Are you looking for a fast growing career in the medical field? Then you should consider medical assisting. The Department of Labor listed this as one of the fastest growing careers actually, and the best part is that it does not require a lot of training. Since the field is wide open you should have a greater chance at landing a job and when you do you can expect to earn around $30,000 a year depending on where the job is located.
As a medical assistant you will probably work in a doctor’s or dentist’s office, since about 62 percent of these professionals work in that environment. And you know what that means – great hours!
You can look forward to performing tasks like maintaining the examination rooms by keeping them cleaned and stocked with the necessary medical supplies, or taking medical history information from patients. You will probably also take the patient’s vitals – their blood pressure, weight, and temperature.
Medical assistants often do a variety of clerical tasks as well, such as updating medical records, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filling out insurance forms. These workers serve a vital role in keeping a medical office running smoothly.
Training
Although there are some medical offices that provide on-the-job training, in this economy it might be a better idea to already have training on your resume. There are many schools including community colleges and even online schools that offer certificate and associate’s degree programs in medical assisting.
Courses that you may be required to take include medical terminology, medical office procedures, anatomy and physiology, and principles of patient care. Also, many schools require an “externship,” which is basically an internship at a doctor’s office.
Once you have completed the one or two year program, you should be in a great position to find a stable job in a secure field.
October 30, 2009
i really want to become a certified nursing assistant
October 30, 2009
please send me a message through the mail
November 2, 2009
Hi Olivia: So glad that you are interested in a CNA career! I will have one of our education advisors email you directly.
November 16, 2009
OK, so I want to become a medical assistant, but I can’t afford training or school. I am an unemployed single mother. What do I do?
November 20, 2009
Hi Liz: I would suggest that you look into getting federal grants. You can find more information about them here.
December 2, 2009
at this moment and time i attend everest college in tysons corner i am in my second month of training for a medical assisting but now im unsure that i will be able to finish my training because the drive is becoming too much its about an hour away from my home im unemployed so i cant afford gas and my car has been acting up lately.
December 2, 2009
Hi Shawnisha – thanks for your comment! I am sorry to hear about your troubles, but it is wonderful that you are trying to go to school. Have you looked into online classes?
April 12, 2010
I am very interested in this course and would like to find out what the total cost will be.
May 4, 2010
I am truly interested in becomming a medical assistant. I am curious about the financial aid. Does it cover the entire cost of college?
June 14, 2010
is it possible to train to be a medical assistant online?
June 22, 2010
Are there any scholarships for people getting a degree in medical assisting? Also, how long is the schooling?
June 27, 2010
I am currently at an on campus school going for a career as a medical assistant. How do I find out about financial aid for my school?
July 2, 2010
I am currently working in a doctor’s office and have been for the last 4 years. I am very interested in getting a degree as a medical assistant. Would an online course be a good decision for me?
July 4, 2010
i wish i could be a medical assistant but i just can’t handle blood!