Medical assistant certification and training is a great alternative to enter the health care industry with a lucrative medical assistant salary. A medical assistant works along with medical specialists, therapists, nurses and physicians. They can handle both the administrative and clinical tasks to help health professionals. They also do the routine medical tasks for patients such as handling medical records of patients, managing injections and medicines, collecting and preparing specimens for lab tests and so on.
Unlike in the past, medical assistants have started finding work in both private and public hospitals for outpatient and inpatient facilities.
Medical Assistant Salary Prospects
A medical assistant salary on an average is estimated to be approximately $28000 per year with the lowest being $20,750 per year. With experience, the salary range also increases and earnings of $40,000 per year are also possible. The salary also depends on factors like the specialty of the doctor being assisted, the place of work and relevant experience in the field. Also, certified professionals are preferred and paid well in this field.
Education Requirements for Becoming a Medical Assistant
All medical assistants complete their education and are then trained either on the job or complete specific one to two year programs. People with experience in the health care field are also eligible for the role. Those who get on the job experience usually undergo training with the experienced workers for the initial few months to gain practical experience.
Medical assistance programs are also offered in post secondary vocational schools, junior colleges and community colleges. A one year course results in a diploma or certificate and a two year course in an associate's degree.
The students aspiring for this career alternative are also expected to manage people well and be active and interested in the health care domain.
Medical Assistant Certification
This is preferred by employers as an indication of certain standards required for the job. It also differentiates between an entry level job and that of an experienced or trained professional. This also means a varying medical assistant salary, which is higher for certified people. The certifications are offered by the Association of Medical Technologists (AMT) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). One can also opt for certification in a specialization of choice.
Job prospects for medical assistants are many and increasing every year with increasing demand for employees in the health care profession. The growth of job opportunities in this sector is also estimated to be very high. This job gives an opportunity to individuals to move ahead in their fields through experience and further training. They can even train themselves to become healthcare workers and nurses and also opt for administrative managerial roles in the future.
Also, with increasing demand for medical assistants, there will be an increase in the preference for those professionals who are trained or certified. A medical assistant salary will also be higher as compared to those without formal training. So make the most of the opportunity. Do not miss out on a great career alternative.
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