Medical Assistant Advancement Opportunities
Contents
As a medical assistant you have many opportunities for advancement. Here are some ways to take your career to the next level.
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Introduction
Medical assisting is one of the nation’s fastest-growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of Medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. In May 2012, Medical Assistants earned a median annual salary of $29,370.
With such rapid growth comes great opportunity for advancement within the field of medical assisting. With experience and/or additional education, many medical assistants eventually move into managerial positions or take on additional responsibilities such as insurance billing and coding, transcribing physicians’ orders, or teaching other medical personnel. Some may even go on to become nurse practitioners or physician assistants.
Medical Assistant Duties
Medical assistants are important members of any healthcare team. They perform a variety of duties, including taking medical histories, recording vital signs, scheduling appointments, and preparing patients for examinations. Medical assistants may also be responsible for billing and coding, ordering supplies, and assisting with administrative tasks.
In some states, medical assistants may be allowed to perform more advanced duties, such as taking x-rays or giving injections. However, these tasks generally require additional training and certification.
Most medical assistants work in outpatient clinics or doctor’s offices. However, they may also find employment in hospitals, nursing homes or other healthcare facilities. Medical assistants typically work full time; however, some may work part time or evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs of their patients.
Medical Assistant Training
The medical field is rapidly changing, and medical assistants are in high demand. With the right training, medical assistants can find job opportunities in a variety of settings, from small clinics to large hospitals.
Most medical assistant programs take about a year to complete, although some programs may take longer. After completing a medical assistant program, graduates will be prepared to take on many different roles in the medical field. They may be responsible for greeting patients, taking vital signs, scheduling appointments, and assisting with laboratory work and X-rays.
Many medical assistants choose to specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. In some cases, they may also become certified in CPR or first aid. With the right training and certification, medical assistants can find jobs in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and even research facilities.
Medical Assistant Certification
There are many opportunities for medical assistants to further their careers. One option is to pursue medical assistant certification. Certification demonstrates that a medical assistant has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties, and can make them more attractive to potential employers. There are several organizations that offer medical assistant certification, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible for certification, medical assistants must pass an exam administered by one of these organizations. Candidates can prepare for the exam by taking a course or studying on their own.
Salary and Job Outlook
Medical assistants are in high demand and the demand is only expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 With such high demand, it’s no wonder that medical assistants are some of the most sought-after professionals in the healthcare industry.
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.2 The top 10 percent Earned more than $50,410, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $24,380.2 Salary will vary depending on location, experience, and other factors.
There are many opportunities for advancement for medical assistants. Some may choose to advance their career by becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). RMAs have more responsibility and may perform additional duties such as handling insurance claims and billing or transcribing medical reports. Others may choose to specialize in a specific area such as pediatrics or geriatrics. With experience and additional training, some medical assistants may become certified manager medical assistants (CMAs). CMAs oversee other medical assistants and support staff in clinics and doctor’s offices.
Medical Assistant Advancement Opportunities
Most medical assistants start their careers working in doctor’s offices, clinics, or hospitals. However, there are many advancement opportunities available for those who want to further their careers.
Some medical assistants may choose to become certified medical assistants. certification can be obtained through the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. Certified medical assistants typically have more responsibilities and may earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants.
Other medical assistants may choose to advance their careers by becoming supervisors or managers in their doctor’s offices, clinics, or hospitals. Some may even open their own medical practices.
Conclusion
Medical assistants who wish to advance their careers can do so by taking on additional responsibilities, such as acting as a lead medical assistant or supervisor, or by pursuing additional education and training to become a registered medical assistant (RMA), certified medical assistant (CMA), or certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA). Many community colleges offer programs totrain individuals to become medical assistants, and there are also a number of professional organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA), that offer certification programs for those who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field.
References
When applying for a position as a medical assistant, it is important to have references that can attest to your skills and abilities. Ideally, these references should come from a supervising physician or another medical professional that can speak to your clinical skills. However, if you do not have direct experience working in the medical field, you can also provide references from other professionals, such as teachers, coaches, or previous employers.
