Is a Medical Assistant the Right Career for You?

Considering a career as a medical assistant? Here are some things to think about to help you decide if it’s the right career for you.

Checkout this video:

So, you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a type of allied health professional that helps support the work of physicians and other medical staff. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of doctors, clinics, and other healthcare facilities running smoothly.

If you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant there are a few things you should know. First, Medical Assistants must have excellent communication and customer service skills. They must be able to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, medical assistants must be comfortable working with patients of all ages and have a basic understanding of Medical Terminology

To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited training program. Most programs can be completed in one to two years and include both classroom and laboratory instruction. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a certification exam to earn your medical assistant certification.

Why a medical assistant?

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider a career as a medical assistant:

• You can have a positive impact on people’s lives. Medical assistants play an important role in patient care and satisfaction.

• The job outlook is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

• You can get started quickly. Many medical assistant programs can be completed in one year or less, making this a great option if you’re looking for a new career path that won’t require years of schooling.

• You’ll have plenty of job options. Medical assistants can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and even some insurance companies and research facilities.

• The pay is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2016.

What does a medical assistant do?

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient facilities such as medical offices and clinics. Their duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, observing patients, and providing routine care, among other things.

In order to become a medical assistant, one must complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs generally last for 1-2 years and prepare students for both the administrative and clinical tasks they will be responsible for in their career.

The duties of a medical assistant

The duties of a medical assistant are both clinical and administrative in nature. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs, administering medications, performing minor medical procedures, assisting with patient screenings and preparing patients for examinations. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records billing and coding insurance forms and handling correspondence.

The skills of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are a vital part of any healthcare team. They are responsible for performing a variety of tasks, from administrative duties to clinical procedures.

To be successful in this role, medical assistants must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. They must also have good organizational skills and be able to work independently.

If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, it is important to have an understanding of the skills that are necessary for the job. The following list highlights some of the key skills that medical assistants need:

-Strong interpersonal skills: Medical assistants must be able to build rapport with patients and put them at ease. They must also be able to effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team.
-Good organizational skills: Medical assistants must be able to keep track of patients’ Medical records and schedule appointments. They must also be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
-Effective communication: Medical assistants must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. They must also be able to understand and follow instructions from doctors and other members of the healthcare team.
-Independent work: Medical assistants must be able to work independently and take initiative when needed.

The training of a medical assistant

The training of a medical assistant is completed through a certificate or diploma program at a community college, technical school, or even online. Programs typically last one year or less and result in a certificate or diploma. Some medical assistants choose to further their education by becoming certified. Certification is granted by professional organizations and requires passing an exam. Although certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, it may be preferred or required by some employers

The education of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for medical assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026. With this high demand and great job prospects, you may be wondering if becoming a medical assistant is the right choice for you. Below we’ve outlined the steps to take to become a medical assistant so you can decide if this career path is right for you.

The first step to becoming a medical assistant is to research accredited programs. Many community colleges offer accredited programs, which typically take about two years to complete. During your studies, you will take courses such as human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. You will also complete clinical rotations in various medical settings such as hospitals, physician’s offices, and clinics. After completing an accredited program, you will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Once you have passed the CMA exam, you will be ready to begin your career as a medical assistant. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. Clinical tasks may include taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, and assisting with exams and treatments. Administrative tasks may include scheduling appointments, answering phones, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and maintaining patient records.

If you are interested in a career in healthcare that offers a high degree of patient interaction and a variety of duties, then becoming a medical assistant may be the perfect choice for you.

The certification of a medical assistant

Is a Medical Assistant the Right Career for You? If you are considering a career in healthcare, you may be wondering if becoming a medical assistant is the right path for you. There are many things to consider when making this decision, but one of the most important is certification.

There are several certification options available for medical assistants, but not all of them are equal. The Certification Board of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CBASPH) is the only organization that offers a nationally recognized certification for medical assistants. This certification is called the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

To earn your CMA, you must complete an accredited training program and pass a rigorous exam. Once you have earned your CMA, you will be able to work in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices.

If you are considering a career in healthcare, becoming a certified medical assistant is a great way to get started.

The salary of a medical assistant

One of the things you’ll want to consider when you’re looking into whether or not a medical assistant career is right for you is the salary. Medical assistants make a good wage, and the job outlook is positive.

Medical assistants made a median wage of $33,610 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 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 of medical assistants made less than $23,840, and the highest 10 percent made more than $48,720.

The job outlook for a medical assistant

The job outlook for medical assistants is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants. As physicians expand their practices, they will hire additional medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.