HSC Medical Assistant – A Great Career Choice
Contents
- Why a career as a medical assistant may be a great choice
- The duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant
- The skills and qualities needed to be a successful medical assistant
- The education and training required to become a medical assistant
- The job outlook for medical assistants
- The salary and benefits associated with being a medical assistant
- The different types of medical assistant positions
- The work environment of a medical assistant
- The challenges and rewards of a career as a medical assistant
- Why I think a career as a medical assistant is a great choice
If you’re looking for a career in the medical field that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement, you should consider becoming a medical assistant HSC Medical assistants play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, and they are in high demand.
Here’s what you need to know about HSC medical assistants and why they make a great career choice.
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Why a career as a medical assistant may be a great choice
Not everyone is cut out for a career in medicine. It can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. But if you have a passion for helping others and want to work in a medical setting, a career as a medical assistant may be a great choice.
Medical assistants play an important role in the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities. They are the link between patients and doctors, often providing support and assistance to both. In many cases, they are the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care.
Medical assistants must be able to multi-task and juggle several tasks at once. They must be able to work well under pressure and maintain a calm demeanor in fast-paced environments. They must also have excellent communication skills and be able to understand and explain complex Medical Terminology
If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, research the job market in your area to see if there is demand for this occupation. Medical assistants are in high demand in many parts of the country, so it’s likely you’ll be able to find work. Once you’ve decided that this is the right career choice for you, consider enrolling in an accredited medical assistant program at a local college or university.
The duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant
A medical assistant is a key member of a healthcare team. The duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant can vary depending on the size and type of the healthcare facility where they work. Medical assistants typically perform both administrative and clinical tasks.
Administrative tasks may include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, billing and coding insurance forms, and handling correspondence. Clinical tasks may include taking patient histories and vital signs,preparing patients for examination,assisting during the exam,giving injections,drawing blood,removing sutures, and teaching patients about medications and diet. Some medical assistants are trained to perform additional procedures such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), resuscitation (CPR), and basic laboratory tests.
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from an accredited program. Although not required, certification can demonstrate competence in the field and may lead to career advancement opportunities. With experience, medical assistants may become office managers or move into other healthcare occupations such as registered nurse, physical therapist, or physician assistant.
The skills and qualities needed to be a successful medical assistant
Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of medical staff, including physicians and nurses. They are responsible for patient care, office duties and medical procedures.
To be successful in this career, medical assistants need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work well with people of all ages. They must be detail-oriented and organized, with good time management skills. Medical assistants must be able to follow instructions and have good problem-solving skills. They also need to have basic computer skills.
The education and training required to become a medical assistant
Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. They may work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, or other healthcare settings.
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a medical assisting program. Some states require medical assistants to be certified. Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assistant program and are certified.
The job outlook for medical assistants
Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
A big reason for the projected growth is the aging Baby Boomer population. As people live longer and healthier lives, they will need more medical care. And as the number of people with health insurance increases, more medical assistants will be needed to perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep doctor’s offices and other healthcare facilities running smoothly.
The salary and benefits associated with being a medical assistant
One of the main reasons why the HSC medical assistant career is so popular is because of the salary and benefits associated with it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $30,590 in May 2016. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $41,570. The median annual salary for the top earners in this profession was $46,610.
In addition to a competitive salary, medical assistants also receive a number of benefits, including health insurance vacation time, and sick leave. Many employers also offer retirement plans and continuing education opportunities.
The different types of medical assistant positions
There are three different types of medical assistant positions: clinical, administrative, and a combination of the two. Each MA position requires different skills and responsibilities.
CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT: Clinical medical assistants work directly with patients. Their duties include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, assisting the physician with exams, drawing blood, administering injections, scheduling appointments, and handling correspondence. Most clinical MAs have completed a postsecondary education program.
ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL ASSISTANT: Administrative medical assistants perform office duties such as answering phones, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, filing insurance claims, and coding patient records. They may also perform basic bookkeeping tasks and oversee the daily operations of the office. Administrative medical assistants generally do not need formal education beyond high school, although some employers prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program in medical assisting.
COMBINATION MEDICAL ASSISTANT: Combination medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties. They are usually employed in small offices where they are responsible for all aspects of the patient’s care. These MAs typically have completed a postsecondary education program in medical assisting.
The work environment of a medical assistant
Medical assistants work in a variety of medical settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. They may also be employed by research facilities and pharmaceutical companies. The work environment of a medical assistant is usually clean, well lit, and comfortable. In some settings, such as hospitals, medical assistants may be required to work evenings or weekends.
The challenges and rewards of a career as a medical assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 With an aging population and advances in medicine, there will be an increased need for health care services. This means more opportunities for medical assistants.
A career as a medical assistant can be both challenging and rewarding. Medical assistants perform many duties, including administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and handling billing, as well as clinical duties such as taking patient histories and measuring vital signs. They may also assist with procedures, give injections, and instruct patients on medication and diet. Although they work closely with patients, they do not provide direct patient care.
Medical assistants must be able to handle both the administrative and clinical aspects of the job, and must be able to work well under pressure. They must have excellent communication skills and be able to deal effectively with a variety of people, including patients who may be anxious or distressed. They must also be detail-oriented and organized, with good problem-solving skills.
Although a postsecondary certificate or diploma is usually required, some states allow medical assistants to begin working after completing on-the-job training or a short course offered by a community college or technical school. Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that lasts from one to two years and leads to a certificate or diploma. Some programs lead to an associate degree in medical assisting. A few states require certification for medical assistants
Why I think a career as a medical assistant is a great choice
I think a career as a medical assistant is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is a stable and growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This growth is due in part to an aging population and the resulting increase in the number of medical appointments.
Second, medical assistants have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. This gives them the chance to find a work setting that best suits their interests and skills.
Third, medical assistants can expect to earn a good salary. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $33,610 in 2018.2 And those with experience and certifications can earn even more.
Fourth, medical assistants have the satisfaction of knowing that they are playing an important role in helping people get the care they need. They may be the first point of contact for patients and play a key role in making sure they receive the treatment they need.
I believe that a career as a medical assistant is a great choice for those who are looking for stability, opportunity, and good pay. If you have interest in this field, I encourage you to learn more about it and consider pursuing it as a career.