The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were $23,940 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,260 and $28,410. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34,130. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical assistants in 2002 were as follows:
| General medical and surgical hospitals | $24,460 |
| Offices of physicians | 24,260 |
| Outpatient care centers | 23,980 |
| Other ambulatory health care services | 23,440 |
| Offices of other health practitioners | 21,620 |
Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. (Physician assistants are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitionerÕs specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are "generalists,Ó handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.
Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patientsÕ medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and bookkeeping.
Clinical duties vary according to State law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.
Medical assistants also may arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.
Assistants who specialize have additional duties. Podiatric medical assistants make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays, and assist podiatrists in surgery. Ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses, and they apply eye dressings. Under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical assistants may administer eye medications. They also maintain optical and surgical instruments and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery.
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 as the health services industry expands because of technological advances in medicine, and a growing and aging population. Increasing utilization of medical assistants in the rapidly-growing healthcare industries will result in fast employment growth for the occupation. In fact, medical assistants is projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the 2002ø12 period.
Employment growth will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings, which are expected to exhibit much faster-than-average growth.
In view of the preference of many healthcare employers for trained personnel, job prospects should be best for medical assistants with formal training or experience, and particularly for those with certification.
Most employers prefer graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Postsecondary programs usually last either 1 year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years, resulting in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. Accredited programs include an internship that provides practical experience in physiciansÕ offices, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities.
Two agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education accredit programs in medical assisting: The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). In 2002, there were 495 medical assisting programs accredited by CAAHEP and about 170 accredited by ABHES. The Committee on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel approved 14 programs in ophthalmic medical assisting.
Formal training in medical assisting, while generally preferred, is not always required. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although this practice is less common than in the past. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Recommended high school courses include mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and office skills. Volunteer experience in the healthcare field also is helpful.
Although medical assistants are not licensed, some States require them to take a test or a course before they can perform certain tasks, such as taking x rays. Employers prefer to hire experienced workers or certified applicants who have passed a national examination, indicating that the medical assistant meets certain standards of competence. The American Association of Medical Assistants awards the Certified Medical Assistant credential; the American Medical Technologists awards the Registered Medical Assistant credential; the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants awards the Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified credential; and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology awards credentials at three levels: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician, and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist.
Medical assistants deal with the public; therefore, they must be neat and well groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner. Medical assistants must be able to put patients at ease and explain physiciansÕ instructions. They must respect the confidential nature of medical information. Clinical duties require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity.
Medical assistants may be able to advance to office manager. They may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations or may teach medical assisting. With additional education, some enter other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology.
Workers in other medical support occupations include dental assistants, medical records and health information technicians, medical secretaries, occupational therapist assistants and aides, pharmacy aides, and physical therapist assistants and aides.
Information about career opportunities, educational programs in medical assisting accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and the Certified Medical Assistant exam is available from:
Information about career opportunities and the Registered Medical Assistant certification exam is available from:
For a list of ABHES-accredited educational programs in medical assisting, contact:
Information about career opportunities, training programs, and the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam is available from:
Information about careers for podiatric assistants is available from:
The Berdan Institute is a highly specialized school where you can quickly prepare for a career in this challenging field. You can enjoy career success with short-term training from Berdan Institute. Berdan can prepare you to combine medical technology with the human touch so you can find career fulfillment. If you are ready to start a rewarding career in the healthcare field, a Medical Coding Program or a Massage Therapy Program is just what you need to get started in this exciting field. With hands-on training, perhaps the Dental Assistant Program or the Patient Care Technician Training would start you on your way to your new healthcare career.
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Medical assistants are dedicated to assisting in all aspects of a medical practice and have both clinical and administrative roles and responsibilities. As defined by Washington State Law, a medical assistant is an unlicensed person who assists a licensed health care practitioner in providing health care to patients. Upon completion of the program the student is eligible to write for the national certification examination. Students can earn a Certificate in Medical Assisting and have the option to earn an Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degree if desired. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60601-2208.
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They should not be confused with physician assistants who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on office location, size, and specialty. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most employers prefer graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, post secondary vocational schools, and in colleges and universities. AccuTech Career Institute is located in Frederick, Maryland, offering Medical and Healthcare related curricula.
Summary of: http://www.directoryofschools.com/Medical-Assisting-School.htm
First, graduate from an accredited medical assisting program. Second, pass the AAMA CMA Certification Examination. This test is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). How long does it take to complete the program. The application deadline for the January exam is October 1 of the preceding year.
Summary of: http://www.aama-ntl.org/becomeCMA/how.aspx
Medical assisting is the fastest growing occupation today. From measuring vital signs and performing lab tests, to greeting patients and scheduling appointments, medical assistants are crucial members of a health care team. Search our directory of hundreds of allied health schools in the United States.
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Some states allow medical assistants who have specialized training to draw blood or take x-rays. In most states, assistants take medical histories and record patients' weight, pulse rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They also collect and prepare laboratory specimens. In larger offices, assistants spend only a little time on clerical work. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
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They are proficient in administrative and clinical tasks and are viewed by doctors as vital partners in increasing medical office productivity. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OCC meets your specific needs by offering several educational options. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Medical Assistants are multi-skilled allied health professionals. Medical Assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises; dispose of contaminated supplies; sterilize medical instruments. CERTIFICATION Certification is a national test given twice a year by the AAMA which documents the knowledge attained through formal training.
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Augustine Medical Assistant School is an accredited Medical Assistant School. We are dedicated to providing affordable and accessible quality education to our students through the use of innovative web-based distance education technology. A Medical Assistant is a valuable member of the healthcare team. Medical Assistants perform daily administrative tasks as well as assisting in minor clinical procedures to keep doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities running smoothly. With the development of our distance education program St.
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Medical assistants is projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the 2002-12 period. In small practices, medical assistants usually are "generalists,Ó handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Some work part time, evenings, or weekends. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although this practice is less common than in the past.
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Start a career as a medical assistant, secure your future, and help others for a living. If you are motivated, organized, and ready to take on the challenge of managing a medical office, click and learn about these programs. Medical Assisting Programs Featuring Technician Training and Patient Care Services. These programs provide hands-on training in the medical field.
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