Recession-Proof Career Alert: Medical Assistants
by Barbara Bellesi
Medical assistants work in doctors' offices and the offices of other health care professionals, performing many administrative and clinical tasks on a daily basis. As part of the always-flourishing health care field, medical assistant students can be ensured of recession-proof career.
Duties of a medical assistant
Duties of medical assistants vary greatly depending on the type of office in which one works, such as pediatric, chiropractic, general practice, etc. Those in small offices have many diverse tasks, while those who work in larger offices usually specialize in a certain area under the guidance of a department supervisor.
Administrative tasks for a medical assistant include the maintenance of patients' medical records, filling out insurance claims, and making appointments for hospital and laboratory services. Clinical tasks vary by state law, but tasks often include the recording of medical histories, the explaining of procedures and treatments to patients, and assisting physicians during exams.
Where to find medical assistant jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost two-thirds of medical assistants are employed in doctors' offices. Other places where medical assistants can find jobs are in hospitals, in patient and outpatient facilities, nursing homes, residential facilities, and in the offices of other health professionals, including chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists.
Medical assistant programs
In addition to receiving on-the-job training, many medical assistants complete one- or two-year programs that result in a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Programs in medical assisting are offered in vocational-technical high schools, vocational and career schools, and many community and junior colleges. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as in administrative duties, like transcription and medical billing. Students also learn laboratory and clinical techniques and procedures. Accredited programs usually require internship experience at a doctor's office or other medical facility in addition to classroom instruction.
Demand for medical assistant jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that medical assisting will become one of the fastest growing fields over the next decade. Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 35 percent by the year 2016. This enormous growth--larger than most other occupations--is due to the growth of the general population as well as the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.
Duties of a medical assistant
Duties of medical assistants vary greatly depending on the type of office in which one works, such as pediatric, chiropractic, general practice, etc. Those in small offices have many diverse tasks, while those who work in larger offices usually specialize in a certain area under the guidance of a department supervisor.
Administrative tasks for a medical assistant include the maintenance of patients' medical records, filling out insurance claims, and making appointments for hospital and laboratory services. Clinical tasks vary by state law, but tasks often include the recording of medical histories, the explaining of procedures and treatments to patients, and assisting physicians during exams.
Where to find medical assistant jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost two-thirds of medical assistants are employed in doctors' offices. Other places where medical assistants can find jobs are in hospitals, in patient and outpatient facilities, nursing homes, residential facilities, and in the offices of other health professionals, including chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists.
Medical assistant programs
In addition to receiving on-the-job training, many medical assistants complete one- or two-year programs that result in a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Programs in medical assisting are offered in vocational-technical high schools, vocational and career schools, and many community and junior colleges. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as in administrative duties, like transcription and medical billing. Students also learn laboratory and clinical techniques and procedures. Accredited programs usually require internship experience at a doctor's office or other medical facility in addition to classroom instruction.
Demand for medical assistant jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that medical assisting will become one of the fastest growing fields over the next decade. Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 35 percent by the year 2016. This enormous growth--larger than most other occupations--is due to the growth of the general population as well as the aging of the Baby Boomer generation.
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