Health Services Administration

Jobs in the health professions are expected to see major growth in the next several years, and one of the leading areas in that growth will be in the field of medical assistants. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates a nearly 34 percent increase in jobs for the field in the next eight years due to a projected surge in the number of physicians' offices and out-patient care. Other factors contributing to the increase are technological advances and an increasing elderly population in the country. Salaries for the position vary depending on skill level, but national estimates put the middle 50 percent at between $26,000 and $30,000, while the upper 10 percent are estimated to earn $33,000 or more. Medical assistants have to have a variety of skills and are trained in a variety of administrative and clinical duties. An example of duties performed on a typical day include using computer applications, updating and filing patient records, coding and filing insurance forms, arranging hospital admissions and laboratory services, preparing patients for exams, drawing blood and taking electrocardiograms. There would also be several duties in keeping the office running properly. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the jobs is patient care. Medical assistants are often responsible for making a patient feel comfortable during a doctor's visit and clearly explaining the physician's instructions. Communication is a key component of the job. Getting certified in the field provides a professional advantage and can mean more job security, easier advancement and improved peer recognition. More health employers are requiring their assistants to be certified. The first step in becoming certified is to graduate from an accredited program. In going through this curriculum, a candidate will receive training in human anatomy, physiology and pathology; terminology; keyboarding and computer applications; record keeping and accounting; coding and insurance processing and laboratory techniques. In addition, the program will teach pharmacology, first aid, medication administration, patient care and medical law and ethics. Factors to consider when selecting an institution include tuition costs and whether financial aid is available. There may be prerequisites needed before enrolling. It is also important to find out what the practicum at the end of the course will require. Following graduation, there will be a Certified Medical Assistant exam to pass. For someone looking for a job helping others while multi-tasking and working in the health industry, becoming a medical assistant may be just the ticket. It is the only allied health position in which professionals are trained specifically to work in ambulatory settings, such as a doctor's office.

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