Medical assisting schools are helping students launch successful careers with an almost unheard of level of job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 31 percent for the next decade.
Are you thinking of becoming a medical assistant. Here’s a few things you’ll want to know.
- Physicians assistants and medical assistants are not the same thing
- Duties are both clerical and medical
- Candidates with schooling have a better shot at landing a job
Traditionally, a high school diploma and on-the-job training was considered sufficient training for a medical assistant. However, with a growing level of responsibility and more regulations, more employers are opting to hire someone who graduated a medical assisting program.
Medical assistants perform a number of duties and usually specialize in one of three areas.
Administrative medical assistants fill out insurance forms and code medical information. At some smaller clinics, they also purchase and store the office’s supplies and equipment.
Clinical medical assistants work more directly with patients. They conduct basic laboratory testing, sterilize medical equipment, prepare patients for x-rays, remove stitches, draw blood and change bandages.
There are also medical assistants working in eye care as well as podiatry.
How to Find Medical Assisting Schools
There are more opportunities than ever to find good medical assisting schools. Today, it is possible to attend an accredited online program and earn a certificate in a matter of months.
Community colleges and vocational schools also offer medical assistant courses and certificates. Finding medical assisting schools can start with a simple online search. At Medical Schools in USA, we help connect students with reputable and qualified medical assisting schools.
Becoming Certified as A Medical Assistant
The American Association of Medical Assistants provides the nationally-recognized Certified Medical Assistant designation. To qualify for the CMA exam, candidates need to graduate from medical assisting programs accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied health Programs or the Accrediting Bureau of health Education Schools.
Many accredited schools offer certificate programs or an associate degree path. Which medical assisting schools you choose will depend on how much time and money you ant to put into your education. Generally, graduates with a degree enjoy better job prospects than those with a certificate. However, either option can prepare students to pass the CMA exam.
How Much Do Medical Assisting Schools Graduates Earn?
With more demand for educated, certified medical assistants, salaries are on the rise. While the median wage is around $28,860, the salary will increase steadily to account for higher costs of living and the growing educational requirements for medical assistants.
The need for medical assistants is great across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment will grow 30 percent over the next decade. As more hospitals and clinics compete for qualified medical assistants, salaries and benefits packages will become more appealing.
Anyone looking for a growing profession with good salary potential and job security would do well to consider medical assisting, a great foot in the door of a medical career.