Medical Assistant Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Are you looking for a medical assistant job in Chattanooga, TN? There are many great opportunities available for Medical assistants in this city. Here are some tips on how to find the best medical assistant jobs in Chattanooga, TN.

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Job Description

A medical assistant is a vital member of the healthcare team. They perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, and other health practitioners running smoothly.

Some of the duties of a medical assistant include scheduling appointments, taking and recording patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, and collecting and processing laboratory specimens. In addition, Medical Assistants may also give patients routine information on medications, diet, and other aspects of care. They may also prepare insurance forms and bill patients for services rendered.

Duties

Chattanooga medical assistants have a wide range of duties, from greeting patients and collecting their medical history to scheduling appointments and taking vital signs. Many medical assistants also perform basic lab tests, give injections and help with minor office surgeries. With Chattanooga’s many hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices, there are plenty of opportunities for medical assistant jobs in the city.

Qualifications

When looking for medical assistant jobs in Chattanooga, TN, it’s important to know what qualifications are required. Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from an accredited program. Some states have certification requirements for medical assistants. Although not required, some medical assistants choose to become certified by passing an exam offered by certifying organizations.

Medical assistants should be good at multitasking and paying attention to detail. They should be able to work well under pressure and handle confidential information with discretion. Those who have strong computer skills and are familiar with electronic health records (EHR) systems will have the best job prospects.

Education and Training

Education and Training
Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program of either one or two years in length. Some states have approved formal medical assisting programs, but they are not required. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have graduated from these programs. Medical assistants typically complete a diploma or certificate program, or an associate’s degree in medical assisting, although the bachelor’s degree is becoming more common.

Certification

There are many certification programs for medical assistants, but not all of them are accredited. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) both accredit medical assistant programs.

While certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant.

There are two main types of certification for medical assistants: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). To be eligible for certification, you must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and pass an exam.

Salary

Medical assistants in Chattanooga, TN earn an average salary of $36,531 per year. Salaries range from $26,841 to $45,221 per year.

Job Outlook

The employments of medical assistants are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS predicts a 31% employment growth for medical assistants between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than the 11% average for all occupations.

Pros and Cons

Finding the right medical assistant job in Chattanooga, TN can be a tough decision. There are many things to consider, such as the type of facility you want to work in, the type of patients you want to see, and the pay and benefits you’re looking for.

There are pros and cons to every job, and being a medical assistant is no different. Here are some things to consider before taking a medical assistant job in Chattanooga, TN:

Pros:
-You’ll have the opportunity to help people every day.
-You’ll work in a field that is constantly growing and changing.
-You’ll have the opportunity to learn about many different aspects of medicine.
-You’ll be able to work with a variety of people, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.

Cons:
-The hours can be long and unpredictable.
-You may be required to work weekends or holidays.
-You may be exposed to contagious diseases.
-The job can be stressful at times.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Medical assistants in Chattanooga, Tennessee perform a variety of tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. Appointments, medical histories, insurance forms, and billing are just a few of the duties that medical assistants handle on a daily basis. They also explain procedures and give patients information about medications. Medical assistants usually report to an office manager, supervisor, physician, or another health practitioner.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Chattanooga, TN, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Then, you’ll need to complete a medical assistant program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Once you have completed your accredited program, you’ll 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’ll be a certified medical assistant and will be eligible for many different medical assistant jobs in Chattanooga, TN.