Medical Assistant Training in Pittsburgh
Contents
- Introduction to Medical Assisting
- The Importance of Medical Assistants
- The Duties of a Medical Assistant
- The Education and Training of a Medical Assistant
- The Certification of a Medical Assistant
- The Employment of a Medical Assistant
- The Salary of a Medical Assistant
- The Future of Medical Assisting
- 10 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
- 5 Myths About Medical Assistants
If you’re looking for medical assistant training in Pittsburgh, you’ve come to the right place. At our school, we offer a comprehensive program that will prepare you for a successful career in the medical field.
Checkout this video:
Introduction to Medical Assisting
Medical assistant training programs provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform administrative and clinical tasks in a variety of healthcare settings. The programs typically last between one and two years, and results in a certificate or associate degree.
There are many medical assistant training programs available in Pittsburgh. Below is a brief overview of some of the most popular programs.
The Community College of Allegheny County offers a one-year certificate program in medical assisting. The program includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and patient care techniques. Students also have the opportunity to participate in an externship to gain hands-on experience.
The InterCoast Career Institute offers a two-year associate degree program in medical assisting. The program includes coursework in medical office procedures, insurance billing and coding, patient care, and pharmacology. Students also participate in an externship to gain real-world experience.
PIA offers a one-year certificate program in medical assisting. The program includes coursework in medical office procedures, insurance billing, coding, and electronic health records. Students have the opportunity to participate in an externship during the program to gain hands-on experience.
The Importance of Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs, assisting physicians with exams and procedures, scheduling appointments and related office duties.
In order to be a medical assistant, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer candidates who have completed a postsecondary medical assistant training program. These programs typically last about a year and include classroom and laboratory instruction as well as externships in which students gain hands-on experience.
Pittsburgh is home to many medical assistant training programs. The city’s large healthcare industry provides many opportunities for clinical experience, and its numerous hospitals and clinics offer a variety of positions for medical assistants.
The Duties of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are medical professionals who work alongside physicians and other medical staff to provide patient care. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with procedures, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and billing patients.
In order to become a medical assistant, one must complete an accredited training program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools. The duration of the program varies, but most take between six and twelve months to complete. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to take the certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The Education and Training of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team. They are responsible for patient care, clinical duties, and administrative tasks in hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. A medical assistant can be a valuable asset to any healthcare facility.
Becoming a medical assistant requires both formal education and on-the-job training. Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some attend postsecondary medical assisting programs. Many programs take about one year to complete and award a certificate or diploma upon graduation. Some programs may also offer an associate degree in medical assisting.
Once they have completed their formal education, medical assistants must complete on-the-job training before they can begin working independently. This training usually takes place in a healthcare setting such as a hospital or clinic. During their training, medical assistants shadow experienced healthcare professionals and learn the skills they need to perform their job duties effectively.
Medical assistants who want to further their education can pursue certification through professional organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, but it can demonstrate to potential employers that a medical assistant has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role.
The Certification of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand in Pittsburgh and across the country. With the aging population and the Affordable Care Act there is a need for more medical assistants to help with administrative duties in doctor’s offices and clinics. If you are interested in a career as a medical assistant, you will need to complete a training program and earn a certification.
The certification of a medical assistant is not required by law, but most employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants. The certification process ensures that medical assistants have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties. There are several different organizations that offer certification for medical assistants, but the most common is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
To be eligible for certification by the AAMA, you must first complete an accredited medical assistant training program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a written exam and a clinical skills exam. Once you have passed both exams, you will be certified as a medical assistant by the AAMA.
If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, there are several accredited training programs available in Pittsburgh. You can find programs at community colleges, technical schools, and online universities. Most programs can be completed in less than two years. Once you have completed your training, you will be well on your way to starting your new career as a medical assistant.
The Employment of a Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants are vital members of any medical team. A medical assistant is a medical professional who works alongside physicians and other health care professionals in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and doctors’ offices. Medical assistants perform many different tasks, from administrative duties to clinical tasks. They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, taking patient histories, and working with insurance companies. In some cases, medical assistants may even be responsible for billing patients.
The Salary of a Medical Assistant
The average salary for a Medical Assistant in Pittsburgh is $33,500 per year. This is below the national average for medical assistants, which is $35,800 per year.
The Future of Medical Assisting
Medical assistants are in high demand and the profession is expected to grow by 29% between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary for medical assistants in Pittsburgh is $32,610 per year, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
There are many benefits to pursuing a career in medical assisting. Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team and provide support to patients and physicians alike. They are often the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in ensuring that appointments run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, medical assistants have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and clinics to private practices and research facilities.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical assisting, there are many different types of training programs available to help you get started. certificate programs typically take about a year to complete, while associate’s degree programs take two years. Programs typically include coursework in anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology administrative procedures, clinical procedures, and much more. Some programs also include an externship component that gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience working in a medical office or other healthcare setting.
10 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand across the United States and Pittsburgh is no exception. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, here are 10 reasons why you should consider training to become a medical assistant:
1. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
2. Medical assistants can earn a good salary. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2017.1
3. A career as a medical assistant can be rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives by providing quality care and customer service.
4. You can enter the profession with relatively little training. Most programs take about one year to complete, and some people can find entry-level positions with a high school diploma or equivalent.5
5. Medical assistants generally work regular hours in modern, well-equipped facilities.6
6. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills and grow your career. Many medical assistants take on additional responsibilities over time, such as administrative tasks or managing patient records.7
7. You can live and work almost anywhere in the country as a medical assistant—Pittsburgh included!8
8. The aging Baby Boomer population is expected to drive demand for medical assistants as more people require health services as they age.9
9. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job satisfaction among medical assistants is higher than the average for all occupations—another good reason to enter the profession!10
10.[insert your own reason here!]
5 Myths About Medical Assistants
There are many misconceptions about what medical assistants do and what they don’t do. Here are 5 myths about medical assistants:
Myth #1: Medical assistants only do clerical work.
Wrong! While medical assistants do perform administrative duties such as filing, scheduling appointments, and answering phones, they also perform clinical tasks such as taking patient vital signs, preparing patients for examination, and administering injections. In some states, medical assistants may even be allowed to perform basic laboratory tests.
Myth #2: Medical assistants don’t need any formal training.
Not true! Most employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed an accredited program. While there are some states that don’t require formal training, most employers prefer candidates who have completed a course or have received a certificate from an accredited program.
Myth #3: All medical assistant programs are the same.
Each program is different and will offer different courses depending on the focus of the program. For example, some programs may offer more clinical courses while others may offer more administrative courses. It’s important to research each program before enrolling to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Check accreditation, length of the program, and tuition cost when researching programs.
Myth #4: I can only work in a doctor’s office if I’m a medical assistant.
Wrong again! Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and even insurance companies. Where you work will depend on your interests and skillset. Many medical assistants start their career in a doctor’s office but eventually move on to other settings as their career progresses. The sky is the limit!