medical-assistant-careers

A critical component of many healthcare teams is the medical assistant. Their vital work helps keep doctors' offices, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions running smoothly and patients well cared for. For individuals with a caring mindset and outgoing personality, it's a demanding and rewarding professional choice.

You're in luck if you've been considering a medical assistant career. From 2020 to 2030, the employment of medical assistants is expected to expand by 18%, substantially faster than the average for all occupations. In order to carry out both administrative and clinical tasks, a growing number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare institutions will also require support personnel, especially medical assistants.1

 

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What is a Medical Assistant's Career Path?

The majority of medical assistants hold a certificate, diploma, or degree. Others who enter the field already possess a high school education and train while working. In many places, being a medical assistant has no formal educational requirements, but employers may favor hiring assistants who have finished a medical assistant program.

Medical assistant career training programs are offered by universities, community colleges, and vocational, technical, and specialized schools. Normally, they take one year to finish. Some community colleges offer 2-year associate's degree programs. The classroom and lab components of all programs involve anatomical and medical terminology lessons.

What is the Difference Between a Medical Assistant and a Patient Care Technician?

Medical assistants are trained in clinical and office tasks and are responsible for both the front desk and the exam room. Under the supervision of a supervising physician, medical assistant work includes taking vital signs, compiling patients' medical histories, and dispensing medication to patients. Examples of administrative jobs are greeting patients, setting up appointments, entering patient data into electronic health record systems, and helping patients fill out insurance papers.

Under the direction of nursing personnel, patient care is the patient care technicians' main priority. They assist with basic patient care tasks, including changing patients' sheets or helping them use the restroom. They might also monitor vital signs and offer patients and families emotional assistance. Working directly with patients alongside nurses is the primary focus of a patient care technician. Unlike medical assistants, who frequently have to handle specific administrative duties.

Can a Medical Assistant Administer Medication?

States have different laws governing the profession of medical assistants. Provided they have received permission from the supervising physician or a qualified nurse, they may do so if state regulations permit it. For lab testing, medical assistants can gather samples such as urine, blood, or sputum.2

Can a Medical Assistant Work as a Patient Care Technician?

Medical assistants can perform the duties of a patient care technician because they are trained in administrative duties and patient care. Patient care technicians may perform clinical tasks similar to those taught to physician assistants during their training.

Launch into the Medical Assistant Field on Your Own Terms

Is a medical assistant career suited for you? It's time to start pursuing this fascinating healthcare career option if you answer yes to that question. Finding the ideal training program to help you reach your objectives is a wonderful place to start. In NCC's medical assistant program, you could gain the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in the healthcare field.

The medical assistant career training program at National Career College is intended to be finished in 8 months. Our Panorama City campus offers prospective students morning, afternoon, and evening programs. You will have the chance to gain practical experience in a medical environment and learn how to carry out duties while being supervised by a healthcare practitioner. You will take part in a clinical externship as part of your NCC program to put what you have learned into practice.

Students at National Career College are a part of a community comprised of instructors with professional expertise in their fields and administrators dedicated to helping them succeed academically and professionally. With a degree from National Career College's dental assistant training program, your career as a dental assistant looks promising. Learn more about getting started at NCC here or call us at 888-988-2301!

 

There is no better time than the present to pursue your dreams! Get started with NCC Today!

 


Sources:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6
  2. https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/careers-and-education/can-a-certified-medical-assistant-give-out-medications-in-assisted-living-facilities.html