Job Outlook for Medical Assistants
Growing Demand and Job Outlook for Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants are in demand! As the Baby Boomer population ages, the job outlook for qualified Medical Assistants has steadily risen to meet the demand. This means more job opportunities for you!
- Above-Average Job Growth: Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29% from 2012 to 2022.*
- Excellent Pay: As of May 2015 the annual mean salary for Medical Assistants in California was $35,440.*
* According to the U.S .Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Ever wonder what it takes to be a Medical Assistant? Medical Assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical procedures of a health care facility. Due to their training in pharmacology, laboratory procedures, medical law, patient care, and the health sciences, Medical Assistants are able to meet a diverse range of roles within the healthcare setting, including:
- Take medical histories
- Prepare patients for examination
- Assist the Doctor during examination
- Explain medical procedures
- Administer medications
- Draw blood
- Remove stitches
- Perform basic lab tests
- Authorize drug refills (as directed by doctor)
- Take EKGs
- Record vital signs
As you can see this is a very extensive list, but it shows the wide variety of training someone may receive as a Medical Assistant student. The role of a Medical Assistant often means that one will be working alongside doctors and other medical professionals daily. It is imperative that one be flexible, dedicated and open minded as they will be required to multitask on a regular basis.=
Where Can I Work?
- Medical offices
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Urgent care centers
- Nursing homes
- Medical supply businesses
- Home health agencies
- Insurance providers
- Pharmaceutical companies
Anywhere you find doctors and other skilled medical professionals, you will find Medical Assistants at work right alongside them. They can’t do it without you!
Medical Assistant Skills
According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), there are many skills that are needed by medical professionals. The jobs that these assistants can be expected to carry out on a regular basis include the following administrative and medical activities:
- Using a variety of computer applications to record, analyze, and share data
- Answering phones, make appointments, and communication with patients and their families
- Greeting patients when they arrive at the facility and making them feel at ease
- Updating records, hanging out and recording forms, and tracking medical records
- Coding and filling of forms, including insurance, referrals, and similar records
- Arranging for transportation to another hospital, handle admissions, and manage lab results
- Handling correspondence with different doctors, specialist, billing and bookkeeping personnel
- Taking medical histories and ensuring all forms are signed and currently up to date
- Explaining that various aspects of treatment procedures and therapy plans to patients
- Preparing the patients for examination, surgery, lab work, therapy sessions, and release
- Assisting medical team members during examinations, taking blood, recording vitals, ect
- Collecting records from other labs and preparing specimens for testing or shipment
- Performing basic tests and therapy procedures as well as basic hygiene and patient care
- Teaching patients proper self-care measures and assisting with medication or dietary needs
- Serving as a point of communication between the patient and the medical professionals
Why Choose the Medical Assistant Program at CBD College?
- 41 Week Program
- Nationally Accredited by ABHES
- Day and Evening Classes
- Clinical experience in a variety of healthcare facilities
- State-of-the-art skills lab
- Classes forming every month
- Computer learning center
- Dedicated faculty and staff
- Hands-on training and personal feel
- On-site Placement Department will assist you to find a job
- Federal Financial Aid Available to those who qualify
Call 213-472-2200 or fill out the form on the right to find out how you can become a Medical Assistant in as little as 10 months! Our next start date is Tuesday, September 19th, 2017.