Many people would be amazed to hear what one of most in-demand professions is these days. It’s the medical assistant. That’s right. The sweet young woman who greets you in some capacity from behind the partitioning glass panes at your doctor’s office is part of the fastest growing professions in the country. A degree from traditional or on line college degree might not be needed for the receptionist, but those skilled assistants in the back room usually have one.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of 2008, there were nearly 500,000 medical assistants in the work force. It also projects an extra 160,000 will be needed by 2018. The Bureau projects the usual growth rate for all jobs over that time period to be 11-12% over the same time period, however, the field of medical assistants is looking at a 34% growth in a period of ten years.
Still, entering the profession means having more than a clean, professional appearance and a courteous demeanor. This still primarily female livelihood requires solid clerical, secretarial and communications capability. While comprehending health care techniques is not required when starting out, you will learn them, if only from being immersed in the environment. As such, one can develop a plan for a true health care career well beyond making sure which patient sees the doctor in whatever order. Currently, the Bureau divides medical assistants into three classes:
(1) Administrative Medical Assistants – These are the women you actually see on the other side of the glass panels. They update and file records, arrange laboratory services and handle similar tasks besides answering telephones, greet patients, scheduling appointments, some billing and bookkeeping. This is usually the first step to the next following positions.
(2) Clinical Medical Assistants – These assistants work the examination room. They do such things as maintain medical histories, record vital signs, clarify treatments to patients and provide a hand with examinations. They are also responsible for much, much more, especially in smaller offices, even to including upkeep of the exam rooms.
(3) Specialized Medical Assistants – These assistants’ responsibilities depend on their doctor’s specialty. For instance, some of them include ophthalmic/optometric (eye) or podiatric (feet). For instance, ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They apply eye dressings and also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses.
Entry into the profession is pretty straightforward. A kid out of high school could land an administrative position, but going to a secretarial school the year certainly helps. She can advance herself by enrolling in an online college, taking courses during off hours, and thus advancing up the ladder. A two year degree should lead into the specialty arena. If one wants to grow into nursing, this is also an excellent way to start.
As for compensation, a high school will likely earn a salary in the $19,000 to $23,000 range. The average is about $25,000 and it can go up to just short of $30,000. Naturally, there are health benefits. So while the salary range is relatively low, one should look at this job as the first step into degree on line, and these days that can mean just about anything.
The availability of online programs allows someone in the medical field to continue their real life experience as they advance their education. Some will remain top notch assistants, some will move into nursing, and others will go for their medical college degree. Once in the health care field, the possibilities are unlimited.