On the Job Training for Medical Assistant Jobs

Find out what you need to know about on the job training for medical assistant jobs so that you can be prepared for success in your career.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep doctors’ offices, clinics and other healthcare facilities running smoothly.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a medical assistant you may be wondering how to go about getting the training you need. One option is to pursue on-the-job training for medical assistant jobs.

On-the-job training for medical assistant jobs can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the healthcare industry. It can also be a good option if you’re not sure whether you want to commit to pursuing a formal education program.

Keep reading to learn more about on-the-job training for medical assistant jobs, including what you can expect and how to get started.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a person who performs administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office. They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Duties of a medical assistant may include taking medical histories, scheduling appointments, preparing patients for examinations, drawing blood, and giving injections. Some states allow Medical Assistants to perform more advanced procedures such as suturing, casting, and intubation.

Duties of a medical assistant

Most medical assistants have a postsecondary education such as a certificate. Some have associate degrees. Employers increasingly prefer medical assistants who have completed formal education programs. Medical assistants should be detail oriented, organized, and enjoy working with people.

Duties of medical assistants vary with their specialty, the size of the practice, and state regulations. However, many of their duties are similar from one office to another. These duties fall into the categories of administrative, clinical, and compliance-related activities.

Clinical duties include taking and recording patients’ vital signs, such as weight, height, blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature. They also record patients’ medical histories and chief complaints—the main reasons for patients’ visits—in electronic health records (EHRs). Medical assistants also may prepare patients for examination by escorting them to exam rooms and providing them with information about the procedures that will be performed.

Compliance-related activities include ensuring that the practice meets accreditation standards from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), or another certifying organization. These standards ensure that a practice is providing quality care to its patients.

Administrative duties include answering phones; scheduling appointments; verifying insurance coverage; handling correspondence; billing and coding insurance forms; handling medical records stocking supplies; making sure equipment is clean and in working order; organizing laboratory procedures; handling billing procedures; handling payroll; assisting in marketing the practice; preparing reports; coordinating meetings and conferences related to patient care or administrative staff meetings related to office operations.

Education and training

Education and training for medical assistants generally involves completing a postsecondary education program, although some states allow on-the-job training for certain aspects of the job. Specific education and training requirements vary by state, but most medical assistants complete a 1- or 2-year postsecondary certification or diploma program. Some programs lead to an associate degree. A few states allow candidates to complete on-the-job training for certain aspects of the job, such as clinical procedures, under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

Certification

Medical assistants who wish to enhance their marketability and chances for career advancement may want to consider certification. Although not required for all positions, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and some states have certification requirements for certain positions. The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation. To earn this credential, candidates must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass a national exam.

Salary

The average salary for medical assistant jobs is $30,590 per year. However, salaries can range from $25,710 to $37,780 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Job outlook

The job outlook for medical assistants is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 23 percent growth in employment opportunities between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations, meaning that now is a great time to enter the field.

There are a number of reasons for this rapid growth. First, as the Baby Boomer generation ages, they will need more medical care. This includes more routine check-ups as well as more treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Secondly, many physicians are choosing to hire medical assistants to perform routine tasks so that they can focus on more complex patient care.

If you’re thinking of becoming a medical assistant, you can be assured that there will be plenty of job opportunities available when you graduate from your training program.

Pros and cons of being a medical assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand. They play an important role in the healthcare industry by providing support to physicians and other medical professionals. If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros:
-The job outlook for medical assistants is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
-Medical assistants can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and other healthcare facilities.
-The job is relatively stable. Even during economic downturns, there is typically still a need for medical assistants.
– earnings are good. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.
-There is potential for career advancement. With experience, medical assistants may advance to supervisory roles or become certified medical assistants with additional responsibilities.

Cons:
-The job can be physically demanding. Medical assistants may be required to lift elderly or disabled patients, or to stand for long periods of time.
-The job can be emotionally demanding. Medical assistants may deal with patients who are experiencing pain or who are dealing with difficult news about their health.
-The job may involve exposure to infectious diseases. Medical assistants may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids while on the job.

Tips for becoming a medical assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand, so it’s no surprise that many people are interested in this career. If you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant, there are a few things you should know.

First and foremost, medical assistants must be able to work well under pressure. They often have to juggle multiple tasks at once and must be able to think quickly on their feet. Additionally, they must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, the best way to start is by finding an on-the-job training program. There are many community colleges and vocational schools that offer these programs, and they can be completed in as little as six months. Once you complete an on-the-job training program, you’ll be prepared to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam.

If you have any questions about becoming a medical assistant or about on-the-job training programs, please contact us. We’d be happy to chat with you about this exciting career option

Conclusion

There are many opportunities for on-the-job training for medical assistant jobs. These can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. Many employers are willing to provide training to qualified candidates, and there are also a number of professional organizations that offer certification programs.