Medical Assistant Jobs in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Contents
- Introduction
- What is a Medical Assistant?
- Duties of a Medical Assistant
- Qualifications to become a Medical Assistant
- Training and Certification
- Job Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Salary and Job Outlook
- Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant
- Conclusion
- Further Reading and Resources
Check out the latest medical assistant jobs in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Medical assistants are a vital part of any healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly. If you’re thinking about a career in medical assisting, you’re in luck. The demand for Medical Assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fayetteville, North Carolina is a great place to start your career as a medical assistant The city is home to several hospitals and clinics, as well as a number of colleges and universities that offer medical assistant programs.
Here are some of the best medical assistant jobs in Fayetteville, North Carolina:
What is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting. Medical assistants can perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and collecting and processing laboratory specimens. In some states, medical assistants may also be allowed to administer medications and perform basic laboratory tests.
Duties of a Medical Assistant
The duties of a medical assistant are both clinical and administrative in nature. Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks to support the work of physicians and other medical professionals. They may take medical histories, prepare patients for examinations, assist with procedures, teach patients about health and wellness, and much more. In addition to their clinical duties, medical assistants also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, billing and coding, and dealing with insurance companies.
Medical assistants must have excellent communication skills, be able to multi-task, and be detail oriented. They must also be able to work well under pressure and handle patient confidentiality with the utmost discretion. Many medical assistants have an associate’s degree or certification from a vocational school, but some are trained on the job.
Qualifications to become a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform a variety of duties to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. They may work in outpatient or inpatient facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate, although some states allow them to work with on-the-job training.
Medical assistants must be able to perform both clerical and clinical tasks. Clerical duties include answering phones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records scheduling appointments, and handling insurance forms. Clinical tasks include taking and recording patients’ vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, assisting during the examination, and collecting lab specimens. In some states, medical assistants may also give injections or help remove sutures. Most medical assistants work full time, although about 1 in 4 worked part time in 2016.
Training and Certification
Medical assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina must complete an accredited medical assistant training program and pass a certification exam to earn their credential. Alternatively, they may choose to earn a medical assistant diploma or certificate from a community college, vocational school, or online program. Medical assistants typically complete a one-year program that leads to a certificate or diploma, although some programs may take up to two years to complete.
After completing their training, medical assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina can take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible for the CMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program within the last five years or have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant. Candidates who pass the CMA exam earn the credential Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA.
Medical assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina may also choose to become a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT), another national certifying organization for medical assistants. To be eligible for the RMA certification exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have at least two years of work experience as a medical assistant. Candidates who pass the RMA exam earn the credential Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT.
Job Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Medical assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina find themselves in the center of an exciting and growing healthcare community. Fayetteville is home to many well-respected hospitals and clinics, which offer a wealth of opportunities for medical assistants. In addition, the city’s proximity to Fort Bragg—one of the largest military installations in the country—provides medical assistants with the opportunity to work with a large and diverse population.
Fayetteville’s healthcare community is growing rapidly, and medical assistants are in high demand. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services projects that the number of medical assistant jobs in the state will grow by 19 percent between 2016 and 2026.1 This growth is largely attributable to the increasing number of older adults in need of healthcare services. As the baby boomer generation enters retirement age, they will require more medical care, resulting in an increased demand for medical assistants.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Fayetteville, North Carolina, there are many job opportunities available. Below is a list of some of the hospitals and clinics in Fayetteville that have open positions for medical assistants:
-Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
-Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital
-Fayetteville VA Medical Center
-Womack Army Medical Center
-Cumberland Family Medicine
Salary and Job Outlook
Medical assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina earn a median salary of $29,530 per year, which is slightly lower than the national average for medical assistants of $30,590 per year. The job outlook for medical assistants in Fayetteville is positive, with an expected growth rate of 29% from 2014 to 2024. This is considerably higher than the expected national growth rate for all occupations of 7%.
Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant
While a career as a medical assistant has many rewards, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks before making the decision to enter the field. Here are some pros and cons of being a medical assistant to help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Pros:
-Can work in a variety of settings
-Flexible hours
-Job security
-Can advance within the field
-Most employers offer health insurance and other benefits
-Can have a positive impact on patients’ lives
Cons:
-May have to work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays
-May be exposed to communicable diseases
-May witness disturbing situations such as car accidents or violence
– emotional stress
Conclusion
In conclusion, medical assistants in Fayetteville, North Carolina can expect to find a wide range of job opportunities. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics, as well as a variety of private practices. With a little bit of searching, medical assistants should be able to find a job that meets their needs and interests.
Further Reading and Resources
Below are some additional medical assistant resources to help you as you pursue a career in this field.
-The American Association of Medical Assistants offers educational resources, career resources, and professional development opportunities for medical assistants.
-The National Healthcare Association also offers certification for medical assistants.
-The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences offers accreditation for clinical laboratory science programs, which may be of interest to those pursuing a career as a medical assistant.