Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant
Posted On January 21,2016
The healthcare field attracts a wide variety of people that are interested in working in the medical field. A Clinical Medical Assistant is actually a very good career choice for the right person. The healthcare field provides very sound employment during tough economic times and during good times. The demand for well-trained Medical Assistants will continue to grow well into the future.
Clinical Medical Assistant Duties
The duties performed depends on the type of facility and size of the office. This professional works in a medical clinic, nursing home, or private doctor’s office. They spend the day working closely with patients. Therefore, good communication skills are imperative. In addition, some might perform typical medical administrative tasks in the office and assist the physician in the lab. Typical daily tasks might involve:
- Taking patient’s medical information
- Taking patient’s vital signs
- Assisting with patient exams
- Giving instructions to patients
- Preparing lab tests
- Scheduling patient appointments
Clinical Medical Assistant Training
There are several ways to acquire the skills needed to successfully handle the tasks involved with this job. Certainly, most employers prefer the applicant that has graduated from high school and acquired additional training beyond high school. Postgraduate training is available at community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools, and four year colleges. Certificate programs at technical and vocational schools take about 1 year. Associate programs at colleges take 2 years to complete.
Best Qualities
Of course, it is important to consider getting the proper training. However, there are certain personality traits and characteristics that are shared by those that are successful in this occupation. The medical assistant should work well with all types of people. They interact with a wide group of individuals and must have good interpersonal skills. The medical assistant must show great attention to detail because they record vital patient information on a daily basis. Great analytical skills are required because they must read and understand lab results and medical charts.
Licensing/Certification
Most states do not require that the assistant is licensed or certified to practice. However, a growing number of employers prefer that the applicant carries this distinction. Certification shows that the applicant acquired the knowledge required to handle all the tasks involved with the occupation. Those with certification are also more likely to advance in their career to a supervisor position. Several sources offer certification. Their requirements vary. Some offer certification for the applicant that graduated from an accredited school. Others offer certification for passing their exam. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies is in charge of accrediting agencies that supply certification.
Projected Job Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth is exceptionally high for those with the proper education and training in the career. This is certainly due to the aging population and the increased demand for qualified medical personnel.
To learn more about a career as a Clinical Medical Assistant, and whether it’s the right fit for you, schedule an appointment with Athena Career Academy today. One meeting with our Admissions counselors could help put you on the path to a successful new career that could change your life for the better. Call 419-329-4075 today.
Athena Career Academy is located at:
5203 Airport Highway
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
Phone: (419) 329-4075