Top 5 Careers for Medical Assistants
Contents
Considering a career as a medical assistant? Check out our list of the top 5 best careers for medical assistants!
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Job Description
Medical assistants are trained professionals who work side-by-side with physicians, nurses and other medical staff in a variety of settings. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, providing administrative and clinical support that helps keep patients safe and comfortable.
MA’s typically have a wide range of duties, including scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, recording vital signs, administering Shots and medications, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during the exam. In some states, they may also be allowed to perform certain diagnostic tests, such as X-Rays and EKGs.
While the job description for a medical assistant can vary somewhat from one setting to another, there are certain skills and qualities that are essential for all MAs. These include:
– Strong communication skills
– The ability to stay calm under pressure
– Excellent organizational skills
– A caring and compassionate nature
– A strong desire to help others
If you have these qualities and are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant may be the perfect choice for you!
Education and Training
Medical assistants are in high demand due to the increasing number of aging baby boomers and the resulting need for more medical care. As baby boomers age, they will need more medical tests, treatments, and surgeries. To meet this demand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026—29 percent compared to 7 percent growth for all occupations.
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from a medical assisting program offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools. Some programs may last up to a year, but many programs can be completed in 1 semester. Programs typically include classes in Medical Terminology transcription, anatomy, and physiology.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant salaries vary based on experience, geographical location, and place of employment. The mean annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2017. The mean hourly wage was $16.68. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,710 annually, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,610 annually.
Job prospects for medical assistants are expected to be very good. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby-Boomer population will need more medical services as they live longer and stay active later in life. This increase in aging patients will require additional support staff in both physician offices and outpatient care centers
Skills and Qualities
The skills and qualities that employers look for in medical assistants vary depending on the type of position and the size of the employer’s medical practice. However, there are some skills and qualities that are important for all medical assistant positions.
The ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and other health care professionals is essential for all medical assistants. Medical assistants must be able to explain procedures to patients and relay information from patients to physicians. They also must be able to work well as part of a health care team.
Medical assistants must have good organizational skills. They keep track of patients’ medical histories, schedule appointments, and arrange for laboratory tests and X-rays. Medical assistants also may be responsible for billing and coding insurance forms.
Medical assistants need to be detail oriented. They take vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight, and measure patients’ height and weight. They also give injections, take blood samples, prepare patients for X-rays, remove stitches, and change dressings.
Clear vision (with or without corrective lenses) and good hearing are necessary for most medical assistant positions. If you have a disability that would prevent you from doing some of the tasks required in this job (such as taking blood pressure or removing stitches), let your employer know so that they can determine if the job is still a good fit for you.
Work Schedule
Most medical assistants work full time, but about 1 in 4 worked part time in 2016. Because many clinics and doctor’s offices are open during the evening and on weekends, some medical assistants work evenings or weekends. Those who work in hospitals or other 24-hour facilities may work overnight shifts.
Career Paths
There are many great career paths for medical assistants. Here are the top 5:
1. Clinical medical assistant
A clinical medical assistant works in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. They may also work in research laboratories or assist with medical billing and coding.
2. Surgical medical assistant
A surgical medical assistant assists surgeons during operations. They may also work in surgical centers or outpatient surgery centers.
3. Ophthalmic medical assistant
An ophthalmic medical assistant works with ophthalmologists (eye doctors) to provide patient care. They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and performing tests on patients’ eyes.
4. Optometric medical assistant
An optometric medical assistant helps optometrists provide patient care. They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and performing tests on patients’ eyes.
5. Pediatrics medical assistant
A pediatrics medical assistant works in a pediatrician’s office, providing care to children from birth to age 21.
Certification
The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 A combination of an aging baby-boomer population and greater access to medical care will spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants.2
Medical assistants hold an important place in today’s healthcare system. They are often the first point of contact between patients and doctors, and they play a vital role in ensuring that doctor’s offices and clinics run smoothly.3 In addition to clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments and updating patient records, medical assistants may also be responsible for patient care tasks, such as taking vital signs or administering medications.4 Some medical assistants specialize in one particular area of practice, such as ophthalmology or podiatry.5
To become a certified medical assistant, you must have completed an accredited postsecondary education program and passed a standardized certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).6 Some states require medical assistants to be licensed; requirements vary by state.7
Job Satisfaction
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a career is job satisfaction. You want to find a job that you will enjoy and can see yourself doing long-term. Medical Assisting is a great career choice for those who want to help others and make a difference in the healthcare field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants are expected to have one of the fastest growing occupations from 2018-2028. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, here are the top 5 careers for medical assistants based on job satisfaction:
1. Physicians’ Office Medical Assistant- This position is responsible for providing patient care, handling administrative duties, and assisting physicians with medical procedures. Physicians’ office medical assistants typically work in small offices with a close-knit team. This makes for a more enjoyable work environment and increases job satisfaction.
2. Specialty Clinic Medical Assistant- Specialty clinics are usually larger than physicians’ offices and offer a variety of services. As a specialty clinic medical assistant, you may be responsible for everything from greeting patients to scheduling appointments and handling billing. This position requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to multitask. If you enjoy working with people and are good at staying organized, this could be the perfect career for you!
3. Hospital Medical Assistant- Hospital medical assistants play an important role in keeping the hospital running smoothly. They may be responsible for everything from transporting patients to stocking supplies and updating patient records. This position requires excellent communication and organizational skills. If you are good at multitasking and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be the perfect career for you!
4. Research Medical Assistant- Research medical assistants play an important role in supporting research teams by collecting data and assisting with experiments. This position requires excellent attention to detail and research skills. If you enjoy working with numbers and have a keen eye for detail, this could be the perfect career for you!
5. Nursing Home Medical Assistant- Nursing Home Medical assistants provide care to elderly patients in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This position requires excellent patience and communication skills. If you enjoy working with older adults and have a caring personality, this could be the perfect career for you!
Pros and Cons
When you are looking at becoming a medical assistant, you want to know what the pros and cons of the job are. Weighing these factors can help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Pros:
– You can generally complete your training in around two years or less.
– You can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
– You have the potential to earn a good salary and benefits package.
– Medical assistants typically enjoy good job prospects.
Cons:
– The job can be physically demanding, and you may have to work long hours or weekends in some settings.
– You may be exposed to infectious diseases.
– The job can be emotionally demanding, as you deal with sick patients and their families.
MA vs. Other Healthcare Jobs
Medical assistants (MAs) are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026 — much faster than the average for all occupations.1
With so many job openings, you may be considering a career as a medical assistant. But what does a medical assistant do? What is the difference between a medical assistant and other healthcare jobs?
MAs are healthcare professionals who support the work of physicians and other health professionals. They perform administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
Administrative tasks include answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling patient billing. Clinical tasks include taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with procedures. MAs may also give injections, take X-rays, remove stitches, and change dressings.
The duties of MAs vary depending on state law and the specific needs of the physician or other health professional they work for. Some MAs specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as ophthalmology or podiatry.
MAs are different from other types of healthcare workers because they have both administrative and clinical responsibilities. For example, registered nurses (RNs) provide patient care but do not have administrative responsibilities. Office managers have administrative responsibilities but do not provide patient care. Physical therapists (PTs) provide patient care but do not have administrative responsibilities. Pharmacists dispense medication but do not provide patient care.”
