How to Get a Medical Assisting Job

If you want to know how to get a medical assisting job, then look no further. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting a job in this field.

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Introduction: Why You Should Consider a Career in Medical Assisting

A medical assistant career is a great way to start your healthcare career. Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent. They play an important role in the healthcare team and provide vital support to doctors and other health professionals.

If you are considering a career in medical assisting, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, medical assisting is a demanding profession. You will need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as being able to work well under pressure. Secondly, Medical Assistants need to be highly organized and motivated individuals who are able to work independently.

Thirdly, medical assistants need to be physically fit as they will be required to lift and move patients occasionally. Fourthly, medical assistants need to have good eyesight as they will be required to read and write documents on a daily basis. Finally, medical assistants need to have good hand-eye coordination as they will be required to use various equipment on a daily basis.

What Does a medical assistant Do?

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They work closely with doctors and nurses to provide patient care and perform administrative tasks.

A medical assistant’s job duties vary depending on the size and location of the practice. In a small medical office, a medical assistant might be responsible for a range of tasks, from scheduling appointments to taking patient vital signs. In a larger practice or hospital, medical assistants might specialize in a particular area, such as billing or coding.

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education, such as a certificate or diploma from an accredited program. Some states have certification requirements for medical assistants. Employers often prefer to hire candidates who have certification from a professional organization, such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants.

Education and Training Requirements

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate, although some have completed formal medical assisting programs at a community college, vocational school, or medical school. Many employers prefer to hire individuals with formal training or those who have completed an accredited program. Certification is voluntary, but it demonstrates competence and often gives job seekers an edge in the job market. More than half of all medical assistants are certified.

Most medical assistants complete a one-year, accredited certification program that combines classroom study with hands-on clinical experience. These programs are typically found at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. A small number of 4-year colleges and universities also offer 2-year associate’s degree programs in medical assisting.

State licensure is not currently required for medical assistants, although this may change in the future as the role of the medical assistant expands. Certification through one of several professional organizations is voluntary but may be required by some employers.

Certification

Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a certified medical assistant program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most certified programs take about one year to complete, although some can be completed in as little as nine months. After completing a certified program, you will need to pass an exam offered by an accredited institution, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.

Salary and Job Outlook

Medical Assisting is a great career choice with many job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 With an aging population and advances in medical technology, there will be an increase in demand for preventive medical services. One of the Medical Assisting roles will be to perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The following are salary statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2017.

The median annual wage for medical assistants was $31,540 in May 2017.2 The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $45,310.2 In May 2017, the median annual wages for medical assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:3
-Hospitals; state, local, and private: $34,550
-Offices of physicians: $32,360
-Outpatient care centers: $30,610
-Offices of other health practitioners: $29,970
-Government: $29,870

Steps to Getting a Medical Assisting Job

There are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of getting a medical assisting job.

First, you should make sure that you have the proper education and training. Most medical assistant positions will require at least a certificate or diploma from an accredited program. You can find accredited programs at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals.

Second, it is important to have strong interpersonal skills. Medical assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Good customer service skills are also essential in this role.

Third, you should be familiar with basic Medical Terminology and procedures. Many employers will prefer candidates who have some knowledge of medical terminology and basic medical procedures.

Fourth, it is often helpful to have experience working in a medical office or other healthcare setting. This experience can help you learn about the day-to-day tasks of a medical assistant and give you a better understanding of the job.

Finally, you should be prepared to pass a background check and drug screen. Many employers require these checks as part of the hiring process.

The Job Application Process

Applying for medical assisting jobs can be done in a variety of ways, including online, through an agency, or directly with a healthcare facility. The most important part of the process is to make sure you are well-qualified for the position and that your application stands out from the rest.

Before you begin applying for jobs, take some time to research the medical assisting profession and make sure it is the right fit for you. Once you have decided that medical assisting is the right career path for you, it is time to start looking for open positions.

There are a number of ways to find open medical assisting positions. One way is to search online job boards, such as Indeed.com or Monster.com. Another way to find positions is to contact healthcare facilities directly and inquire about open positions or upcoming job fairs. Finally, you can also work with a staffing agency that specializes in placement for medical assistants.

Once you have found a few open positions that you are interested in, it is time to start working on your application materials. Your resume should be up-to-date and tailored specifically for medical assistant roles. In addition, you will need to prepare for any interviews that might be required as part of the hiring process.

After your applications are submitted, the waiting game begins. The length of time it takes to hear back from potential employers will vary depending on the size of the company and the number of applications they receive. While you wait, continue to look for other open positions and stay positive throughout the process.

The Interview Process

After you’ve applied for a medical assisting position and submitted your resume, the next step is usually an interview. The interview process provides an opportunity for both the employer and the job seeker to learn more about each other and decide if there’s a good fit.

There are a few different types of interviews that you might encounter during the job search process. A phone interview is typically the first step in the interview process. This is followed by an in-person interview, which may be just one meeting or a series of meetings. You may also be asked to participate in a panel interview, which is an interview with multiple people from the organization.

Before your interview, it’s important to do your research on the company and the role that you’re applying for. This will help you prepare for questions that you might be asked during the interview. It’s also helpful to practice answering common interview questions out loud so that you’re comfortable with them when it comes time for your actual interview.

The interview process can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay calm and be yourself. The goal is to find a mutual fit between you and the employer, so use this opportunity to showcase why you would be a great addition to their team.

After You Get the Job

After you have been hired, your employer will provide you with on-the-job training. During this time, you will learn how to perform the tasks required of a medical assistant. You will also be introduced to the office’s policies and procedures. Once your training is complete, you will be expected to work independently.

Resources for Medical Assistants

There are many ways to get a job as a medical assistant. The best way to find a job is to research the resources that are available to you. You can find medical assistant jobs in many places, but the most common place to find them is through online job boards.

Online job boards are a great way to find medical assistant jobs because they allow you to search for jobs in your area and see what is available. You can also read reviews about each company and see what other medical assistants have to say about their experience with the company.

Another great resource for finding medical assistant jobs is through your local Chamber of Commerce. Many times, the Chamber of Commerce will have a list of businesses that are hiring in your area. This is a great way to get an idea of what companies are hiring and what types of positions they have available.

You can also check with your state’s Medical Board or Department of Health for information on medical assisting jobs in your area. These agencies usually keep a list of open positions and can help you find a position that meets your qualifications.

Finally, don’t forget to check with your local newspaper or online job sites like Indeed.com for medical assistant jobs that may be posted in your area.