Exploring Specialized Fields Series, Part Two: Working as a Medical AssistantIn part one of this series, I introduced the topic of exploring specialized areas within the administration field. In part two of this series, I will be reviewing the medical assistant specialization. We will discuss the employment outlook, job duties, prerequisite skills, education, and certifications.
As defined by the U.S. Department of Labor: "Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly."
Some additional facts about the profession include:
One factor that may contribute to the increased job demand in the medical field is the aging population. Also, technological advances in the medical field increase the demand for qualified applicants. A medical assistant may make $22,000- $27,000 annually, depending upon experience.
It's important to note that medical assistants do not perform medical procedures on patients. They're not to be confused with physician assistants, who diagnose and prescribe medications under the supervision of a physician. Nor should the medical assistant be confused with clinical medical assistants, who perform procedures such as taking medical histories and vital signs, performing some laboratory tests, and giving patients instructions.
Other specialized assistant positions include ophthalmic medical assistants, optometric assistants and podiatric medical assistants, all of which support physicians in the care of patients. For this article, we will discuss the medical assistant positions that do not perform medical procedures.
The medical assistant is usually the first person you see as you enter the physician's office. They will greet you and take your insurance information and co-pay in preparation for your visit. They also may update and file patients' medical records, fill out insurance forms, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services.
They also perform tasks less specific to medical settings, such as answering telephones, greeting patients, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and bookkeeping. They may also stock examining-room supplies and keep the waiting room neat. They should have the ability to work well with people as they will interact with ill patients on a regular basis.
As mentioned earlier, you could work as a medical assistant without formal training and learn the skills on the job. However, in order to stand above the competition in this job market, at least one-to-two years' training and education is suggested. Employers prefer to hire someone with a certificate or medical-assistant associate degree. You must also have a high-school diploma to perform the job. High school courses that are helpful include:
Don't forget that you can also obtain skills doing volunteer work in the healthcare field. Many organizations for the cure of diseases would welcome your volunteer support and allow you to learn skills at the same time. This will also help you determine whether the field is of interest to you.
There are many postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges in which you may enroll to obtain the necessary skills. You may find a local program at a school in your area. There are also some online programs available. At the end of one-to-two years, you will earn a certificate or diploma. Some courses you will take include:
Remember: As you seek an educational program, you should verify the accreditation of the school. After all, you want to earn a certificate or degree that's valid in your state. You can check with the U.S. Department of Education for verification of recognized accrediting agencies. Also, I suggest you refer to a website called Education Portal for more information on medical assistant training and education.
Information about career opportunities, training programs and certification for ophthalmic and optometric medical personnel is available from:
For lists of accredited educational programs in medical assisting, contact:
If you're a medical assistant, please share your experiences and knowledge with the rest of us. And, if you have questions, please ask the OfficeArrow community. In my next article, I will look at specialized positions in the legal field.