With the increase in the number of private practices, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities, the need for support personnel is expected to increase significantly over the next decade.
. Duties of the Medical AssistantThe responsibilities of a medical assistant may vary depending on the size and type of the medical practice. For example, in a small office the assistant may be required to multi-task, performing a variety of both administrative and clinical duties. Clerical tasks performed range from answering the phone and greeting patients to updating and filing medical records and completing insurance forms. With a greater degree of training, experience, and certification a medical assistant may be responsible for a variety of clinical duties including taking vital signs, assisting with patient examinations, and collecting specimens. With the guidance of a physician and as allowed by state law, the medical assistant may give injections and administer medication. Medical assistants employed by specialists such as opthamologists will be responsible for specific tasks such as administering vision tests and teaching patients the procedure for properly inserting contact lenses.
Earnings PotentialAccording to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, medical assistants in the U.S. can expect a starting salary of approximately $10.00 per hour. The mean salary is $14.31 per hour which equates to $29,760 annually. For those willing to relocate, medical assistants in Alaska earn approximately $18.00 an hour. Residents of Washington D.C. can expect compensation of $17.00 an hour or more while individuals who live in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Hawaii are paid about $16.00 hourly.
Requirements for EmploymentNot only do the majority of medical practitioners require their assistants be certified, it is compulsory in many states. After completing an educational program in a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the next step toward certification is to take an exam. Athough there are several associations that provide certification, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Association of Medical Technologists (AMT) are the most well-known.
There is a HUGH demand for these people.
Medical assistants are in high demand in this economy and as such their salaries are high as well. In the state of California, review of job classifieds reveals ranges of $35000 to $60000 per year.
salary for medical assistants
Some of the top rated medical jobs would be medical assistants and surgical technicians. They both pay very well and are in demand. Medical assistants handle patients, take blood and do office work. Surgical technicians help doctors in the operating rooms.
Mary L. Hayward has written: 'Medical science for medical assistants' -- subject(s): Medicine, Diseases, Medical assistants, Physicians' assistants
overstaffed everywhere is Colorado it looks like, but if you talk to the trade schools they still say there is a demand. But my daughter has been looking for a job as a medical asst. since she graduated over a 1 1/2 years ago.
Medical assistants can direct patient care in the absence of the medical heads or when directed, after all they deputize medical heads.
Sharron M. Zakus has written: 'Mosby's fundamentals of medical assisting' -- subject(s): Medical assistants, Physicians' assistants 'Clinical skills and assisting techniques for the medical assistant' -- subject(s): Clinical medicine, Medical assistants, Physicians' assistants
Medical assistants work performing a number of wide ranging duties that are involving interaction with patients. Some of a medical assistants duties include taking patients' history, vital signs and scheduling patient appointments. Experienced medical assistants may also be allowed to prepare blood for laboratory tests, give injections and assist physicians with examinations.Additionally medical assistants can specialize and work in a number of settings like:Administrative medical assistantsClinical medical assistantsOphthalmic medical assistantsPodiatric medical assistants
Mary Ann Woods has written: 'Clinical Medical Assistant' -- subject(s): Medical assistants, Physicians' assistants, Physician Assistants
Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks that are administrative and clinical. Medical assistants help keep offices running and provide much of the labor.
The AAMA, or American Association of Medical Assistants, was founded in 1956 by a group of medical assistants, including Dr. William E. B. McCarty, who aimed to promote professional standards and provide education for medical assistants. The organization has since grown to support and represent medical assistants across the United States, advocating for their roles in healthcare.