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15 Places Where Medical Assistants Can Work

Aug 01, 2023
15 Places Where Medical Assistants Can Work

 As a medical assistant, the job offers a variety of daily tasks that keep it interesting for those who like to come to work to do something different each day.

That also goes for the type of environment medical assistants work in. With that being said, here are fifteen places a medical assistant role can work within.

Medical assistants are responsible for completing a number of administrative and clinical tasks every day.

Such job duties include:

  • Interview patients and prep them for examination
  • Management of medical records
  • Organizing hospital admissions and schedule patient appointments
  • Knowledge of medical terminology and medical software

They assist other healthcare professionals and help provide quality care to all patients that come in and out of the healthcare facilities every day.

The skills needed to become a medical assistant include strong organizational abilities, excellent communication, knowledge of medical procedures, attention to detail, compassion, and adaptability.

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.

 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Importance of medical assistants in healthcare settings

A certified medical assistant is a role that's not underappreciated in healthcare settings. The importance of medical assistants is relevant across many healthcare environments.

When looking for places medical assistants can work it's important to consider what you're looking for in terms of flexibility, the nature of work provided, and the type of care given. Some are more personable, whereas others may see you meeting a new patient every day.

Beyond their primary role, medical assistants have the potential to explore various career paths within the healthcare field. With additional training and specialization, they can pursue opportunities such as medical office manager, patient care coordinator, among others.

Moreover, medical assistants in pediatrics can focus their expertise on providing care to infants, children, and adolescents, working alongside pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of young patients. This specialization allows them to develop a deep understanding of pediatric healthcare practices and create a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

Where can a medical assistant work?

The perks of working as a medical assistant come with the variety of environments you choose to work in. That's not something that's possible for every role in the healthcare industry. Here are fifteen different places medical assistants can work in.

Hospitals and clinics

Hospitals are considered one of the largest employers of medical assistants. There are two types available; outpatient clinics and urgent care clinics.

 

1. Outpatient care facilities

Outpatient care centers are part of the hospital facility and provide care for those who aren't admitted for overnight stays.
 

2. Urgent care facilities

Urgent care facilities are walk-in clinics that deliver medical care for minor illnesses and injuries. Hospitals offer emergency services and therefore come with a lot of stress, but that can be an advantage and preference for many.
Our programs are short and fast-paced while also being accredited by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Board of Nursing and National Healthcareer Association.

 

Physician's offices

As one of the places medical assistants can work, a physician's office is a great choice for those who want hands-on training in a more easy-going environment.

 

3. Pediatric offices or clinics

Medical assistants work with babies, children, and adolescents in pediatric offices and clinics. They're also responsible for a variety of clinical and administrative duties. Hospitals offer emergency services and therefore come with a lot of stress, but that can be an advantage and preference for many.
 

4. OB-GYN offices

Working with women, both young and old, medical assistants conduct pap smears, care for pregnant women and assist the doctor of the doctor's office they work in. When working in the OB-GYN offices, no formal certification is required but a basic certification is useful to have.
 

Ambulatory care centers

With ambulatory care centers, their services are provided as an outpatient and therefore there's no need to stay in the hospital.

 

5. Rehabilitation centers

Rehabilitation centers will see medical assistants assist those with acute medical issues and a variety of neurological conditions.
 

6. Dialysis centers

A dialysis center is a hospital-based or independent unit. It's a lifesaving treatment for those with kidney problems and failure.
 

Long-term care facilities

If you're looking for a more personal and intimate working environment, long-term care facilities are places medical assistants can work too. These are services offered to those unable to live independently.

 

7. Nursing homes

A nursing home offers a facility to older citizens and those who are disabled. These are often referred to as care homes or long-term care facilities.
 

8. Assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities offer round-the-clock support for personal care needs. Medical assistants may find themselves doing more physically-demanding work in these environments.
 

9. Hospice centers

Medical assisting jobs lie in hospice centers too. This environment might not be for everyone as it's providing treatment for terminally ill patients and those who are at the end of life, needing emotional and physical care.

 

Public health settings

Medical assisting positions can be found in public health settings whether that be in community clinics or within schools.

 

10. Schools

Medical assistants are able to assist school nurses and help in a variety of ways.
 

11. Community clinics

Medical assistants are an effective asset to community clinics as they can help release capacity and take on various administrative duties to lighten the workload.

 

Other healthcare settings

There are a number of other healthcare settings to explore. Here are a few more places medical assistants can work in.

 

12. Insurance companies

For insurance companies, medical assistants are highly valuable because they have expertise in medical terminology. This environment means the medical assistant will be responsible for processing insurance claims, answering phone calls, and managing medical records.
 

13. Medical research centers

Medical research centers help research participants, with medical assistants helping with specific medical procedures and clinical trials.
 

14. Military bases

Federal environments are some of the best places medical assistants can work for high salaries. In order to become a medical assistant within this field, a basic military medical assistant program will need to be completed.
 

15. Correctional facilities

Finally, medical assistants within correctional facilities will help transcribe medical orders, assist with intake and screening, as well as inputting data into an EHR system.

 

Benefits of becoming a medical assistant

There are many benefits of becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants work in a choice of many environments and are integral to the healthcare industry. Medical assistant jobs are in high supply, so it's a career that's well worth exploring.

It's worth understanding medical assistants capabilities and limitations to ensure it's the right role for you and if it is, then the next step is to complete a medical assistant program.

FHCA is a reputable institute and organization for those looking to become one of many healthcare professionals. They offer a great program that has proven to be effective for many industry workers branching off into this sector in particular.

References

Josefina Buonaccordo

Author:Ā Josefina Buonaccordo

Experienced and result-oriented School Coordinator and Principal with a proven track record in developing instructional materials and coordinating educational content. Skilled in tech integration, monitoring, tutoring, and maintaining professionalism. Strong organizational, time management, and analytical skills. Proficient in addressing diverse learning needs, integrating technology, and using teaching methods to achieve positive outcomes. Self-starter with excellent cross-cultural communication, capable of working in diverse environments. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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