Posts Tagged ‘medical careers’

How To Get A Job As A Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants work as part of a medical team.  They work under the direction of the office manager, the physician in charge, or other health care personnel.

The duties of a Medical Assistant depend on what their state of residence allows, as well as their education, and experience  Duties may also depend on the size, demands and specialization of the area in which they are employed.

Medical Assistants may, among other things, welcome patients, complete medical histories, take vital signs, explain medical procedures, and arrange for lab tests and hospital admissions.  They may also phone prescriptions into pharmacies, sterilize equipment, purchase and maintain office and medical supplies,  keep patient areas clean and tidy, and perform general office duties.  They may also perform some simple medical procedures.

Medical Assistants work in clean, well-lit surroundings.   Most Medical Assistants work a forty hour week although some may need to work evenings or weekends, depending on professional demands.

The pace in a medical facility may be hectic and the work demanding so Medical Assistants must be hard-working, mature, physically and mentally stable, and be able to respond rapidly and calmly in case of an emergency.  They must also be kind, patient, and understanding.

Education

To become a Medical Assistant you first need a High School Diploma.  High School Subject that are useful for Medical Assistants include mathematics, office practices, biology, first aid, mathematics and computer programs.   Although some Medical Assistants only receive on-the-job training, most employers give preference to those with formal training.

Training programs for Medical Assistants are available in Vocational Schools as well as community and Junior Colleges.  Training programs take one or two years.  The one year programs give a Certificate or Diploma and the two year programs give an Associate Degree.  Training includes such subjects as; medical terminology, laboratory techniques, first aid, ethics, anatomy, physiology, and office practices.

Medical assistants do not need to be certified.  Certification does however testify as to your level of knowledge and skill.  It may also lead to greater responsibilities and an increase in salary.  Certification is obtained through the American Association of Medical Assistants.

There are presently excellent employment opportunities for Medical Assistants, especially for those who are certified.    Experienced Medical Assistants, who choose to take further training, often move on to positions in education, office management, and nursing.