Medical Assistant

Become A Medical Assistant

Are you interested in working in the health care industry, but know that becoming a doctor doesn't suit your personality or lifestyle? If you're a good "people person" who enjoys working with the public and likes to multitask, you might consider becoming a medical assistant.

Medical Assistant in a Nutshell

Medical assistants work in the offices of physicians, chiropractors and other health care practitioners. Duties vary from office to office, but the main responsibilities involve administrative duties, such as answering phones, updating patients' medical records and scheduling appointments.

Depending on state laws, medical assistants can also take on such clinical tasks as recording vital signs, assisting with patient examinations, drawing blood and performing basic laboratory tests. (You should note that medical assistants should not be mistaken for physician assistants, whose duties include examining, diagnosing and treating patients under a physician's supervision.)

Education Requirements for Medical Assistants

Most employers look for candidates who have graduated from a formal medical assistant training program, which are offered in many vocational schools as well as community and junior colleges. These programs usually offer 1-year certification or 2-year associate's degrees. Although it is rare, it is also possible to acquire on-the-job training in lieu of a formal education.

Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants must be efficient multitaskers who are capable of greeting patients, answering phones and performing other administrative duties simultaneously. They ensure that health care offices run as seamlessly as possible.

Some medical assistant duties may be restricted by laws that vary from state to state, but medical assistants generally prepare patients before examinations, answer patient questions about medications, phone in prescriptions and refills, prepare patients for x-rays and change dressings.

Most medical assistants work a 40-hour week in clean, well-lit offices, although many choose to work only part-time or on weekends.

Job Growth for Medical Assistants

This is one of the fastest growing careers in the US, with job opportunities increasing much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.

Medical assistants are attractive to employers because they can perform both administrative and clinical duties. This is particularly useful as the number of health care facilities grows to accommodate the aging baby-boomer generation.

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