They don’t stitch you up or prescribe medicines, yet these talented professionals are the backbone of medical facilities in the country.
Medical assistants have built quite a reputation in the medical field. While this title may be unknown to patients, those aspiring to pursue a career in the health care sector are gravitating towards this path.
Medical assisting careers are one of the fastest growing jobs in the US and their roles continue to grow and evolve. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in medical assistant jobs by 2024.
But what exactly does a medical assistant do?
Read on to discover the roles of medical assistants and why the industry has been growing rapidly.
Roles of a Medical Assistant
Medical assistants play a vital role in any health care facility. They strive to ensure the facility they work in is well-organized and runs smoothly.
Medical assistants perform both front desk administration and clinical tasks. They gather patient’s medical history and provide the patient with information regarding treatment.
They also prepare patients, instruments, and rooms for operation as well as offer basic support during procedures.
In addition, they schedule appointments, answer phones, file insurance claims, update patient records, and perform other related work.
Medical assistants allow doctors to focus on patient care, rather than administrative tasks like filing paper work.
Due to their extensive training and skills, they are capable of fulfilling roles in diverse health care facilities. They can work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, nursing homes, and in clinics.
Why are Medical Assistant Jobs in High Demand?
The career outlook for medical assistant jobs is very promising.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has ranked medical assisting jobs as one of the fastest growing in the industry.
As the health care industry advances and the aging population continues to grow, so does the demand for certified personal assistants.
Also, with life expectancies at an all-time high, people are in constant need of healthcare professionals. This has accelerated the need for medical assistants over the years.
The baby boomer generation, for instance, has been hiring healthcare facilities to take care of their parents. These facilities require trained personnel and have been hiring medical assistants to render the services.
3 Reasons Why You Should Become A Medical Assistant
1. You Can Get Trained in Less Than a Year
Unlike other medical fields that require years of training, most medical assisting programs take less than a year.
Most medical assistant schools typically offer short-term training that focuses on the roles of a medical assistant. Training differs from state-to-state but focuses on the work performed on a day to day basis in the various facilities.
2. High Employment Growth Rate for Medical Assistants
The US. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected the employment of medical assistants to grow by 23% from 2014 through 2024.
As one of the fastest growing careers in the health sector, you are likely to get a job fast once you get certified.
3. Work in a Variety of Settings
One of the good things about being a medical assistant is that you’re at liberty to chose where you want to work. Podiatrists, chiropractors, pediatricians and various physicians all need medical assistants.
Final Thoughts
Medical assistants play a critical role in any medical facility, and their demand has been growing by the day.
By helping in administrative and clinical tasks of a healthcare facility, medical assistants ensure their facilities run smoothly across the board.
If you’re passionate about helping people, this is the best time to enter the medical profession.
Apply now to join Beckfield’s Medical Assistant Program to begin your medical journey in a world-class institution.