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August 31, 20237 Quick Facts About Medical Assistants
If you're exploring a career as a medical assistant, it's useful to understand how medical assistants work and what is expected in a medical assistant role within the field of healthcare professionals.
Medical assistants play an important part within the healthcare industry and you'll find them in many different working environments. This guide will share seven quick facts about medical assistants worth knowing.
Table of contents
1. Medical Assistants have a variety of job duties
Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of duties. These duties are essential to the efficiency and productivity of the workplace and to the quality of care that patients receive. From cardiologists to podiatry medical assistants. Here are some facts about medical assistants.
Taking patient histories and vital signs
Preparing patients for examinations and procedures
Administering medications and injections
Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests
Maintaining medical records
2. Medical Assistants can work in a variety of settings
There are many places medical assistants can work, which is an allure to those who may want to work in a specific environment. When it comes to learning facts about medical assistants, there are several settings a medical assistant to work in.
- Physicians' offices
Many medical assisting roles will find themselves working in a physician's office. This environment, especially within private practices will have recurring patients, meaning you'll see the same people again and again.
- Hospitals
Hospitals are responsible as the second-largest employer for a medical assistant to work in. They operate around the clock so medical assistants will be required to work various shift patterns, which might be useful for some.
- Outpatient care centers
Outpatient care centers will require medical assistants who aren't perhaps looking for a fast-paced environment like a hospital. These environments often see more minor surgeries and a slow, steady stream of patients.
- Urgent care centers
This working environment falls between a clinic and a hospital. They do offer a range of services, that a medical assistant will be heavily involved in. From taking vital signs to assisting with X-rays and maintaining patient records. It's a busy environment but is less hectic and stressful than a hospital.
- Schools
Schools will often have a medical assistant on site that helps with the various injuries and patient care that's needed for little ones who get into accidents.
3. Medical Assistants are in high demand
There are many facts about medical assistants but possibly one of the most important is the demand that medical assistants have on the industry. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants has a projected growth of 16% from 2021 to 2031.
Around 123,000 openings for medical assistants are projected each year on average over the decade
4. Medical Assistants can earn a good salary
A medical assistant career path is often sought after due to the good salary an individual can earn.
- Annual average salary per year
Whether it's a medical assistant salary Orlando or Texas, here are the annual average salaries per year in different states.
State | Average Salary (Annual) |
Florida | $41,063 |
Texas | $40,152 |
New York | $47,976 |
California | $49,313 |
New Jersey | $46,369 |
Ohio | $41,549 |
Michigan | $42,214 |
Georgia | $40,506 |
5. Medical Assistants can get certified
In order to become a medical assistant, it's worth exploring medical assistant programs. One of the facts about medical assistants is if you become a certified clinical medical assistant, it is likely going to help in achieving a higher salary.
Fortunately, there are many medical assistant training programs out there, all of which are useful when it comes to pursuing this medical career.
The FHCA offers a great medical assistant training program that is utilized by many budding individuals looking for a career in medical assisting. This medical assistant program is reputable and well-liked by many employers of medical assistants across the state and country.
6. Medical Assistants can advance their careers
If you're a medical assistant, there are certain career paths and additional education and certifications that you can gain to further your career. There are also many alternative jobs for medical assistants that you might wish to explore.
Medical Assistant's additional education and certifications
There are a number of additional certificates or further training a medical assistant can acquire in their career. These include:
- Certified medical assistant (CMA)
- Registered medical assistant (RMA)
- Certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA)
- Certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA)
- Nationally certified medical assistant (NCMA)
7. Tech-savvy is a plus
The medical field is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. Medical assistants are often responsible for operating medical software, scheduling appointments electronically, and keeping digital patient records up-to-date. The importance of medical assistants is something that's evident due to the demand.
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