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!
July 14, 2010
I am beginning to take classes to become a medical assistant. After looking over the classes I have to take, I find that I will probably not have enough money to finish. If I am getting really good grades, will it make it easier to get financial aid?
August 7, 2010
I just want to let you know how great an online degree can be. I was working in a bank for 10 years when I took a weekend job as a aide in a hospital. I love that job and decided to take online courses in medical asssistant courses. I am now a medical assistant and love this career. I can thank online school for my happiness.
December 13, 2010
A career as a medical assistant sounds right up my alley. Can I start out with a free course so I can get a feel for the career?
December 13, 2010
Medicine has always interested me. I would like to find a career that does not require working with patients. Any suggestions?
December 13, 2010
I have been looking into a degree in medical billing. Is it realistic to think that I can get my degree and eventually start a business from home where I do billing for a group of medical facilities?
January 13, 2011
Hey Albert. Congrats on doing such a great job with your grades. Many scholarships and grants that are available are awarded based on merit meaning they look at your grades, GPA and other academic factors. Being in good academic standing is important for getting financial aid.
May 3, 2011
Hi Jackie. Starting off with a free course is a great way to begin your way towards a medical assisting career.
June 13, 2011
Hi Nicole. If you’re interested in medicine, but would rather not work directly with patients you may want to try the research or laboratory field of medicine. A career working in management may also be of interest to you. Try taking a career assessment test to see where other areas of medicine you could build a career in.
August 10, 2011
Hi Michaela, I’d suggest you look into schools and speak to advisors about your aspirations so they can best guide you in the direction you need to go to start working towards this goal. Best of luck!