A career in the medical field will be one that is always in high demand. It is often said that there is a shortage of nurses rather than there being a shortage on nurse jobs.

What Is a Medical Assistant?

The need for competent nursing professionals to fill these positions is expected to grow faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical assistants have a lot of the same responsibilities that a nurse does with the exception of performing any invasive duties such as inserting I.V.’s, drawing blood, or surgical procedures. In order to do those types of things a medical assistant would need to further their nursing career with special degree’s or certifications. Most times a job as a medical assistant will prove to be stable and very rewarding.

What Are Some Medical Assistant Duties?

The duties for a medical assistant are much like those of a nurse but there are some differences. The main responsibility of a medical assistant is to be the support for the physician or nurse management they are working for. They do administrative tasks such as answering phones, arranging laboratory work, book-keeping tasks, making copies of medical records, and they also handle some billing. They will likely be taking care of insurance claims as well so they will need to know about CPT and ICD-9 codes which will require further training possibly with some type of nursing education. They also need to be supportive for the patients. They should be honest and compassionate. They should treat everyone the same with understanding, kindness, caring, and dignity. They have to be efficient, confident, trustworthy, skillful, truthful, and reliable.

What Is The Daily Routine For A Medical Assistant?

Most nursing occupations, including medical assistants, work in busy places. The medical assistant will be processing patients’ and they will direct them to the right area, they may sort paperwork or mail, they may be scheduling appointments, and processing any insurance claims. Clinical aspects include collecting specimens, disposing of contaminated medical supplies, preparing and even administering medications as requested by the physician, collecting throat cultures, and if they have the skills they may be required to draw blood. They may be calling in prescriptions to the pharmacy, helping patients prepare for special examinations, and making sure medical instruments remain sterilized. The medical assistant’s routine is based around both the clinical side of their place of employment as well as the administrative side.

What Is The Average Salary For A Medical Assistant?

The salary for nursing professionals varies depending on title, experience, education, benefits and location. For instance, some states pay more than others. Some employers will pay more for those with more experience or education as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wages of those places employing the largest number of medical assistants is $28, 300. Those employed at a general medical or surgical hospital make an average of $29, 720. Those working at colleges, universities or professional schools make an average of $28, 820. Those working in physician’s offices make an average of $28, 710.

What Are Some Medical Assistant Work Environments?

Typically the working environment for a nursing professional is fast-paced. The environments are well-lit and clean. They are continuously involved with people whether they are other employees, physicians, pharmacologists, or other health care professionals. Some medical assistants work a full 40 hour week while others work part-time which may include nights and weekends. Medical assistants are employed in nursing homes, physician’s offices, and hospitals. They may also be employed by offices of specialists such as dentists, podiatrists, and chiropractors. They often work under the supervision of RN’s, health specialists, managing medical assistants or nurses, and physicians. No matter where they work it will likely be very busy as times so they will have to keep up with the pace of the environment.

What Are The Educational Requirements For A Medical Assistant?

Sometimes a medical assistant can start with on the job training but in most cases a certification or degree is required. These can take anywhere from one to two years. Some nursing programs at nursing schools can give a person the special skills needed to do invasive procedures such as inserting I.V.’s, drawing blood, and more. They can find classes at vocational schools, and colleges or universities. The course work will be split between office and medical training and will include medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, keyboarding, record keeping, accounting procedures, and insurance processing. They will also learn first aid, clinical procedures, laboratory procedures, and how to administer medication. They may also take classes involving ethics, patient relations, and medical laws.

How Do I Get Started As A Medical Assistant?

Once a person decides that they want to be a medical assistant then it is time for them to start getting prepared. First a person should learn everything they can about what to expect in the profession. It is always important to do research and make sure this is the career you want to pursue. Searching for online nursing programs is always a good way to get started and in doing so a person will learn information about other nursing programs. This may help them determine if they are interested in medical assisting or maybe they would rather enter into an RN program. Either way starting as a medical assistant can provide a person with income as they work for higher goals. They can work part-time at the office and take online LPN programs that will give them flexibility. Once they graduate the LPN program they can work as an LPN and enter into an online RN program whether a person starts their medical career as a C.N.A. or they start as a medical assistant. The educational opportunities are out there and available for them so they can grow in their career. Often times it’s better to start small and dream big. This way a person will set goals and work hard to achieve them. Any job within the health industry needs caring, loving, compassionate, and competent people to provide the best care for the patients. This career will offer stability and unimaginable rewards.