern College
2. Polk State College
3. Keiser University – Lakeland Campus

Bibliography

The following is a list of the top medical assistant schools in Lakeland, FL. This list was compiled using data from the National Center for Education Statistics and various other sources.