BCC Offers Medical Assistant Program
Contents
- What is a medical assistant?
- Duties of a medical assistant
- What you will learn in BCC’s medical assistant program
- The benefits of becoming a medical assistant
- The job outlook for medical assistants
- The salary of a medical assistant
- What type of personality makes a good medical assistant?
- What type of work schedule do medical assistants typically have?
- What are the requirements to become a medical assistant?
- How to apply to BCC’s medical assistant program
The BCC Offers medical assistant Program is open to all qualified applicants. Apply now and get started on your new career path!
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What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health care providers. Medical assistants perform many administrative, clerical and clinical tasks in physician offices, clinics, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The scope of their work often includes taking and recording medical histories, vital signs and administering medications as directed by a physician. They also may schedule patient appointments, keep records, arrange for laboratory tests and x-rays, handle correspondence, bill patients and insurance companies, provide instruction on diet and home care prepare patients for examination and assist the physician during the exam.
Medical assistants are increasingly playing a larger role in patient care and may perform some duties that were formerly delegated only to licensed health care professionals. As the U.S. health care system changes and physicians find themselves under pressure to see more patients in less time, they will continue to look to medical assistants to perform a variety of patient care services.
Duties of a medical assistant
A medical assistant is a multi-skilled health professional that supports the work of physicians and other health professionals. Medical assistants perform administrative, clinical, and technical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
Clinical duties of medical assistants include taking patient histories and recording vital signs, assisting with exams and procedures, scheduling appointments, preparing lab tests and x-rays, administering medications, and instructing patients on home care procedures. They also may provide direct patient care under the supervision of a physician or nurse.
Administrative duties of medical assistants include answering phones, greeting patients, updating medical records billing insurance companies, transcribing physicians’ orders, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services. They also may arrange for outpatient surgery and handle payroll and other business duties.
What you will learn in BCC’s medical assistant program
The medical assistant program at BCC will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the administrative and clinical tasks required of a medical assistant. The program is designed to give you a well-rounded education, and includes courses in Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical office procedures, billing and coding, and more.
Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Upon passing the exam, you will be a certified medical assistant and will be eligible for employment in a variety of healthcare settings.
The benefits of becoming a medical assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is very positive. 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. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so will the need for trained medical assistants.
There are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant, including the potential for good pay and job security. Medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team and they perform a variety of duties, including administrative tasks, clinical tasks, and patient care. They also enjoy flexible job hours and schedule options.
If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great option. The BCC Medical Assistant Program can help you get started on your new career path.
The job outlook for medical assistants
The job outlook for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that the need for medical assistants will grow by about 29% during that time period, which is about four times the average growth rate for all occupations.
The salary of a medical assistant
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2017. The top 10 percent of medical assistants earned more than $43,590, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $23,770.
What type of personality makes a good medical assistant?
A medical assistant must have a personality that is able to handle a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. They must be able to work well under pressure, handle a fast-paced environment, and be able to multitask. They must also be able to deal with a variety of people on a daily basis, including patients, doctors, and other staff members.
What type of work schedule do medical assistants typically have?
Most medical assistants work full time, although about 1 in 4 work part time. Schedules vary, depending on the needs of the health care facility where they work. Many medical assistants have evenings or weekends off. Some medical assistants work in more than one facility, which may require working different shifts at each facility.
What are the requirements to become a medical assistant?
To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
How to apply to BCC’s medical assistant program
Interested in becoming a medical assistant? Here’s what you need to know about applying to Berkeley City College’s medical assistant program.
To be eligible to apply to the program, you must have completed at least 12 units of college coursework with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. You must also have completed or be currently enrolled in a course in human anatomy and physiology, as well as a course in medical terminology.
Once you’ve met these prerequisites, you can apply to the program by filling out an online application. The application consists of two parts: the first part is general information about yourself, and the second part is specific questions about your interest in becoming a medical assistant.
After your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the medical assistant program faculty. If you are deemed eligible, you will be invited to participate in an interview with the faculty. This interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about the program and for the faculty to get to know you better and assess your readiness for the program.
If you are accepted into the program, you’ll need to complete a background check and drug screening prior to beginning your coursework. You’ll also need to purchase insurance that meets the requirements of the program.
Once you’ve met all these requirements, you’ll be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a medical assistant!