Carbon Health: Medical Assistant Salary & Job Description
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Carbon Health: medical assistant Salary & Job Description
If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average medical assistant salary, as well as job duties and job outlook.
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Introduction
In the healthcare industry, Medical assistants are known as the “jack of all trades.” They perform both administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly. No two days are alike for a medical assistant, which is one of the things that makes this career so interesting.
If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy working with people, and are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant may be the perfect fit for you. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this rewarding career, including medical assistant salary and job outlook information.
What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a trusted healthcare professional who provides high-quality patient care in clinics and hospitals. They are expertly trained in both clinical and administrative tasks, and play an important role in keeping healthcare facilities running smoothly.
Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team, and their salary and job outlook are both positive. In 2019, the median annual salary for Medical Assistants was $34,800, and the job outlook is projected to grow by 23% from 2019-2029.
If you’re interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great option. Read on to learn more about the duties of a medical assistant, what kind of training you’ll need, and how to find a job in this fast-growing field.
Duties of a medical assistant
A medical assistant is a person who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office. They work under the supervision of licensed medical professionals, such as physicians and registered nurses.
The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on state law, but they generally include taking patient medical histories, recording vital signs, scheduling appointments, preparing laboratory specimens and helping patients understand their medications.
Medical assistants may also be responsible for billing and coding insurance forms, conducting patient follow-up calls and ordering medical supplies Some states allow medical assistants to perform more advanced tasks, such as administering injections or removing sutures.
most medical assistants have postsecondary education from a community college or vocational school. Some states require certification, but this is not always necessary to find employment. Medical assistants typically need to be proficient in using computers and office software, such as Microsoft Office or Google Docs.
Salary of a medical assistant
The median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2017, with the top 10 percent earning more than $46,480, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals or outpatient care centers. They typically perform administrative and clinical tasks, such as taking medical histories and recording vital signs.
Medical assistants must complete a postsecondary education program of up to 1 year. Many programs offer a certificate upon completing an accredited program, but some students opt to earn an associate degree.
Job outlook for medical assistants
Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for preventive medical services, such as vaccinations and screening tests, is expected to continue as Americans live longer and more active lives.
An aging population will also require more medical care for age-related conditions such as arthritis, vision problems, hearing loss, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties so that they can see more patients.
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.
Education and training requirements
A medical assistant is a professional who provides routine administrative and clinical tasks in support of the work of physicians and other health professionals. They are usually employed in outpatient care centers, physician offices, and hospitals.
Education and training requirements for medical assistants vary by state, but most states require them to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many medical assistants also have postsecondary education, typically from a community college or vocational school. Some states require medical assistants to be licensed or registered.
Most medical assistants receive on-the-job training, which generally lasts about 4 to 12 weeks. Training typically covers topics such as Medical Terminology taking and recording patients’ vital signs, performing basic laboratory tests, administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, and using electronic health records (EHRs).
To learn more about the education and training requirements for medical assistants, please visit the website for the National Healthcare Association: https://www.nhanow.com/medical-assistant/education-training-requirements
Certification and licensure
Certification and licensure for medical assistants are not required in all states, but some employers prefer or require certification as proof of having received the necessary training. Voluntary certification is available through several organizations, such as the National Healthcare Association and the American Association of Medical Assistants. To be eligible for certification, candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and pass a written exam. Some states have licensure laws for medical assistants, and others are considering such legislation.
Key skills
When it comes to working in healthcare, there are a lot of different roles that you can play. You might work directly with patients, or you might work behind the scenes in an administrative capacity. You might work in a hospital, or you might work in a private practice. If you’re looking for a role that is both challenging and rewarding, you might want to consider becoming a medical assistant.
Medical assistants are an essential part of the healthcare team. They are the ones who provide direct patient care, and they are often the first point of contact for patients when they come into the office. This means that they need to have excellent communication skills and be able to effectively navigate the often-complex world of healthcare.
In addition to excellent communication skills, medical assistants also need to be able to multitask effectively and efficiently. They need to be able to keep track of multiple patients at once, and they need to be able to handle a variety of tasks throughout the day. This means that they need to be highly organized and have excellent time management skills.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, it’s important to have the right education and training. Most medical assistants have at least a certificate or diploma from an accredited medical assistant program, and many also have an associate’s degree. Once you have your education and training, you can then take the certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you pass this exam, you will be a certified medical assistant (CMA).
If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great option. With the right education and training, you can launch your career in this growing field.
Working conditions
Medical assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. They typically work full time, although some may work part time. Many medical assistants work in an office environment, although some may be required to work in other settings, such as a hospital or clinic. Some medical assistants may be required to work evenings or weekends.
Advancement opportunities
There are many opportunities for advancement for medical assistants. Some may choose to continue their education and become a registered nurse or a medical doctor. Others may move into management roles, such as office manager or practice administrator. Some medical assistants may also become certified in a specialty area, such as ophthalmology or Cardiology