The medical assistant job outlook is growing by 18% for the next few years. This position is growing like rapid fire compared to others and will play a big role in healthcare moving forward.
If you want to enter this job field, there’s plenty of opportunity in front of you as long as you get the right education and skillset. So, what is a medical assistant? What should you know about this career?
Keep reading so that you can become a medical assistant on your terms.
What Is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is a professional that helps in several different healthcare situations. They’re often the first professionals that patients interact with when they’re checking in for service and waiting on the doctor.
So, what does a medical assistant do? Here are some medical assistant duties that are commonplace:
- Collecting test samples
- Accepting the patient’s medical history and taking vitals
- Giving patients prescription medication
- Prepping patients to visit the doctor
- Handling stitches and dressing up wounds
Medical assistants work in a variety of settings, such as family physician’s offices, emergency rooms, and medical laboratories.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant?
There are plenty of benefits you’ll love that come with the medical assistant path. Everyone has their different reasons for becoming a medical assistant, and there are several different types of medical assistants positions that you can explore.
You might eventually look into getting a healthcare management degree to further your career. Here are some of the major benefits that you’ll appreciate:
- A competitive salary and benefits
- Job prospects that are always in-demand
- You can work and live in several locations
- The job path involves plenty of fulfillment and teamwork
- Medical assistants can get started working quickly without years of school
Knowing these benefits can help you make the most of the medical assistant path.
Learn How to Become a Medial Assistant
So, what goes into becoming a medical assistant? For starters, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, you will need to seek a program that will allow you to get a medical assistant certificate or a related associate’s degree.
Complete your coursework and make sure that you also look into the tools and skills that’ll help you thrive, including:
- Medical assistant software as a service (SaaS)
- Learning how to communicate and document medical visits and history
- Knowledge of using medical instruments
Get the on-the-job experience that you need to continue your education and become as proficient as possible.
Embrace Health Care Careers
What is a medical assistant? Now that you understand the ins and outs of this career path, you will be in a better position to change your life circumstances. You’ll enjoy the opportunities, while also relishing in the fact that you can put smiles on patients’ faces each day.
We’re your one-stop shop when you’re ready to learn more. Consider these tips and check out our other posts related to business, healthcare careers, and so much more.
