NurseCareer Profile: Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. Medical assistants are unique in that they perform a wide variety of tasks. Depending on facility and experience, medical assistants may do everything from checking in patients and maintaining medical records to taking vital signs and preparing a patient for routine procedures. Because medical assistants get so much experience, many choose to specialize, either in clinical or non-clinical work, down the road.
Median Salary
$31,290
Education Requirements
Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. There are various organizations that accredit medical assisting programs. Accredited programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.
Job Outlook
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006 - 2016 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience, and certification.
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. Medical assistants are unique in that they perform a wide variety of tasks. Depending on facility and experience, medical assistants may do everything from checking in patients and maintaining medical records to taking vital signs and preparing a patient for routine procedures. Because medical assistants get so much experience, many choose to specialize, either in clinical or non-clinical work, down the road.
Median Salary
$31,290
Education Requirements
Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. There are various organizations that accredit medical assisting programs. Accredited programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.
Job Outlook
Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006 - 2016 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience, and certification.
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Quiz: What's Your Healthcare Dream Job?
Healthcare is a vast and expanding industry. Choosing a career path can be confusing. Do you want a clinical or non-clinical job? Do you want to specialize, or work with a wide range of patients? Do you want hands-on experience or are you better on the administrative side? The choices are endless. So where do you belong? Find out now!Considering Healthcare Discussion
Interested in a healthcare career? Find the answers you need from those in the know. Get an insider's view from active healthcare professionals and other job-seekers. Visit the Considering Healthcare Forums where you can learn from and connect with people just like you. Do Medical Assistants Need a Bachelor's Degree?
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