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15 Places Where Medical Assistants Can Work

Dec 02, 2024
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.

 

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.

 

How to choose the best place to work as a medical assistant?

  • Consider workplace environment: Think about the type of setting you thrive in. Hospitals offer fast-paced environments, while private practices may provide more personalized patient interactions.
  • Evaluate growth opportunities: Look for workplaces that support professional development, such as certifications or specializations, to help you advance in your career.
  • Assess work-life balance: Determine if the job schedule aligns with your lifestyle. Some settings, like urgent care, may require evening or weekend shifts, while others offer more predictable hours.

Become a medical assistant

Becoming a medical assistant is a straightforward path that involves the right training and dedication.

  • Meet educational requirements: A high school diploma or GED is typically required to start your journey.
  • Enroll in a medical assistant program: Choose a reputable program to gain the skills and knowledge needed for certification and practice.

For more tips on succeeding in your journey, check out our guide on how to pass the CCMA exam.

 

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: 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.

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