The Ultimate Medical Assistant Study Guide for 2020

The Ultimate medical assistant Study Guide for 2020 is a great resource for anyone who is looking to become a medical assistant This guide covers everything from what Medical assistants do to how to find the right training program.

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The Different Types of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are one of the most versatile professionals in the medical field. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and even insurance companies. However, not all medical assistants are the same. There are several different types of medical assistants, each with their own unique set of skills and responsibilities.

The three most common types of medical assistants are certified medical assistants (CMAs), registered medical assistants (RMAs), and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs)
CMAs are certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To become a CMA, you must pass the Certifying Board of the AAMA’s examination. The examination covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, Medical Terminology and disease processes. CMAs must also complete a formal education program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Registered Medical Assistants (RMAs)
RMAs are registered with the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To become an RMA, you must pass the AMT’s Registered Medical Assistant examination. The examination covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and disease processes. RMAs must also complete a formal education program that is accredited by either the CAAHEP or the ABHES.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
LPNs are licensed by their state’s board of nursing. To become an LPN, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). LPNs have more educational requirements than CMAs and RMAs because they are licensed to provide basic patient care. LPN programs typically take one year to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other health-related subjects.

Duties of a medical assistant

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly.

The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the size and type of the healthcare facility in which they work. In small practices, medical assistants might be responsible for a wide range of tasks, while in larger practices they might specialize in specific areas such as insurance billing or transcribing medical reports.

Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that awards a certificate or diploma. Some states have enacted licensure requirements for medical assistants, but this is not yet common nationwide.

Here are some common duties of a medical assistant:

Answering patient questions and providing instructions
Scheduling appointments and maintaining appointment calendars
Taking and recording patient vital signs, such as height, weight, blood pressure, and temperature
Drawing blood and performing basic laboratory tests
Preparing patients for examinations and assisting during the exam process
Collecting patient medical histories
Assisting with minor office surgeries, such as removing stitches or applying casts
Arranging hospital admissions and laboratory services

The Education and Certification Needed to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent. If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great choice. But what does it take to become a medical assistant?

In this guide, we’ll cover the education and certification needed to become a medical assistant. We’ll also touch on the skills you’ll need to succeed in this demanding but rewarding career.

Becoming a medical assistant begins with completing an accredited program. Although most programs take between 9 and 12 months to complete, some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 6 months.

Once you’ve completed an accredited program, you’ll need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you pass the exam, you’ll be a certified medical assistant and can begin your career.

In addition to completing an accredited program and passing the CMA exam, there are certain skills you’ll need to succeed as a medical assistant. These include:
-Good people skills: As a medical assistant, you’ll be working closely with patients, so it’s important that you have good people skills. You should be friendly, patient, and able to put people at ease.
-Good communication skills: Medical assistants need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, doctors, and insurance companies. This means being able to understand and relay complex information. Good written and verbal communication skills are essential.
-Detail oriented: Medical assistants need to be detail oriented because they will be responsible for keeping track of patients’ medical histories and ensuring that all paperwork is completed correctly.
-Organized: Medical assistants need to be organized in order to keep track of patients’ appointments, lab results, and medications. They should also be able to handle multiple tasks at once without getting overwhelmed.
-Flexible: Medical assistants need to be flexible because they never know what each day will bring. They may have days where everything goes according to plan or they may have days where they are constantly putting out fires. Either way, they need to be able adapt quickly and efficiently.

The Best Medical Assistant Programs

There are many great medical assistant programs out there. But how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some things to consider when choosing a medical assistant program:

-First, consider the length of the program. Some programs can be completed in as little as six months, while others may take up to two years.
-Second, think about the cost of the program. Some programs may be more expensive than others, but remember that the quality of your education should be your first priority.
-Third, look at the curriculum of the program. Make sure that it covers all of the topics that you want to learn about, and that it is taught by experienced instructors.
-Finally, consider the placement rate of the program. This is the percentage of graduates who are placed in jobs within their field after completing the program. A high placement rate is a good indicator that the program is preparing its students for successful careers in medical assisting.

