Consider a Specialized Healthcare Career for Greater Job Security
Posted On February 4,2022
The demand for medical assistants (MAs) is high, with an impressive job growth of 23 percent from 2019 to 2029 and it’s only just beginning. The demand for skilled healthcare professionals will continue to rise rapidly due to an aging population, the current global pandemic, and a healthcare worker shortage, making the decision to become a medical assistant a smart investment in your future.
Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry as they perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties. They often work in physician’s offices but there are many different medical assistant specialties available outside of primary care and nursing homes. To become a certified medical assistant in a specialized field, you’ll want to attend an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant-CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. While certification isn’t required in all states, becoming certified greatly increases your employment opportunities and future job security.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, here are some medical specialties to consider:
Cardiology
Cardiology is the field that diagnoses and treats patients with diseases and abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels. Medical assistants in this specialty assist with testing, drawing blood for testing, cardiac imaging, electrocardiography (EKG), and cardiac stress tests under the supervision of a physician.
Medical assistants in this field prepare patients for cardiovascular examinations by the physician, record vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, height, weight, and cardiovascular history. They also verify medications and record patient histories, including patient risk factors.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics is a medical specialty focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Obstetrics is often combined with gynecology, and a physician who practices both specialties is called an OB/GYN.
Medical assistants in this specialty will assist, schedule, and prepare patients for obstetric care. They may assist the physician with gynecologic examinations. They may also assist with physicians who diagnose, monitor, and deliver babies for expectant mothers.
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats patients with disorders of the stomach and intestines. Medical assistants in this specialty may assist the physician with testing including phlebotomy, ultrasonography, stool tests, barium swallows, and endoscopies.
Medical assistants also help the physician with diagnostic procedures to examine the GI tract by compiling a record of the patients’ symptoms, medical history and current medications.
Pediatrics
Pediatrics is a medical specialty that involves the care of children from birth to age 18. A successful pediatric medical assistant must enjoy working with children. A pediatric MA works with the pediatrician to monitor a child’s development. They’re responsible for preparing the patient and documenting the pediatric physical examination.
As the child grows, the medical assistant is responsible for documenting the history of childhood diseases, immunizations, and nutritional status. They also obtain and record measurements and vital signs at each appointment.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgeons employ medical assistants to support the reconstruction or correction of body structures. Medical assistants in this specialty may assist the surgeon in minor procedures, cleaning and disinfecting medical instruments, maintaining workstations, greeting, and checking in patients, scheduling appointments, and processing medical billing and coding forms.
Start your CMAWant to Learn More about Medical Specialties?
Interested in becoming a medical assistant? Now is the perfect time to train for a new healthcare career, as the demand for qualified medical professionals is great. Secure your future with a career you can be proud of. Contact Athena Career Academy today for more information about this exciting and rewarding career opportunity.