How to Become a Medical Assistant at SJVC

Learn how to become a medical assistant at SJVC. This guide provides information on the necessary steps to take, including training and education requirements.

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Introduction: Why You Should Become a Medical Assistant at SJVC

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health care providers. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a medical assistant is a great option. Here are four reasons why you should become a medical assistant at SJVC:

1. You will gain valuable experience.
As a medical assistant, you will have the opportunity to work closely with physicians and other health care providers. You will gain valuable experience in the healthcare field that will prepare you for a successful career.

2. You will make a difference in the lives of others.
As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for helping patients receive the care they need. You will make a difference in the lives of others by providing quality healthcare services.

3. You will have job security.
The demand for Medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. This means that there will be plenty of job openings for qualified medical assistants.

4. You can earn a good salary.
Medical assistants earn a good salary, with the average salary being $34,610 per year.* This makes this career option very attractive for those looking to earn a good living.

Becoming a medical assistant at SJVC is a great way to start your career in healthcare. Our program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you achieve your goals.*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Medical Assistant Role and Responsibilities

There are a variety of roles and responsibilities that medical assistants can have in a medical office or clinic. They may be responsible for greeting patients, scheduling appointments, taking patient medical histories, assisting with minor medical procedures, handling laboratory specimens, and more. In some cases, they may also be responsible for billing and coding.

The Education and Training Required to Become a Medical Assistant

In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assisting program. SJVC’s Medical Assisting program takes approximately 11 months to complete and includes both didactic (classroom) and clinical (hands-on) training.

Didactic training covers topics such as Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, among others. Clinical training gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom by working with patients under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Passing this exam is required in order to work as a medical assistant in many states.

The Certification Process for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are in high demand! Due to the shortage of qualified medical assistant candidates, many employers are willing to invest in certification for new hires. The certification process is not as daunting as it may seem, and SJVC’s Medical Assisting program can help you every step of the way.

There are two primary ways to become a certified medical assistant: through an accredited school like SJVC or by passing the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants (CMA). The CMA is a computer-based exam offered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

To be eligible to take the CMA, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program or have equivalent work experience. Once you have met these requirements, you can register for the exam through the AAMA website. The CMA is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions covering five general content areas: general, administrative, clinical, infection control, and safety. Prior to taking the exam, candidates must sign a legal document attesting to their understanding of AAMA’s Code of Ethics for Medical Assistants.

The CMA is offered year-round at testing centers across the country. To find a testing site near you, visit the AAMA website. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate from the AAMA and will be required to renew your certification every 60 months.

The other option for becoming a certified medical assistant is to attend an accredited school like SJVC. Our 16-month program includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, office procedures, insurance billing and coding, and much more. Students also gain valuable hands-on experience through our externship opportunities.

Upon successful completion of our program, graduates are eligible to take either the CMA or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exams. The RMA is offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT) and has similar eligibility requirements as the CMA. Both exams are computer-based and cover similar content areas; however, the RMA is slightly longer with 250 questions instead of 200.

Whether you choose to attend an accredited school or study on your own, becoming a certified medical assistant is a great way to start your career in healthcare!

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% growth in employment for medical assistants between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This demand is being driven by an aging population and the associated increase in chronic conditions, as well as a growing emphasis on preventive care.

If you’re thinking about becoming a medical assistant, you’re probably wondering what the job outlook is like. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect in terms of job growth and salary potential.

Job Growth
As mentioned above, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% growth in employment for medical assistants between 2016 and 2026. This demand is being driven by an aging population and the associated increase in chronic conditions, as well as a growing emphasis on preventive care.

Salary Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2017. The top 10% earned more than $46,080, while the bottom 10% earned less than $22,290.

The Salary and Benefits of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They work alongside physicians and other medical staff to provide patient care and support. If you’re interested in a career in medicine, becoming a medical assistant is a great place to start.

The salary and benefits of medical assistants can vary depending on their employer and location. However, the average salary for medical assistants in the United States is $33,610 per year, or $16.17 per hour. The top 10% of earners make more than $52,120 per year, while the bottom 10% make less than $23,490 per year.

Medical assistants also typically receive benefits such as health insurance retirement savings plans, and paid vacation days. These benefits can add Thousands of dollars to their total compensation each year.

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, there are many things to consider. The most important thing is to make sure you choose an accredited program at a reputable school like SJVC. With our hands-on training and experienced faculty, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in medicine

The Work Schedule of Medical Assistants

Medical assistants typically work full time, and their schedules may include evenings and weekends. They may also be required to work on holidays. Many medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Some may be expected to travel to patients’ homes to provide care or services.

The Career Advancement Opportunities for Medical Assistants

The career advancement opportunities for medical assistants are excellent. SJVC provides the necessary training to become a medical assistant and also provides career advancement opportunities.

There are many reasons to consider becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants are in demand, and the job market for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. In addition, medical assistants earn a good wage and have excellent job benefits.

SJVC offers an accredited Medical Assisting program that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful medical assistant. Upon completing the program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. Passing the CMA exam will allow you to work as a medical assistant in any state.

In addition to providing you with the necessary training to become a medical assistant, SJVC also offers career advancement opportunities. Many medical assistants choose to further their education by taking additional courses or pursuing a degree in healthcare administration or another related field. SJVC can help you take your career even further with our Career Services department which offers job placement assistance and guidance on how to advance your career.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

There are many reasons to become a medical assistant. Medical assistants are in high demand, and the job outlook is excellent. They also enjoy good pay and benefits, and the work is generally very rewarding. However, there are some drawbacks to the job as well. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of being a medical assistant.

PROS

Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 23 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 This growth is due to several factors, including an aging population (which will require more health care services) and an increased emphasis on preventive care (which will require more support staff).

Medical assistants enjoy good pay and benefits. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,480 in 2016,2 and salaries are typically higher in metropolitan areas and lower in rural areas. In addition, many medical assistants receive health insurance and other benefits from their employers.

The work is generally very rewarding. Medical assistants make a difference in the lives of their patients every day. They may help ease a patient’s anxiety by providing comfort and support, or they may provide vital information that helps a physician diagnose and treat a patient’s condition. They also play an important role in preventive care, such as screening patients for various conditions or administering vaccines.

CONS

The job can be stressful at times. Medical assistants often deal with sick or injured patients who may be anxious or in pain. They also deal with family members who may be worried about their loved ones. In addition, medical assistants often have to work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Conclusion: Is Becoming a Medical Assistant at SJVC Right for You?

Now that you have all the information you need about becoming a medical assistant at SJVC, it’s time to make a decision. This can be a tough decision, but it’s important to remember that you need to do what is right for you. If you feel like becoming a medical assistant at SJVC is the right choice for you, then go for it!