Medical Assistant Training and Education

Becoming a medical assistant does not require formal training or schooling, but the majority of employers prefer those that have completed a certain amount of schooling. In addition, a medical assistant must complete advanced training in order to perform certain functions in some states, such as taking x-rays. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain a degree in medical assisting in order increase the likelihood of obtaining a job and in order to receive a higher level of pay.

Most medical assistant programs take just one year to complete, which results in a diploma or a certificate. Two years of schooling will earn an associate’s degree. Typical coursework necessary to earn a medical assistant degree includes classes in recordkeeping, medical terminology, transcription, insurance processing, medical law, laboratory techniques, and patient relations.

Medical Assistant Job Description

The role of the medical assistant can vary slightly in accordance with the physician’s area of specialty, the location of the practice, and the size of the practice. Regardless of these factors, the primary role of the medical assistant is to take over the smaller duties necessary to run a medical practice in order to allow the physician to more efficiently see and treat patients.

A medical assistant may be used primarily for administrative duties, in which case he or she will engage in duties such as answering the telephone, filing medical records, completing insurance forms, scheduling patient appointments, handling correspondence, arranging for laboratory services and hospital admission, and handling bookkeeping.

On the other hand, a medical assistant may aide in clinical duties, such as explaining treatments to patients, taking medical histories, taking and recording vital signs, getting patients prepared for an examination, assisting the physician with examinations, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, disposing of contaminated supplies, and sterilizing instruments. The exact clinical duties of a medical assistant will vary from state to state and may depend upon the individual’s level of education.

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for a medical assistant are expected to grow faster than the average occupation. This is mainly because the population within the United States is expected to continue to grow. In addition, as life spans grow longer, the elderly population increases and so does the need for specialized medical care. With the growth of the population, doctors require the aide of a medical assistant in order to treat all of the patients requiring treatment.

The earnings of a medical assistant depend largely on the setting of the work place. For example, a medical assistant working in a professional school, college, or university was earning a median annual salary of $27,490 in 2004. On the other hand, a medical assistant working in a physician’s office earned only $24,930 that same year.

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