What's the Job Description for a Medical Assistant?

Medical assisting is an important career in healthcare. This career is ideal for those who are passionate about health and helping others. It's also a great professional role for those who want to join a growing field.

However, before jumping into medical assistant training, it's important that students understand what the job of being a medical assistant entails. Working in healthcare is not for everyone, but it's very fulfilling for those who can take joy in treating patients and helping sick people get well.

Everyday job tasks for a Medical Assistant

The role of medical assistant is a combination of both administrative tasks and clinical tasks. Medical assistants work alongside doctors to provide assistance with giving healthcare to patients. They might also work under other types of healthcare professionals like nurses or laboratory technicians.

When it comes to administrative tasks, medical assistants are typically responsible for doing general work around the hospital or doctor's office in which they work. They may answer the phone or organize and file medical records. They might also be responsible for filling out forms, scheduling appointments with patients, facilitating a patient's admission into another healthcare institution, and dealing with billing and other financial aspects of running a healthcare facility.

A medical assistant will also be responsible for a wide variety of clinical tasks. These clinical tasks could include interviewing patients about their medical histories. Also, medical assistants may perform some routine check-up tests like checking a patient's vital signs. Medical assistants can be responsible for a wide variety of additional miscellaneous clinical tasks like preparing a patient for an examination.

Education Path to Becoming a Medical Assistant

There are many ways to become a medical assistant. You will definitely need proper training in not just patient care, but in medical records and various office tasks as well. Some elect for non-degree awards and certificates that prove competency in these duties. However, for someone looking to set themselves apart from the crowd and add a college degree to their resume, associate of applied science degrees are common.

Professional Opportunities for Medical Assistants

One of the biggest reasons to become a medical assistant is the lightning fast job growth projections. It is estimated that there will be an additional 138,900 job positions available for medical assistants between the years 2014 and 2024. During this period, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there will be a growth of about 23% in professional opportunities for medical assistants. In comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations is only between about 5 and 8 percent.

Not only is job growth expected to be great for medical assistants over the next decade, but medical assistants could have the opportunity to seek employment in a variety of places, all over the country. There are hospitals, doctor's offices, and other healthcare institutions everywhere, so those who make a career as a medical assistant could have options about where they work and live.

Are you interested in becoming a medical assistant? ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Science with a concentration in Medical Assisting. If you'd like to learn more about this exciting degree program, be sure to contact a friendly admissions advisor today!

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Medical Assisting – Associate’s

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