Launch your Healthcare Career as a Medical Assistant
Health careers, in general, are on the rise. Things like an aging population of baby boomers, government healthcare, and advances in technology have all contributed to an explosion of growth in the healthcare industry. One career path that is predicted to grow even faster is that of the medical assistant. In fact, the Occupational Information Network (www.onetonline.org) predicts that jobs for medical assistants will increase by 38% by the year 2026. That’s a whole lot faster than average, to say the least. To understand such a spike in demand, we decided to take a look at why the future is looking so bright for these healthcare heroes.
The Multi-Faceted Medical Assistant
One of the biggest reasons a medical assistant is so valuable to a medical team is their versatility. They are trained to perform both administrative and clinical duties, making them the ultimate multi-tasker.
On the administrative side of things, a medical assistant may schedule appts, greet patients, update and input medical records, handle correspondence, billing, answer the phones or perform a number of other administrative tasks. Clinical duties could include collecting and prepping lab specimens, recording vital signs, drawing blood or administering medication. With such a dual capacity, it’s fair to say that a medical assistant is a valuable multi-tasking resource in any medical practice.
What Kind of Organizations Hire Medical Assistants?
Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings including:
- Doctor’s offices
- Hospitals
- Chiropractors
- Emergency rooms
- Urgent care clinics
- Nursing and assisted living facilities
- Schools
- Military
- Government agencies
What are the Education Requirements for a Medical Assistant?
Every state has its own individual requirements for certification, but most programs can be completed in 2-years or less. Graduates can earn a diploma, certificate or an associate degree, depending on the program. The great thing about graduating with any of the above is that it’s like earning a license to grow your career! It’s also a great launchpad for people who want to go even further in their medical training in the future.
Choosing the Right Program
While some states don’t require any additional certifications to work as a medical assistant, the majority of employers are more likely to hire those with certifications. So, choosing a school with a program that is recognized by organizations, like the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the National Healthcare Association, is a good place to start. It’s also why Daytona College is a great place to start. The Medical Assisting Program at Daytona College, not only offers day and evening classes, it also offers both a Medical Assisting Associate of Science Program and a Medical Assisting Diploma Program. And program graduates will qualify for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), EKG Technician Certification (CET) and Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exams.
If you’ve always loved working with people and are looking for a fulfilling career that has amazing growth potential, a career in medical assisting could be a great fit! And Daytona College can help you get there. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour of our campus in beautiful Ormond Beach, Florida.