How to Choose Medical Assisting As a Career
Entering the medical field is potentially one of the best decisions you can make for your future. One path to consider is working as a medical assistant. For many people a career as a medical assistant is a rewarding one that offers job security and a sense of accomplishment. It is, however, not a career choice that is suitable for everyone and the decision to choose it as a career path requires careful consideration.
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Instructions
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Educate yourself on the nature of the work. The exact role of a medical assistant varies from state to state, but you should expect to perform both administrative and clinical duties. Learn what is required of you in terms of patient care, such as giving injections, taking vitals, patient interaction, and even drawing blood. Speak with current medical assistants and ask them what they like and dislike about their jobs. Conduct an online search and read up on what a career as a medical assistant entails. Contact a school that specializes in training medical assistants and speak with a counselor about the exact nature of a medical assistant in your state.
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Assess your personality and ability to work with the public. Medical assistants are an important part of a medical environment and are often the first person to make contact with patients. Depending on the situation, this interaction can be a pleasant or trying experience and requires the assistant to exercise a level of patience. If you do not deal well with others this should be a factor on your decision to choose medical assisting as a career.
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Look into the educational requirements. Most employers seek assistants who have received formal training from medical assisting programs that are approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Locate an AAMA accredited school by conducting a search on the AAMA website. After you have located a program in your area, call to set up an appointment and discuss tuition, payment options and loans; course duration and requirements. Medical assisting programs are available in post-secondary vocational schools, community colleges and colleges. The post-secondary program length for a diploma or certificate of completion lasts one year, and two years for an associates degree.
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Consider what you'll earn. As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for medical assistants is $28,650. Your ability to earn more or less will be contingent on your training, location and the exact field in medical assisting that you decide to work in.
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Research and evaluate the areas of employment and potential for growth. Take into consideration that medical assistants work in a number environments with different capacities for growth. Ophthalmology assisting, Chiropractic assisting, medical records and health information are some of the areas that you can transition into. If your goal is to eventually become a nurse, beginning your career as a medical assistant can provide an opportunity to explore a career in the medical field and gain valuable experience.
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Tips & Warnings
When choosing medical assisting as a career, it is important to consider typical hours worked. Most assistants work 40 hour weeks, but this may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Medical assisting is a demanding job and you must consider your ability to effectively multitask.
As a medical assistant you will be exposed to different types of illnesses.
Medical assisting is a stressful job that brings you into contact with people who are extremely ill or even dying.
References
- Photo Credit smiling doctor with paaper image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
