How to Get a Career Started in the Medical Field

April 25th, 2008

The demand for Medical Assistants is at an all-time high. According to BusinessWeek, since 2001 over 1.7 million healthcare related jobs have been added in the US and another 3 million are projected to be added by 2016 - more than any other industry. The United Stated Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that medical assisting will be the fastest growing health-related occupation over the next 10 years. Because of this explosive growth, many employers are seeking employees who have formal training from a career school.

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The Need for Medical Assistants is Growing at an Explosive Rate

Financial security and job security is an important factor in determining which career path to follow. According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for Medical Assistants is predicted to be very strong. It is expected to grow much faster than the national average - ranking as one of the fastest growing occupations over the next 10 years. For those with formal training, job opportunities will be plentiful. In 2006, Medical Assistants held over 417,000 jobs. Between 2006 and 2016 the rate of growth for Medical Assistant careers is projected to grow around 35% - much higher than the national average. Medical Assistants will make up a large portion of new jobs over the next 10 years.

Medical Assistants' salaries will vary, depending on skill level, location and experience. Yearly salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, range between $22,000 and $32,000, but the top 10% earn over $37,000. On average, Medical Assistants who work in general medical and surgical hospitals make the highest salaries. Many medical assistants continue their education to become nurses.

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Medical Assistants Have Dynamic Roles

If you're interested in a career as a Medical Assistant, you need to know the job duties it takes to fill this position. Medical Assistants perform a number of challenging, yet rewarding tasks everyday. Some of the main tasks involve performing various administrative duties. Medical Assistants answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services and handle medical coding, billing and bookkeeping.

In addition to administrative duties, Medical Assistants also perform a number of clinical duties. These duties often include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during the examination. Assistants should also be prepared to collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments. It is not uncommon for Medical Assistants to instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures and change dressings. It is important to note that each state has different laws regarding what type of clinical work a Medical Assistant can perform. You'll want to check your state's laws for more details.

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Career Training Offers Vital Skills

The career training you need to become a Medical Assistant varies and is determined by the type of career path you choose. Certificate or diploma programs typically take a year to complete and Associate's degrees take approximately two years to complete. Courses range from clerical to medical training. During training, students will learn about anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting and insurance processing. Students will also learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications and first aid. Classes will also focus on office practices, patient relations, medical law and ethics.

The expansion in the medical field is accredited to the increased number of group practices, clinics and other medical centers. These facilities must be staffed with qualified Medical Assistants who understand the latest medical practices. There are many career schools throughout the U.S. that offer Medical Assistant training. Getting a solid education from a career school is the perfect way to gain the experience and skills needed to succeed.

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