Medical Assisting
Medical assistants are a support or foundation for medical practices, performing the multitude of duties necessary to make health services possible. They are able-bodied individuals who are honest, skilled, detailed, and accurate. Most importantly, medical assistants are personable individuals who can help patients relax and explain instructions from their physician. Medical Assistant Job description
Medical assistants are essential in both small and large scale practices. In order to aid various offices and facilities in running efficiently and properly, medical assistants may carry out both administrative and clinical responsibilities. Job duties fluctuate in type and difficulty from office to office. (It is important to note that medical assistants and physician assistants are not the same.)
While working within smaller practices, medical assistants often handle a wide array of responsibilities. Administrative duties can be both medical and non-medical related; they range from maintaining medical and insurance records and ordering prescriptions, to answering telephones, scheduling appointments, and bookkeeping. Clinical duties may include collecting and possibly testing laboratory specimens, organizing and sanitizing examination rooms and equipment, and maintaining medical supplies. Those working in larger practices are usually specialized within a specific field, such as optometry or podiatry.
Medical assistants add a comforting touch to the facilities they work in - often working one on one with patients to prepare them for exams and to help explain procedures.
Education and training for Medical Assistants
Though it is growing less and less common, medical assistants having only a high school diploma or equivalent may simply receive on the job training. If a medical assistant seeks to acquire employment by these means, it helps to have a medical background, such as volunteer experience in a medical setting and having completed job-related course work. However, most medical assistants are required to complete training programs.
Accredited programs are available through different vocational or technical schools and community or junior colleges. Typically, certificates or diplomas can be earned through one year programs, while associate degrees are earned through two year programs. Internships are often available. Formal training programs usually include courses such as mathematics, biology, and computer and office skills. Employers strongly prefer to hire certified or experienced workers.
Medical Assistant Job Openings
Advances in technology and medicine have created a growing and aging population. As a result, the health care industry is expanding to meet the demands of this population. These areas of growth have created an escalated need for medical assistants; particularly those who can work in both administrative and clinical duties. A majority of medical assistants are employed in physician offices. Other main areas of employment include general hospitals, outpatient care centers, and the offices of chiropractors and optometrists.
Job security and salary
An increase in health service facilities, amongst other things, is helping the job market for medical assistants to grow steadily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected increase in employment of 35 percent during the next several years. Medical assistants can expect to earn anywhere from over $18,000 to over $36,000 annually. The more skill and experience a medical assistant gains, the more valuable he or she becomes. Often, additional training creates opportunities for advancement within the both the medical field and income.