Are you thinking about becoming a medical assistant? It’s hands-on work assisting doctors and patients.[1] Helping people can be one of the benefits of being a medical assistant. Medical assisting is also one of the fastest growing fields.[2] Plus, U.S. News & World Report ranked it the 18th Best Health Care Support Job.[3] Show
But is medial assisting right for you? Weighing the pros and cons can help with this important decision. What is a Medical Assistant?A medical assistant is an allied health professional that plays a supportive role to the physicians and front office staff in medical practices.[4] Is Being a Medical Assistant a Good Job?One person’s idea of the perfect job might not seem so great to someone else. Choosing a career can be a matter of personal preference. But, people usually consider important factors like job duties, work schedules, pay, and career advancement opportunities when deciding on whether or not to pursue a particular career.[5] Medical Assistant Job Duties Pros and ConsWhat does a medical assistant do on a daily basis? Depending on the size and type of practice, medical assistants may help with the management of the front office or with patient care in the back office. Many medical assistants do both. It’s common for medical assistants to work full time.[6] A typical day might start with preparing for patients to arrive by organizing medical charts and getting treatment rooms ready. Throughout the day, the medical assistant may go back and forth from checking in patients, filling out paperwork, and answering phones in the front office to interviewing patients, taking vital signs, and assisting the doctor with medical procedures in the back office. It can be a fast-paced job. Being able to multi-task is important.[7] Pros
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Medical Assistant Job OutlookThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the job prospects for medical assistants in the coming years to be strong. The agency predicts employment will grow by 29 percent through 2026. This is much faster than the national average of 7 percent for all occupations. But, keep in mind that job opportunities may be better for those with medical assistant certification and an understanding of electronic health records (EHRs).[11] Also, employers tend to hire people with medical assistant training and certification over applicants who have only a high school diploma or GED.[12] Medical Assistant SalaryThe median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2017, according to BLS.[13] Experience, training, certification, job duties, location, and industry are all factors that can affect a medical assistants’ salary.[14] It’s possible to make more as a medical assistant with training and certification. Moving to a top paying city, state, or industry is also an option.[15] Medical Assistant TrainingAllied health training doesn’t typically take as long as medical training. For example, a medical assistant program can be completed in anywhere from nine months to two years.[16] However, it can take two to four years of study to become a registered nurse and up to 15 to become a doctor.[17][18] If you’re interested in medical assisting training that takes less than a year, a vocational school like MTI could be a great option for you. MTI even offers medical assistant classes during the daytime and evening.[19] Pros
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Why Become a Medical Assistant?If you enjoy helping people and would like to work in a growing field with room for career advancement, then medical assisting may be right for you. Nine-months of medical assistant training can be a starting point to a career in this allied health profession. To learn more about becoming a medical assistant, fill out the form below to contact your local MTI campus. What are the duties of the medical assistant?Taking medical histories.. Explaining treatment procedures to patients.. Preparing patients for examinations.. Assisting the physician during examinations.. Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens.. Performing basic laboratory tests.. Instructing patients about medication and special diets.. What are the top 10 characteristics that a medical assistant should possess?Consider the following 10 qualities that an individual should have to help complete their medical assistant skill set:. Communication Skills. ... . Empathy. ... . Courtesy. ... . Stress Management. ... . Technical Skills. ... . Attention to Detail. ... . Analytical. ... . Stamina.. What is the most important role of a medical assistant?Update Patient Medical Records
One of your most important tasks as a medical assistant is keeping patient medical records current. You'll enter a patient's weight and blood pressure and their pre-exam interview responses into a computer database.
What seven duties are your first priority as a medical assistant?The seven duties that are a medical assistant's first priority when arriving in the morning are unlocking the doors, checking messages from the previous night, checking e-mails, checking for lab results, turning on the computers and other machines, pulling health records for the day's patients, and checking the fax ...
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