Have you been considering a career as a medical assistant? If you are, you will find that you are making an excellent decision. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job openings for medical assistants will rise by around 29% over the next decade. This shows you that now is a great time to enter into this dynamic career field. Before you do, however, there are a few things that you should know about a career as a medical assistant.
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
A medical assistant job is typically a mix of working at the front desk of a medical office and working with patients. At the desk, a medical assistant might answer phones, schedule appointments or fill out insurance forms. When working with patients, you may find yourself drawing blood, giving injections and taking medical histories. Depending on the type of medical office you work in, you may also have other tasks. For instance, if you work with an optometrist, you might take basic vision tests or help patients with contact lenses.
How Can I Prepare for a Career as a Medical Assistant?
Most medical assistants will go through a postsecondary program before finding work. You will find these programs at technical schools, community colleges, vocational schools and even some universities. There are many 1 or 2-year programs available. A 1-year program will usually yield a certificate, and a 2-year program will yield an associate degree. With an associate degree, you will typically find higher pay and more job opportunities.
You also can prepare for a career in medical assisting through a certification course. Though you may not be required to become certified, employers tend to prefer certified medical assistants over those who are not certified. There are a number of organizations that certify medical assistants, but you will need to be at least 18 years old and have extensive knowledge of the field in order to pass the exam and become certified.
Now is an excellent time to start a career as a medical assistant. Get started today by getting more information about an accredited medical assistant program near you.
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