Medical Assistant Jobs in Albuquerque
Contents
- What Does a medical assistant Do?
- The Duties of a Medical Assistant
- The Education of a Medical Assistant
- The Training of a Medical Assistant
- The Certification of a Medical Assistant
- The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants
- The Salary of a Medical Assistant
- The Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant
- The drawbacks of Being a Medical Assistant
- So, You Want to Be a Medical Assistant?
Come learn about the best medical assistant jobs in Albuquerque. We’ll tell you what the job market looks like and what kind of training you need.
Checkout this video:
What Does a medical assistant Do?
Most medical assistant positions require successful completion of a formal training program and certification, although some employers may prefer or require postsecondary education, such as an associate degree in medical assisting. Interested individuals can pursue certification through organizations such as the American Association of Medical assistants or the National Healthcare Association. Some states also regulate Medical Assistants
The duties of medical assistants vary by employer, but most perform administrative and clinical tasks that support the work of physicians and other health professionals. Their duties often include assisting with patient examinations, taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, handling billing and insurance paperwork, preparing patients for X-rays, laboratory tests and treatments, administering medications as directed by physicians or nurse practitioners, sterilizing instruments used during examinations and helping to educate patients about their health conditions. Medical assistants may also draw blood, give injections and remove sutures.
The Duties of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are allied health professionals who support the work of physicians and other health care providers. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that allow physicians to provide care to their patients.
Medical assistants typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or formal training. Most medical assistants are certified, although certification is not required in all states.
The duties of medical assistants vary by state and by the type of facility in which they work, but they typically include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, assisting with examinations and treatments, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and providing patient education.
The Education of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are trained on the job and do not need formal education beyond a high school diploma, although many have postsecondary education. Many community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools offer certificate or diploma programs in medical assisting. Some programs last as little as one term, but most last 1 year or longer. A few 2-year associate’s degree programs are also available.
The Training of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are allied health professionals who support the work of physicians and other medical staff. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks in offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete a training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completion of your training, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be a certified medical assistant and will be able to find employment in any state in which you choose to work.
The majority of medical assistant programs take about 12 months to complete, although some programs may take up to 24 months. Programs typically include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Classroom instruction covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, Medical Terminology office procedures, insurance billing and coding, and patient education. Clinical experience gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals.
Medical assistants typically find employment in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other outpatient healthcare facilities. They may also work in hospitals, nursing homes or other settings. With experience, some medical assistants may advance to supervisory or management positions. Others may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine such as ophthalmology or obstetrics/gynecology.
The Certification of a Medical Assistant
The certification of a medical assistant is not always necessary, but it will give you an edge when you are seeking employment. Certification shows that you have the skills and knowledge needed to perform the duties of a medical assistant. There are many programs that will certify you as a medical assistant, but not all of them are accredited. That is why it is important to choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are in demand in Albuquerque and across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for medical assistants will grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
There are many reasons for this high rate of growth. An aging population is living longer and needing more medical care, and physicians are increasingly relying on medical assistants to perform routine tasks so they can see more patients.
The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but they generally include taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with procedures, and scheduling appointments. Some medical assistants also handle billing and coding, insurance paperwork, and other administrative tasks.
While most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, many employers prefer to hire those who have completed a postsecondary education program. These programs usually last about a year and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer 2-year associate degree programs in medical assisting.
The Salary of a Medical Assistant
The salary of a medical assistant can vary depending on the education and experience of the individual, as well as the location of the position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2016. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,720.
The Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants play an important role in the healthcare industry. They provide support to doctors and patients, and perform a variety of tasks such as scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, taking vitals signs, and preparing patients for examinations.
Medical assistants jobs in Albuquerque are expected to grow by 33% from 2016 to 2026, according to the Albuquerque Economic Development Department. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
There are many benefits of being a medical assistant. Medical assistants are in high demand and can find employment in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and more. They also enjoy acompetitive salary and benefits package. In addition, medical assistants have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their patients. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider becoming a medical assistant.
The drawbacks of Being a Medical Assistant
Working as a medical assistant can be a very rewarding career choice. You get to help people in a variety of ways and make a difference in their lives. However, there are also some drawbacks to the job that you should be aware of before you make your decision. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of being a medical assistant:
-You will likely have long hours and work on weekends.
-The job can be physically demanding, as you will be on your feet for long periods of time and may have to lift patients.
-You will work with sick people and may be exposed to diseases.
-You may see graphic and disturbing things, such as accidents or injuries.
-You may deal with difficult patients who are in pain or who are angry about their situation.
So, You Want to Be a Medical Assistant?
If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, you may be wondering what exactly a medical assistant does. Medical assistants are multi-skilled professionals who perform both clinical and administrative tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Here’s a closer look at what medical assistants do and what you need to do to become one.
Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs, scheduling appointments, answering patient questions, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, and handling laboratory specimens. In addition to clinical duties, medical assistants also perform basic office tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering telephones, handling correspondence, billing patients, and ordering supplies. Some medical assistants also teach patients how to manage their own health by leading group classes on topics such as diet or exercise.
To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete a formal education program. Most medical assistant programs take about one year to complete and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer two-year associate degree programs in medical assisting. Although not required for entry-level positions, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited program