Unitek’s Medical Assistant Program
Contents
- Why choose a career as a medical assistant?
- The duties of a medical assistant
- The benefits of a career as a medical assistant
- The skills needed to be a successful medical assistant
- The training and education required to become a medical assistant
- The job outlook for medical assistants
- The salary and benefits of a medical assistant
- The challenges of a career as a medical assistant
- 10 reasons to become a medical assistant
- 5 myths about medical assistants
Unitek’s medical assistant Program is a rigorous, hands-on program that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field of medical assisting.
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Why choose a career as a medical assistant?
Medical assistants are in high demand! The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Medical Assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2014 and 2024.** In fact, they predict that employment of medical assistants will increase by 29 percent during that time period—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Medical assistants perform many duties to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. They may also be responsible for handling insurance forms and billing patients. Some medical assistants take X-rays and give injections. With additional training, some MAs become certified to perform more difficult tasks, such as drawing blood. As a medical assistant you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing an important role in keeping our healthcare system running smoothly—and you will be in high demand!
The duties of a medical assistant
A medical assistant is a professional who helps keep doctors’ offices and clinics running smoothly. They typically have a wide range of duties, from greeting patients and answering phones to updating medical records and scheduling appointments. In some states, medical assistants are even allowed to perform basic medical procedures, such as taking blood pressure readings or administer injections.
While the exact duties of a medical assistant may vary from one office to the next, there are some general tasks that are commonly performed by most medical assistants. These include:
-Greeting patients
-Answering phones
-Updating medical records
-Scheduling appointments
-Taking patient vital signs
-Assisting with minor office procedures, such as removing stitches or applying casts
-Instructing patients on taking their medications or performing other self-care tasks
The benefits of a career as a medical assistant
The medical assistant profession is one of the most rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. Not only do medical assistants enjoy a challenging and rewarding career, they also enjoy a high degree of job satisfaction. In addition, medical assistants are in high demand and can earn a good salary.
Medical assistants perform many important tasks in the medical office, including taking patient histories, scheduling appointments, preparing patients for examination, handling correspondence, and taking vital signs. They also may assist the physician with diagnostic procedures, such as removing sutures and recording electrocardiograms. In addition, medical assistants may give injections and perform laboratory tests.
Medical assistants must be able to perform their duties with accuracy and precision. They must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work well under pressure. In addition, medical assistants must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
The skills needed to be a successful medical assistant
Medical assistants are in high demand and expected to grow much faster than other occupations. With recent advances in technology, medical assistants are assuming larger roles in patient care and administrative duties. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from an accredited medical assisting program. Employers also value work experience, so internships or externships are often part of a successful medical assistant program.
Aspiring medical assistants should possess certain qualities to be successful in the field. These include:
-Interpersonal skills: Medical assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, healthcare team members and others.
-Organizational skills: Medical assistants must be able to manage their time well and keep accurate patient records.
-Detail oriented: Medical assistants must pay attention to detail in order to perform their duties accurately.
-Adaptability: Medical assistants must be able to adapt to changes in the healthcare environment.
-Stress management skills: Medical assistants often work under pressure and must be able to manage their stress well.
The training and education required to become a medical assistant
Medical assistants perform many administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but they generally include taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, scheduling appointments, answering patients’ questions and assisting with minor office surgery. Most have postsecondary education such as a certificate.
Medical assistants must be able to perform both administrative and clinical duties. They should have strong communication and interpersonal skills because they frequently interact with patients, other health care professionals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical representatives. They must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. They should be detail oriented and organized because they often handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Medical assistants must also possess basic computer skills because they use computers to manage patient records, schedule appointments, transcribe physicians’ dictate and perform other administrative tasks.
The job outlook for medical assistants
Medical assistants are in high demand. 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. The demand for medical services is expected to increase as the population continues to age. An aging population will lead to a greater need for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants.
The salary and benefits of a medical assistant
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a career is salary. Medical assistants are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.
In addition to a competitive salary, many medical assistants also receive benefits such as health insurance paid vacation, and sick leave. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees who wish to further their education.
The challenges of a career as a medical assistant
A career as a medical assistant can be both challenging and rewarding. As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for providing support to physicians and other health care professionals in a variety of settings. You will play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive quality care and that the medical office runs smoothly.
However, becoming a medical assistant is not without its challenges. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, and you will need to have strong organizational and communication skills to be successful. If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, it is important to be aware of the challenges you may face so that you can be prepared to meet them head-on.
10 reasons to become a medical assistant
There are many reasons to consider a career as a medical assistant. Here are 10 of the most compelling:
1. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.
2. Medical assistants can earn a good living, with many earning salaries above $30,000 per year.
3. Medical assistants have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
4. Medical assistants can take on a variety of tasks, from administrative duties to patient care tasks.
5. Medical assistants can often find work with flexible hours and schedules.
6. Many medical assistants are able to earn certification, which can improve their career prospects and earnings potential.
7. Medical assistants often receive comprehensive benefit packages from their employers.
8. Medical assistants have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and families.
9. Medical assistants can take advantage of continuing education opportunities to further their careers.
10. Medical assisting is a rewarding and challenging career that offers plenty of opportunity for growth and advancement
5 myths about medical assistants
1. Medical assistants are highly trained professionals who have gone through a rigorous process to earn certification.
2. Medical assistants are educated in both the clinical and administrative aspects of healthcare.
3. Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare team, providing both clinical and administrative support.
4. Medical assistants are in high demand, and the job outlook for medical assistants is very positive.
5. Medical assistants can make a real difference in the lives of their patients.