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.