Information on How to Become a Medical Assistant?

Answer 1

A medical assistant is someone who works with doctors, nurses, patients, and families of patients to make sure that patients are receiving the best care possible. There are several different opportunities for employment as a medical assistant, including working as an administrative assistant, a clinical assistant, or assistants specialized in a certain field such as optometry, pediatrics, or orthopedics. Most medical assistants work full-time, but there are exceptions where some work only nights or weekends.

There are many different tasks that may be assigned to a medical assistant. For example, many administrative assistants spend the majority of their time in an office environment, filing medical papers, scheduling appointments, and organizing medical records. Clinical assistants spend more time with patients. They may be responsible for taking blood pressure, weighing patients, recording medical histories, and more. However, medical assistants are not trained to prescribe medication or to perform exams or surgeries, so their interactions with the patients are limited in this way. Those who specialize in a particular field will usually meet with the patients before the doctor arrives, possibly conducting basic tests or asking questions about the patient's medical history.

Most medical assistants receive their training on-the-job or from a one- or two-year program. Educational programs for medical assistants are offered at many high schools and junior colleges. In these programs, students learn about human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical transcription, ethical and legal issues, and more. Some educational or certification requirements vary from state to state as well. Currently, job prospects for those interested in becoming a medical assistant are looking positive. There is expected to be an increased need for medical assistants in the years ahead, as baby boomers grow up and require more medical care. However, it is important to meet all of the educational and certification requirements before applying for a job. Employers are looking for individuals with a high level of education and/or experience in the field. This will be key in securing a job as a medical assistant. Most medical assistants earn around $26,000 to $30,000 yearly, depending on training, experience, and the type of facility in which you work.