CSI: Medical Assistant

CSI: medical assistant is a new blog that explores the world of medical assisting. From job descriptions and duties to salary information and career advice, we’ve got you covered.

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Job Description

The job description for a CSI: medical assistant is pretty straightforward. You’ll be responsible for assisting the medical examiner with autopsy procedures, preparing the body for autopsy, and collecting and preserving evidence. You’ll also need to be able to work with the families of the deceased and handle arrangements for transport of the body to the morgue.

Education and Training

In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited program. These programs typically last between six and twelve months and can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals. Once you have completed your training, you will be able to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for Medical assistants is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 19% growth in employment opportunities between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations, meaning that now is a great time to enter this profession.

As of May 2017, medical assistants earned a median annual salary of $31,540. Earlier medical assistants can expect to earn closer to the bottom of the pay scale, while experienced professionals may earn closer to the top. Your exact earnings will also depend on factors such as your employer, geographical location and level of experience.

Skills and Qualifications

In order to become a medical assistant, there are certain skills and qualifications you will need. Firstly, you must have excellent communication skills as you will be dealing with patients on a daily basis. You should also be able to remain calm under pressure as the job can sometimes be fast-paced and hectic. It is also important to be detail-oriented as you will be responsible for keeping medical records and making sure they are accurate. Finally, you should have good organizational skills in order to keep the medical office running smoothly.

Working Conditions

Medical assistants typically work in outpatient facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. They also may work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

Most medical assistants work full time. However, about 1 in 4 worked part time in 2016. Because many medical offices are open during evenings and weekends, some medical assistants work those hours.

Medical assistants usually work on their feet for long periods.

Certification

The BLS notes that certification for medical assistants is not required in all states, but becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can enhance job prospects. CMA training programs are available through community colleges, technical schools and some hospitals. Certified medical assistants must pass a national exam administered by the AAMA to earn the CMA credential. Employers might also require certification in CPR and basic first aid

Advancement Opportunities

Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical assistants held about 686,600 jobs in 2018 (). Most worked in the offices of physicians, although many also worked in hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers and other healthcare facilities.

What to Expect as a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are trained on the job to performclerical and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare establishments. Most of their time is spent performing clerical duties, such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, filing Medical records and preparing patients for examinations. They also may take patients’ medical histories, measure their vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height), explain procedures to them, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, collect laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests, sterilize equipment, and instruct patients on follow-up care.

10 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

There are many reasons to pursue a career as a medical assistant. Here are 10 of the most compelling:

1. Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 19% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

2. Medical assistants can earn a good salary. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2017, and the top 10% earned more than $46,630.

3. Medical assistants have many job opportunities. They can work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare settings.

4. Medical assistants can advance their careers. With experience and additional training, they can become medical office managers or other specialists.

5. Medical assistants can work in a variety of roles. They may perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling insurance paperwork, or they may have clinical duties such as taking medical histories and measuring patients’ vital signs.

6. Medical assistants can work full time or part time. This flexibility is ideal for those who want to balance their work and personal commitments.

7. Medical assistant jobs are generally located in urban areas, which tend to have a higher cost of living than rural areas but also offer more amenities and opportunities for cultural enrichment.

8. Medical assistant jobs often offer good benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation days. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees who want to further their education while working full time.. On-the-job training is typically available for those who want to become certified medical assistants without completing an educational program first.. A career as a medical assistant offers many rewards and opportunities for personal and professional growth.. With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation and the resulting increase in demand for health care services, now is a great time to enter this rapidly growing field!

5 Myths About Being a Medical Assistant

There are many misconceptions about what it means to be a medical assistant. Here are 5 of the most common myths:

1. Medical assistants are unqualified and unskilled.

This couldn’t be further from the truth! Medical assistants are highly trained and skilled professionals who perform a variety of tasks in a medical setting.

2. Medical assistants only do administrative work.

Medical assistants do perform administrative tasks, but they also provide direct patient care. This can include taking medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with procedures.

3. Medical assistants only work in hospitals.

Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

4. Medical assistants don’t make a lot of money.

While salaries vary depending on experience and location, medical assistants can earn a good wage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants is $33,610.
5 Being a medical assistant is easy. With the increasing complexity of healthcare, being a medical assistant is anything but easy! Medical assistants have to be able to multi-task and stay organized in order to provide excellent patient care.