If a career in the medical field appeals to you but you aren't sure what you want to focus on, you might want to consider starting out as a medical assistant. Read on to learn what the role of a medical assistant entails.
Often the first point of contact with the public, the roles and responsibilities of a medical assistant differ based on work settings, like working at a clinic or a large hospital in comparison to working in ambulatory care. The ultimate objective of a medical assistant is to maintain patient care under a supervising physician, usually with a unique blend of clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Clinical responsibilities include:
- Assisting the physician in taking and recording patients’ vital signs
- Preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations
- Explaining procedures to patients
- Administering medication
- Providing prescription information to pharmacies
- Collecting blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens for lab tests
- Administering injections or removing sutures
- Sterilizing equipment
Administrative duties include:
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Interviewing patients to obtain medical information
- Recording patient data online with an electronic health records system
- Filing insurance forms and interacting with insurance companies
Here are three benefits of pursuing this profession.
Job Prospects and Career Progression Opportunities
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant jobs are in demand throughout the healthcare industry and are only expected to grow. The growth rate for jobs between 2016-2026 is 29 percent, faster than average job growth. There are various reasons for the increasing demand for medical assistants and nurses. The first reason is that many hospitals and medical care facilities stay open for longer hours than before, including holidays and weekends, and require more medical assistants as a result. In addition, the increase in population and growing medical concerns call for a preventive approach to health care. As the baby boomer generation ages, there are also more senior citizens in need of medical assistance, resulting in a greater need for medical care.
What you learn during a medical assistant program and in your job as a medical assistant will help prepare you for various career paths. It will give you the foundation you need to pursue a career such as those listed below:
- Healthcare administrator
- Medical office manager
- Clinical team leader
- Medical records manager
- Medical assistant instructor
- Lead medical assistant
- Clinical office manager
- Executive medical office secretary
- Transcription supervisor
You might even decide to take an additional step in your career by going back to school and earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other medical certificates. Taking the medical assistant career path might be a great option if you are considering continuing your education in the future!
Flexible Schedule
Most medical assistants enjoy a fairly steady work schedule, often working a typical 40-hour week, unlike some medical professionals who work 60 to 80 hour weeks. This allows for more personal time while still having job stability. As a medical assistant, you also have the option of working part-time at facilities that have part-time positions.
When your career is in demand across the health industry, this could allow you to work in various environments like at a doctor’s office, hospital, outpatient clinic, or other healthcare facilities.
Quick Training
In a medical assistant program, unlike most other medical professions, you won't be required to go to school for an extended period of time and potentially build up more debt in student loans. While formal education is not a prerequisite, medical assistants who have completed a certification or associate’s degree program have an upper hand at getting better opportunities and may be paid higher than those without prior training.
Medical assistant programs can generally be completed in just one or two years, meaning you can be employed within a relatively short period of time. Many programs also include an internship that will help you learn the ropes, giving you more confidence as you start your career.
Most aspiring medical assistants choose to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam which, is accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This qualification though not required by all employers, can increase your value as a medical assistant.
Now that you understand the benefits of a medical assistant career; and the opportunities that await you once you complete your education program and earn your certification, it’s time to begin exploring accredited programs that can help you achieve it. The only thing standing between you and this fulfilling and meaningful career is joining a medical assistant training program. Contact our Admissions Department for more information.
FAQs
Q: What are the main responsibilities of a medical assistant?
Medical assistants have a dual role, handling both clinical tasks like taking vital signs, administering medication, and assisting with procedures, as well as administrative duties such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. Their goal is to support physicians and ensure smooth operations in healthcare settings.
Q: How long does it take to complete medical assistant training?
Medical assistant programs can vary by length and can take up to two years to complete. American Career College’s program can be completed in as little as 9 months, allowing for faster entry into the workforce.
Q: What career paths can medical assistants pursue after gaining experience?
Medical assistants can advance into roles like healthcare administrator, medical office manager, or clinical team leader. Some may choose to continue their education and pursue degrees in nursing (such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing), which can open doors to becoming a registered nurse (RN) or further specialized roles in healthcare.
