Medical Assistant: Job Description, Education, Skills, Abilities, Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview The career as a medical assistant is one of the faster growing career nowadays. In the past, physicians can run a small private clinic or practice with just one nurse as an assistant. Today, with the rapid expansion of the available services an the many patients who are in need of them, this set up has become less possible. The need for many medical assistants became crucial in running their clinics not only for the ease of practice, but also to be able to cater the need of the incoming patients patronizing the services. Medical assistants fulfill the role of helping doctors or medical practitioners in offices, hospitals and clinics. They are the ones who keep the medical records, help examine the patients from taking history and preparing them for physical examinations and help treat then and perform routine office duties so as to allow the doctors focus on their patient doctor interaction.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
If you wish to establish a career in becoming a medical assistant, prepare as early as high school by taking subjects in sciences, communication, and psychology.The minimum requirement is usually a high school diploma to get in the job. However, post secondary training for medical assistants are available at many trade schools, as well in community and junior colleges and universities. An associate's degree which is two years in length will result into a diploma or a certificate, a proof of one's ability to fulfill the duties of a medical assistant.
Skills and Abilities
The skills that are needed are communication skills and interpersonal skills. Being able to follow instructions accurately is also necessary. As assistants of medical practitioners, they should also have the desire to serve the patients and help them with their health care needs. This means that compassion, patience and dependability are expected of them.
Duties
The duties of a medical assistant are dependent on the setting that they work in. The settings vary from a surgical clinic, maternal or lying in clinic to a dermatological or skin station. Their tasks may range from keeping the clinics, waiting area or the examination room clean and orderly to organizing charts and giving patients instructions about taking medications. Depending on the setting, they may take the vital signs and patient's history, prepare patients for different procedures such as x rays, administer ECG and even draw blood and give injections as well.
Outlook and Earnings
The income for a medical assistant is dependent on factors such as the location and the size of the employer as well as the year of professional working experience and the educational level. The range of salary starts off from 18,000 U.S. dollars to 25,000 U.S. dollars per annum. Others earn around 35,000 U.S. and over. The job outlook is expected to move much faster than the average for the other professions.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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