How about a Career as a Medical Assistant?
Sure, but what is a medical assistant (MA)? A medical assistant is a multi-skilled healthcare professional who works in ambulatory care sites such as doctors' offices, urgent cares or clinics. Usually, medical assistants work where patients walk in and not roll in, like a hospital. The MA's responsibilities include both the administrative and clinical sides of an office setting, and work under the direct supervision of a physician. Administrative duties include, but are not limited to, bookkeeping, transcription, records management, insurance, appointment management, and patient reception. These are generally called front office skills. The clinical duties, or back office skills, include vital signs, administration of medication, drawing blood, assisting with minor office surgeries, patient education, and assisting the physician.
The U.S. Department of Labor has rated medical assisting in the top ten of the fastest growing careers during the 2000-2010 time period. MAs are in high demand due to the fact they are multi-skilled. They are capable of working in many different areas, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Some specialty areas include working with cardiologists, surgeons, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists. MAs are qualified to work as medical secretaries, hospital admitting clerks, pharmacy technicians, and medical office coding specialists.
MAs have the opportunity to receive formal education from a variety of venues. Programs may be found in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and colleges and universities. The college-level programs are generally one-to-two years in length and lead to an associate degree. The vocational programs may be up to one year long and would lead to a diploma or certificate. Courses necessary to complete both the college-level and vocational programs in medical assisting include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, insurance processing, laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, medication administration, first aid, office practices, patient relations, and medical law and ethics. If you are looking for ways to serve people, can communicate effectively, are an active listener, and capable of multi-tasking, you have a high chance of succeeding in the profession.
An increase in specialization in the medical field and the potential for malpractice suits for physicians without professionally trained employees have helped to increase the employment potential for medical assistants. Opportunities are excellent for those with formal education or experience. Most physicians prefer to hire experienced workers or certified applicants who have passed a national examination. The national examination indicates certain standards of competence have been met. Certification for the MA is voluntary. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) awards the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) awards the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential.
The earning potential for a credentialed medical assistant varies widely and depends on the MA's experience and skill level as well as the location of the practice. The Department of Labor's statistics indicate that the annual salary for graduates of medical assisting programs nationally is $16,700-$32,800, and for the state of Ohio it is $17,000-$29,300.
Medical assistants are multi-skilled healthcare practitioners who work in a variety of settings. They fill many roles and are an asset to the healthcare community. How about a career in medical assisting?
Editorial provided by Jennifer Barr of Sinclair Community College.
