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Medical assistants perform both
administrative and clinical duties in order to keep the offices of
health practitioners running as smoothly as possible. Some of the
administrative duties that they perform include answering telephones,
greeting patients, scheduling appointments, filling out insurance forms,
handling correspondence, updating patients’ medical records, handling
billing and bookkeeping, and arranging for hospital admission and
laboratory services. Medical assistants are also called upon to perform
clinical duties such as recording vital signs, explaining treatment
procedures to patients, taking medical histories, disposing of
contaminated supplies, sterilizing medical instruments, collecting
laboratory specimens, preparing patients for examination, and
assisting the physician during the examination. Other miscellaneous duties
may include arranging examining-room instruments and equipment, purchasing
and maintaining supplies and equipment, and keeping waiting and examining
rooms neat and clean. To be a successful medical assistant, an individual
must be a team player, emotionally stable, have a great deal of patience,
and be able to take orders well.
Work Environment:
Medical assistants
work in a variety of different health care settings. These include
hospitals, medical clinics, physician’s offices, optometrist's offices,
nursing homes, chiropractor's offices, and podiatrist's offices.
High School Preparation:
Students preparing for a career in medical
assisting should take courses in biology, algebra, chemistry, English,
geometry, dental/medical assisting, computer skills, nurse aide training,
health occupations/medical professions education, physical education, and
typing.
College Requirements:
Most employers require a high school diploma
or the equivalent. Training is offered in a variety of settings, which may
include high schools, vocational schools, and community colleges.
On-the-job training is available but many choose a one or two-year medical
assisting program. Two-year programs result in associate degrees while
one-year programs grant certificates or diplomas. Upon graduation from an
accredited medical assisting program, students are eligible to take the
national certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical
Assistants. Certified medical assistants may use the initials CMA after
their name.
Students interested in becoming a nursing
assistant should contact schools for information on admission and course
of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment
opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow by more than 36%
through the year 2012. Medical assisting is growing so fast that it is
projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the next 10 years.
Growth of this health career will be driven by the increase in the number
of clinics, group practices, and other healthcare facilities that need a
high proportion of support personnel. The overall growth of the healthcare
industry and technological advances will also have a positive impact on
opportunities for medical assistants. Employment opportunities will be
best for medical assistants with formal training or experience, and
particularly for those with national certification.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$23,800
Salary Range
$19,200-$27,000
Professional Organizations:
American
Association of Medical Assistants
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL
60606-2963
Phone: (800) 228-2262
Web:
www.aama-ntl.org
Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
35 East Wacker
Drive, Suite 1970
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312)
553-9355
Web:
www.caahep.org
American Medical Technologists
10700 West
Higgins Road
Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 823-5169
Fax: (847) 823-0458
Web:
www.amt1.com
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