The demand for medical assistants is rising as a result of technological advancements and an aging population in the United States. The medical assistant is among the health occupations in the USA that is in the highest demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The following blog will address all of your questions about medical assistants, such as;
- Medical assistants: who are they?
- What responsibilities do they have to fulfill?
- What Credentials are necessary to become a medical assistant?
- What is the scope of medical assisting in the United States?
- What is the difference between a registered nurse, a certified nursing assistant, and a medical assistant?
- How much do they earn, and is becoming a medical assistant the right career path for you?
Medical assistants: Who They Are?
A medical assistant is a health professional who assists physicians in their offices or clinics. They report to the supervising physician, who offers the medical assistants with the necessary supervision and guidance to complete everyday tasks. These tasks or responsibilities could be clinical or administrative in nature.
What Responsibilities Do They Have To Fulfill?
- Schedule the appointments.
- Welcoming patients
- Specimen collection
- Diagnostic testing
Support with surgical procedures in the office - Assist in the examination of signs in patients, such as temperature
- Keep a record of the patient’s medical history and personal information.
- Under the supervision of a physician, administer injections or medications to patients.
- Communicate with patients about disease prevention, maintenance of health, and physician-given instructions.
What Is The Scope Of Medical Assisting In The United States?
Medical assistants are employed by clinics, urgent care centers, and outpatient care institutions in the United States. They work in inpatient and outpatient institutions, administrative and clinical environments, or medical practices. They are hired by both private and public hospitals. A new study predicts a 19% growth in the employment of medical assistants. By the end of 2022, this percentage will be substantially higher than the national average for all professions.
Stellar Career College’s medical assisting program prepares students to excel in this field. This program will prepare you for an entry-level position in a medical facility. Students will learn how to assist nurses and physicians, how to give injections, and how to perform emergency procedures such as EKG rhythm recognition. Our well-crafted medical assistant training program also makes the students able to perform clinical and administrative tasks such as phone techniques, written communications, scheduling, referrals, ordering supplies, managing inventory, and maintaining records.
What Is The Difference Between A Registered Nurse, A Certified Nursing Assistant, And A Medical Assistant?
- Registered Nurse (RN) – A Registered Nurse (RN) is a registered nurse who has earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) and successfully passed the NCLEX-RN certification exam.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is someone who helps patients with their healthcare needs and looks after patients who are sick or recovering from surgery or disease. A CNA reports to a registered nurse, who assigned all duties to the CNA.
- Medical Assistant (MA) – Administrative and clinical tasks are performed by medical assistants in clinics, physician offices, hospitals, and many other healthcare-related departments. They must obey the physician’s orders and therefore can act without his/her consent. The nurse, on the other hand, can write plans for patient care even without the doctor’s approval. Medical assistants receive extensive administrative training, whereas nurses do not.
Both CNAs and MAs perform patient care duties such as hygiene, feeding, wound care, and preparing patients for diagnostic testing, among other stuff. CNAs are mandated to report to the RN, whereas medical assistants are mandated to report to the physician.
What Credentials Are Necessary To Become A Medical Assistant?
A certificate or post-secondary education is usually sufficient to become a certified medical assistant. A high school diploma and on-the-job training are also required for certification as a medical assistant.
Credentials of Medical Assistant – Medical assistant programs range in duration from 10 months to 2 years and are available as certificates, diplomas, or associate’s degree programs. A national certificate is not required, but it does open the door to better career opportunities and growth. Some states also require a state-wide recognized credential. Depending on the employer or state requirements, medical assistants often must undergo training to perform specific roles. They must have at least 10 clock hours of training and have performed at least 10 injections or skin tests under close supervision. A certified medical assistant is regarded as an expert in his field.
Salary – Certified Medical Assistant’s salary range is dependent on the state in which you work as well as factors like experience, training, credentials, and additional skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the salary range for medical assistants is between $32,540 and $43,870.
Is Medical Assisting Challenging?
Being a medical assistant requires both mental and physical effort, which can be demanding. The combined management of administrative and clinical responsibilities can be challenging and stressful. However, it’s a rewarding career with a competitive salary.
You can also choose to become a medical clerk, who’s responsibilities include gathering data, assisting with audits, and filing documents. For this job, a high school diploma and expertise in a relevant field are basic requirements. Medical billing professionals are in-demand as well. Enroll in a course with us for medical billing or assistant training to prepare for a prosperous future.
Medical assisting is a career that carries a lot of responsibilities. Medical assisting is the ideal career for you to pursue if you have an interest in both management jobs and healthcare. Getting a respectable job in today’s competitive job market is difficult, but if you decide to work as a medical assistant, you are in demand. The field of a medical assistant is extremely stable, and salaries are rising. You will work in various environments and engage with various people. Make the correct decision, then, and pursue a rewarding career as a medical assistant. Get in touch with Stellar Career College, Indiana, and get what you want within a minimum turnaround time.
