Today, it is more practical to think of what your career would be when deciding on what course to pursue in college. If you have been thinking of working in the medical field for so long, but do not have the resources to study for a long time to earn a medical degree, consider a career in medical assisting. You'll have a place to get started in the healthcare industry, doing work that you like and getting a good income from it. If you are also fluent in at least two languages, you can later work in the medical translation services field.
Admittedly, it is difficult to make a decision; however, if your interest is there, here are reasons why medical assistance could be a great choice.
What is a medical assistant?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, here are some things to know about what being a medical assistant entails.
Initially, you need at least a high school diploma to get started in this field, where you will be trained by a nurse or a more qualified medical assistant. You will be training to know the right applications of equipment, as well as their usage and cleaning. You'll also be trained to understand medical terms.
Later you can be a registered medical assistant (RMA) by at least gaining experience for five years. Otherwise, you can enroll in a community college for a diploma and earn a certificate.
A professional medical assistant is responsible for patient care, and you can work in ambulatory care or in a large hospital. You will be working under the supervision of a physician to handle clinical and administrative tasks.
Tasks could include patient insurance, billing, scheduling appointments and updating patient records as part of administrative tasks.
You could also be assigned various clinical work such as doing tests in the lab, sterilizing equipment, drawing blood, administering medications, explaining procedures and taking and recording the vital signs of patients.
Medical assistance is a job with a very promising outlook. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's projected to grow by at least 23% from 2014 to 2024. It is a job that will be in higher demand as baby boomers grow older and need more medical services.
Physicians will be hiring more medical assistants in order for them to see more patients, as their assistants perform administrative tasks and some clinical tasks as well.
Here are the top reasons why medical assistance could be a good choice:
- Entry to the field is easy
Jobs in medical assisting are more accessible. A diploma in medical assisting could be earned in 12 months, compared to other medical degrees where you have to spend several years in school. Medical assisting educational programs incorporate laboratory and classroom work and include lessons in medical terminology and anatomy.
- Certification opens doors to a licensed trade
If you have the diploma or the equivalent experience, you can sit for the CMA or Certified Medical Assistant exam. It covers a wide and intensive knowledge of the implementation of healthcare.
If you pass the exam, you will earn the credential of Certified Medical Assistant, which is an American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)-accredited profession.
As mentioned you can start working as a medical assistant and receive on-the-job training even if you only have a high school diploma. However, having the credential helps to boost your marketability, as there are many employers seeking professionals in the field.
- Options to work in different settings
You can say that where the physicians are, there will always be medical assistants. Still there are several options open for you. You can choose to work in outpatient care centers or at the offices of health practitioners or hospitals. You might want to work in ambulatory care, in private physician practices or in clinics.
If you desire a better position, you can continue your education and complete a nursing degree.
- It's a stable career
Working in the medical field is non-stop as there is always a need for doctors, nurses and medical assistants any time of the day. You know that some professionals think that their careers are at risk because of technology, but medical assistance is a profession that needs human abilities. Sick and healthy patients will always need a medical assistant when they visit a medical facility.
While there is a great demand for the services of a medical assistant, you are assured that your schedule is predictable. Since most of you work in medical clinics like parramatta medical clinic that are open during normal business hours, you are not required to work for irregular, long hours. If you have a family, this means you have time to get some rest and enjoy being with your family.
- You can choose where you want to work
Working as a medical assistant is not location-specific. Your skills are in great demand so you can work across the country. If you are certified and accredited, your credential is recognized anywhere in the United States, therefore you do not need to sit for another exam to get certified once again to meet the requirements in another state if you decide to relocate.
A career as a medical assistant is perfect for newcomers who want to enter the medical field. It is a fulfilling career that can last a lifetime. But if you dream of bigger things, this could be your first stepping-stone.
Author Bio: Bernadine Racoma is a senior content writer at Day Translations, a human translation services company. She studied medical technology before pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. She has a notable fondness for things related to technology, social media, travel, health, lifestyle, and current affairs. She is also an advocate and mother to 7 successful children.
