Medical Assistant Jobs in Jacksonville, FL

Learn about the medical assistant job market in Jacksonville, FL and what you can do to land one of these in-demand jobs.

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What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are unlicensed individuals who perform basic technical and clerical tasks in the offices of licensed health practitioners. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice. Most Medical Assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Others learn through on-the-job training. Many states have laws governing the duties that medical assistants may perform, such as giving injections.

Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare facilities. A few work in research laboratories or for insurance companies or other businesses that serve the healthcare industry.

Most full-time medical assistants work about 40 hours a week. However, because many office and clinics are open evenings and weekends, some medical assistants may work part time and have irregular hours.

What do medical assistants do?

Medical assistants are an important part of the medical team. They work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary by employer, but they typically include taking medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and coding and filling out insurance forms.

What are the job duties of a medical assistant?

The medical assistant job description is very diverse. Most medical assistants have both administrative and clinical duties. They may perform basic laboratory tests, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They also may take and record patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature.

Most medical assistants work in physician’s offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, or medical laboratories. They typically report to a physician or office manager. Some medical assistants specialize in areas such as ophthalmology, optometry, or podiatry.

What are the educational requirements for a medical assistant?

Most medical assistant programs will lead to a certificate or an Associate’s degree. Before you enroll in a program, make sure that the program is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Programs typically take between one and two years to complete, and they will include coursework in Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, healthcare ethics, patient confidentiality, and more. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a clinical externship, where you will gain hands-on experience working in a medical office or clinic under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

What are the skills required for a medical assistant?

There are a variety of skills required for a medical assistant. These may include:
-An ability to communicate effectively with patients and medical staff
-An ability to keep accurate records
-An ability to follow instructions and procedures
-An ability to maintain confidentiality
-Basic computer skills

What are the job outlook and salary for a medical assistant?

The median annual wage for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,720.

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and prolonged longevity will lead to a greater need for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants.

What are the benefits of being a medical assistant?

There are many benefits to being a medical assistant, including the following:

1. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

2. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, including patients, doctors, and other medical professionals.

3. You will gain experience in both the clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare.

4. You will have the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and from all walks of life.

5. You will be able to help make a difference in the lives of those you work with.

What are the challenges of being a medical assistant?

Working as a medical assistant can be a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges you may face is abundant paperwork. From insurance forms to medical records there is a lot of paperwork involved in the medical field. You will need to be organized and detail-oriented to keep up with it all.

Another challenge you may face is working with difficult patients. Some patients may be in a lot of pain, while others may be angry or frustrated with their situation. It is important to remain calm and compassionate in these situations, even when it is difficult to do so.

Lastly, you may sometimes feel like you are “on call” even when you are not actually working. Because medical emergencies can happen at any time, you may be expected to be available to work on short notice. This can make it difficult to plan your life outside of work.

What are the career advancement opportunities for a medical assistant?

There are many career advancement opportunities for a medical assistant. Some may choose to specialize in a certain area of medicine, such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Others may choose to become certified medical assistants, which would allow them to work in more specialized positions. There are also opportunities to move into management roles within a medical practice.

How can I find a medical assistant job in Jacksonville, FL?

There are many ways to find a medical assistant job in Jacksonville, FL. One way is to search online job boards such as Indeed.com, Monster.com, or CareerBuilder.com. Another way is to search the website of the Florida Board of Medicine for open positions. Finally, you can also contact medical offices in Jacksonville directly and inquire about any open positions or upcoming vacancies.