The Different Specialties a Medical Assistant can Pursue

Medical assistants are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028 — much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This guide will explore the different specialties a medical assistant can pursue, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

There are many reasons why pursuing a career as a medical assistant is a smart choice. In addition to the above-average job growth, medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $33,610.2 And with certification, you can often earn even more.3

Becoming a medical assistant also gives you the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and with different populations of patients. If you’re interested in working with children, for example, you can pursue a career as a pediatric medical assistant. Or if you’re interested in working with the elderly, you could become a geriatric medical assistant.

The possibilities are endless — and that’s what we’re here to explore. Read on to learn about eight different specialties you could pursue as a medical assistant.

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

The job outlook for medical assistants is extremely positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in this field will grow by 29% between 2016 and 2026 – much faster than the average for all occupations. This high growth rate is due to the increasing demand for healthcare services as the population ages. Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare, performing both administrative and clinical tasks to keep medical offices and clinics running smoothly.

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, you’re probably wondering what the job outlook is like. Here’s what you need to know about the job market for medical assistants in 2020 and beyond.

Medical assistants are in high demand across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 The aging population is driving this growth, as older adults tend to use more healthcare services than younger people.2

There are many reasons to consider a career as a medical assistant. In addition to strong job growth, medical assistants also enjoy good pay and benefits and the satisfaction of helping others. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great choice.

The Salary of a Medical Assistant

The average salary for a medical assistant is $15.42 per hour. The median salary is $33,610 per year, which means that half of medical assistants make more than this amount and half make less. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $23,490 per year, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $48,660 per year. Salary varies based on experience, education, location, and employer.

The Different Settings a Medical Assistant can Work In

Different people are looking for different things when they choose a career. Some want a traditional 9-5 office job while others want more variety in their day. No matter what you are looking for, there is a good chance that you can find it as a medical assistant.

Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings including:
-Doctors’ offices
-Specialty clinics
-Hospitals
-Outpatient facilities
-Administrative roles
-Research positions

Some medical assistants even choose to work from home in transcription or billing positions. No matter what your goals or preferences are, there is likely a position as a medical assistant that will suit you.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

Are you thinking of becoming a medical assistant, but are undecided? Maybe this will help. Here are some of the pros and cons of being a medical assistant.

Pros:
-Can work in a variety of settings
-Flexible hours
– interaction with patients
-Good pay and benefits
-Scope of practice varies by state

Cons:
-May have to work evenings or weekends
– May be on call
-Relatively high stress level
-Turnover rate is high

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Medical Assistant

Are you thinking about becoming a medical assistant, but aren’t sure if it’s the right career for you? Below are some important questions to ask yourself before making the decision to enter the field.

What are My Career Goals?
A medical assistant career might be a good fit if you have short-term career goals, such as completing a certification program and finding a job in a medical office or clinic. If you have long-term career goals that include becoming a registered nurse or doctor, you might want to consider another healthcare field.

Is There Job Security?
Yes! The medical assistant profession is projected to grow 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is due in part to an aging baby-boom generation that will need more medical care as they age.

What is the Work Schedule Like?
Medical assistants typically work full time, although some positions may be part time. Many worked evenings or weekends to cover shifts in healthcare facilities that are open 24 hours a day, such as hospitals and urgent care centers.

What is the Salary?
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in 2019, according to the BLS. The lowest 10% earned less than $24,280, and the highest 10% earned more than $49,540. Keep in mind that salaries vary by geographic location and employer type. For example, medical assistants who worked in physicians’ offices had a median annual wage of $33,750 in 2019, while those who worked in general hospitals had a median annual wage of $36,940.

What are the Educational Requirements?
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as an associate’s degree or diploma from an accredited program. Others may enter the occupation with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training from their employer. Some states have formal education requirements for medical assistants; however, certification is not currently required for entry into this occupation nationwide.