Careers in Medical Assisting

Becoming a Medical Assistant can provide you with a satisfying and rewarding career. Although Medical Assistants are not licensed professionals; they are valuable members of the health care team. Quality trained individuals work together to deliver health care, and meet the health care needs of our society. Medical Assistants must work under the supervision of Physicians or Registered Nurses and these assistants perform a diverse amount of duties. This makes medical assistants a vital asset to the health care industry. Opportunities await!

According to the United States Department of Labor the medical assistant profession is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the next ten years. Due to the rising demands of health care and a continuing aging population; Medical Assistants are going to continue to be in high demand throughout the future. The rise of technology and the availability of the internet make this a great time to pursue an education and training in this much needed field. As you start building a career in the health care profession, you will see how your skills and training tremendously affect the lives of others. Medical assistants are usually responsible for the overall smooth running of a medical facility or establishment. As a Medical Assistant you will be working under highly trained individuals placing you in an ongoing learning environment. There are also many great opportunities for advancement, making medical assistance an exciting path to begin your medical career.

Medical Assistants perform both administrative duties as well as many clinical tasks. The training you receive to become a medical assistant will provide you with the tools necessary to multitask and prepare you for job security in and among the health care field. Medical Assisting is considered to be a level 2 complex skills training program, certified in preparing individuals through classroom, lab and practical experience. Although it is not mandatory to receive a certification, it is highly recommended by employers and allows for higher salaries and added skills training. It is simply an exam issued by the National Board of Medical Examiners. It is also available through the AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants. This exam is offered twice a year and there are currently over 200 test sights across the country.

Medical assistants are primarily responsible for Administrative duties in health care facilities; however, they are very involved in the clinical care of patients as well. Administrative duties include:

• Medical Record Management
• Patient Scheduling
• Insurance Procedures
• Billing
• Receptionist Duties

Medical assistants also act as a go between, a communicator between the doctors and their patients; relating information to patients or instructing patients on what their physician has planned for their health care regarding treatment. Often the medical assistant may be present during patient examinations or procedures. Other Clinical duties may include:

• Gathering Patient Medical History
• Taking Vital Signs
• Administering Medications
• Performing Lab Testing
• Sterilizing Supplies
• Writing Prescriptions
• Preparing Patient Rooms

Medical Assistants can work in every medical profession and facility today, including ambulatory health care, hospitals and clinics. They work in private medical professions such as primary physicians, chiropractors, optometrist, and podiatrists. Salaries average between $22,500-$36,500, Factors depending on state, facility, experience, and certification. There are an unlimited amount of health care facilities in need of trained medical assistants. Join the health care profession and be a part of a team that provides quality health care to our society!