Recessions can be devastating to many career fields. But according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare opportunities are growing and new jobs are being created. One such career that's been getting a lot of attention lately is medical assisting. In case this is an area you’re considering, let’s take a closer look at medical assisting.
What is a medical assistant?
Medical assistants are highly trained healthcare providers who work in a doctor's offices, clinics, or hospitals. They may perform both clinical and administrative duties, and report directly to an office manager, physician, or other health care professional. Medical assistants in large practices or hospitals often specialize in a particular area, working under the supervision of department administrators.
Medical assistants are not doctors and do not treat patients. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.
Part of the job description may include administrative tasks such as filling out insurance forms, updating and filing patients' medical records, and arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services. Other general office duties may include answering telephones, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, and handling bookkeeping and billing.
Clinical medical assistants may take medical histories and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examinations, and assist physicians during examinations and medical procedures. State laws regulate the scope of allowable clinical duties for these and many other healthcare workers.
Where do medical assistants work?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS), about 62 percent work in offices of physicians; 12 percent work in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and 11 percent work in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists.
What are the qualifications needed to be a medical assistant? Formal training is a plus, but it is not always required. Employers prefer to hire either experienced workers or those who are state certified. Certification indicates that a medical assistant meets certain standards of competence.
Postsecondary healthcare programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Certificate and diploma programs usually last one year, and associate degree programs generally last two years.
Is there a possibility for advancement?
Medical assistants may go on to teach, while others get additional career education to become nurses or other health care workers. Administrative medical assistants may advance to office manager, or qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations. Additional training is often the key to professional advancement, especially in the healthcare field.
Is medical assisting a growing field?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, qualified people who want to work as medical assistants should find excellent opportunities. Medical assistants are projected to account for a very large number of new jobs. Between 2006 and 2016, the Department of Labor estimates that the number of medical assisting jobs will increase by 35%. Candidates with formal training or experience-particularly those with certification-should have the best job opportunities.
Is medical assisting right for you? Check out our Health care page, search for medical assistant career colleges and contact their admissions departments. They'll be happy to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about choosing a career path and getting career training.
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