Health care is one of the fastest growing and most lucrative career fields in the United States. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assisting is one of the fastest growing careers not only within health care, but among all job fields. This growth is driven both by an increased need for medical care among the nation's aging population and a projected increase in the number of physicians offices needed to treat these seniors.
Medical Assistant Certification If you've already graduated from high school, the next step is to enroll in a medical assistant training program that's accredited by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completing this program, you must take the national board exam to become certified, which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, or the national registration exam administered by the American Medical Technologists. Passing one of these national certification exams makes you much more attractive to potential employers, including hospitals and doctors' offices.
Medical Assistant Job Description While each state dictates the duties that can be performed by a medical assistant,in most states this position is charged with appointment scheduling, drawing blood, ordering prescription drug refills, taking vitals signs, recording patient history, maintaining charts and medical records, and administering first aid. The ideal candidate will be well versed not only in these practical skills, but in interacting with physicians and other office staff as well as adhering to medical ethics and HIPAA compliance. Some medical assistants are also responsible for greeting patients, bookkeeping and correspondence, preparing patients for exams, performing diagnostic testing, collecting lab specimens, basic wound care, and other assistance the physician requires.
One of the most important duties for the medical assistant is serving as a patient liaison, helping the patient feel at ease and explaining often complicated medical terminology and instructions. According to research, medical assistants are one of the top five most important positions for any practice that strives to serve as a patient centered medical home.
If you're interested in a rewarding career in the medical field without amassing considerable student debt, consider becoming a medical assistant.
Training to become a medical assistant can usually be completed within two to twelve months for a certificate program and between 1.5 and 2 years for an associate's degree program. Read on to learn more about how to get involved in this exciting and rewarding career.
Medical Assistant Certification If you've already graduated from high school, the next step is to enroll in a medical assistant training program that's accredited by either the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Upon completing this program, you must take the national board exam to become certified, which is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, or the national registration exam administered by the American Medical Technologists. Passing one of these national certification exams makes you much more attractive to potential employers, including hospitals and doctors' offices.
Medical Assistant Job Description While each state dictates the duties that can be performed by a medical assistant,in most states this position is charged with appointment scheduling, drawing blood, ordering prescription drug refills, taking vitals signs, recording patient history, maintaining charts and medical records, and administering first aid. The ideal candidate will be well versed not only in these practical skills, but in interacting with physicians and other office staff as well as adhering to medical ethics and HIPAA compliance. Some medical assistants are also responsible for greeting patients, bookkeeping and correspondence, preparing patients for exams, performing diagnostic testing, collecting lab specimens, basic wound care, and other assistance the physician requires.
Medical Assistant Salary
Most medical assistants earn an average annual salary ranging from $23,917 to over $31,000. The highest salaries are commanded by medical assistants who have completed a formal training program and passed the national certification or registration exam.
One of the most important duties for the medical assistant is serving as a patient liaison, helping the patient feel at ease and explaining often complicated medical terminology and instructions. According to research, medical assistants are one of the top five most important positions for any practice that strives to serve as a patient centered medical home.
If you're interested in a rewarding career in the medical field without amassing considerable student debt, consider becoming a medical assistant.
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