Advantages of Being a Medical Assistant
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The medical field is one of the most rewarding and in-demand industries to work in. As a medical assistant you will have the opportunity to work closely with patients and help them receive the care and treatment they need. If you are considering a career in medical assisting, here are a few advantages to keep in mind:
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Job satisfaction
One of the most important advantages of being a medical assistant is job satisfaction. Medical assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and other health care facilities. They may also work for insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, or other organizations that provide health care services.
Medical assistants play a vital role in the health care team. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with diagnostic procedures, providing patient education, and more. In addition to their clinical duties, Medical Assistants also perform administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records billing insurance companies, and ordering supplies.
Medical assistants are in demand in both urban and rural areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 23 percent from 2019 to 2029—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Variety of tasks
One of the main advantages of being a medical assistant is the variety of tasks you will be exposed to on a daily basis. No two days will be exactly the same, which can make working as a medical assistant quite interesting. You may find yourself doing anything from scheduling appointments and taking patient histories to performing basic laboratory tests and handling billing and insurance paperwork.
Good working hours
Medical assistants typically have good working hours. Many work full time, but half of medical assistants worked part time in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can give you more time to pursue your education or spend time with your family and friends outside of work.
Interaction with patients
One of the best things about being a medical assistant is the opportunity to interact with patients on a daily basis. This interaction gives medical assistants the chance to make a real difference in the lives of others. In many cases, medical assistants are the first point of contact for patients, and they play a vital role in providing them with information and assistance. This interaction can be very rewarding, both professionally and personally.
Good pay
One of the most appealing advantages of being a medical assistant is the potential for good pay. Although salary will vary depending on your employer, geographic location and level of experience, medical assistants earned a median annual salary of $32,480 in 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s nearly $15 per hour, and much higher than the median hourly wage for all occupations, which was just over $12 in 2012. The top 10 percent of medical assistants earned more than $43,590 per year, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $24,360 annually.
Opportunities for advancement
One of the many advantages of being a medical assistant is the opportunities for advancement. With experience, medical assistants may assume additional responsibilities such as managing administrative tasks or supervising other support staff. Some medical assistants become certified to perform electrocardiograms or blood tests. Others may pursue formal education to earn a degree and qualify for positions as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
Job security
One of the biggest advantages of being a medical assistant is job security. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years, so those with this career are likely to have good job prospects.
Good working environment
Medical assistants work in a variety of health care settings, including physician offices, hospitals, and clinics. They usually work in well-lit and clean environments. Most full-time medical assistants work about 40 hours per week, although somework part time. Many medical assistants have flexible working hours, which may include evenings or weekends. Some medical assistants may also be required to work on call.
Helping others
A medical assistant is a person who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a hospital or health care office. They work alongside physicians, surgeons, and other health care professionals.
One of the most important aspects of being a medical assistant is that they provide support to patients. This can be in the form of providing comfort, answering questions, or assisting with procedures. Medical assistants play an important role in the patient experience and are often the first point of contact for patients.
Another advantage of being a medical assistant is that they have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills. Medical assistants may be responsible for taking vital signs, drawing blood, or scheduling appointments. They may also be trained in billing and coding, which can be beneficial if they choose to pursue a career in medical administration.
Medical assistants typically work full-time hours, but some positions may require evenings or weekends. Many medical assistants also have flexible schedules that allow them to work around their personal commitments.
Personal satisfaction
One of the greatest advantages of being a medical assistant is the personal satisfaction that comes with helping others. As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for providing critical care and support to patients. This can be a highly rewarding experience, as you will know that you are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.