Medical Assisting Education: Do I Need a Degree?
If you’re thinking about a career in the medical field, there are plenty of options to consider. One of the most rewarding careers in healthcare, which often offers great benefits and job security, is a position as a medical assistant.
Today, baby-boomers are becoming seniors. They are living longer and more active than ever. Along with our aging population is the need for medical care. As physicians are taxed with the increase of patients, they rely more heavily on medical assistants to perform routine tasks like preliminary exams, leaving them time to see more people.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field is growing; more than 160,000 new jobs are expected to become available between 2012 and 2022. This makes a job as a medical assistant a very smart career choice for those looking for a permanent position in the healthcare industry. Also, many use their job as a medical assistant as a starting point to get them into the medical field and continue their education to elevate their position within the healthcare industry.
Like most careers in the medical industry, getting a degree is vital as it provides a strong basis of knowledge enabling you to thrive in your chosen career.
Is Getting a Degree as a Medical Assistant Important?
If you are compassionate and enjoy helping people, a career as a medical assistant may be the right choice for you. While those are great attributes, you will need additional education in order to prepare you for your career.
The first thing you will need to do after you decide to pursue a degree as a medical assistant is look for the right school that offers a hands-on learning environment and common scenarios that you are bound to encounter after you begin your career. A good thorough program should provide you with the skills you’ll need on the job, such as:
- Conducting patient interviews and taking patients medical history
- Checking vital signs
- Preparing each patient for their examination with the physician
- Assisting with medical procedures
- Collecting specimens
- Performing tests
- Explaining procedures and results to patients
- Scheduling appointments
- Processing payments and paper work
What Kind of Classes Will I Need to Take for My Degree?
Getting a degree is important, as through your course work you will learn the skills needed for various positions in the healthcare industry. Getting your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science in Medical Assisting could give you the knowledge and background you need. You should learn technical skills, medical terms and computer skills needed in your job.
Your coursework will generally include classes in:
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Procedures
- Computer Skills
Will I need a Certification After Graduating?
After you complete you receive your degree or diploma, you are well positioned for other certifications, including:
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologist (AMT)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified EKG Technician (CET) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Are You Ready to Get Started Today?
Are you interested in the world of medical assisting? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science with a Focus in Medical Assisting, consider ECPI University for our accelerated programs. For more information on this exciting opportunity, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
Gainful Employment Information – Medical Assisting – Associate’s
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.