Medical Assistant Careers, Jobs, and Training Information.Parts 2

 *Career job information for job seekers and find good  employment  job

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) approve of medical assistant programs. There were 495 medical assisting programs approved by CAAHEP in 2002 and about 170 approved by ABHES. In ophthalmic medical assisting, the Committee on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel approved 14 programs.

Formal training is most likely preferred, but not mandatory. Some medical assistants learn skills through on-the-job training; however, this has progressively become outdated. Graduation from high school, or an equal diploma, is usually required. Preferred courses in high school to take are math, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and clerical skills. It may also be beneficial to obtain experience through volunteer work.

Disregarding the fact that medical assistants aren’t licensed, various practices still require a test or course to be taken before performing such tasks as x-raying. Employers hiring assistants prefer those with experience or those who have passed a national examination that ensures adequate certification and competency. The Certified Medical Assistant credential is presented by the American Association of Medical Assistants, the Registered Medical Assistant credential is presented by the American Medical Technologists, and the Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified credential is presented by the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants awards. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology honors credentials at three degrees: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician, and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist.

Medical assistants must present themselves to the public as neat, well-groomed, polite. They must make patients feel comfortable and verify what the physician has instructed. It is required that they keep medical information confidential. They must also be able to work well with their hands and possess visual perception.

A promotion of medical assistants is to become an office manager. Others may include differing administrative support occupations or instruction in medical assisting. As they acquire further education, some may also become nurses or medical technicians.

Medical Assistant Job and Employment Opportunities

With the health field growing from advancing medical technology and an increasing and aging population, the job of medical assistants is estimated to grow faster than other occupations’ averages through the year 2012. As more and more medical assistants are being employed to keep up with a growing medical industry, employment will soar for the occupation. It is projected that this particular job will grow the quickest between the years 2002-12.

This expansion will be caused by a number of factors which include more group practices, clinics, and other medical centers. These facilities must have a supportive staff, especially medicals assistants who are flexible and can manage clinical and secretarial tasks. The main work of assistants is in outpatient areas that are estimated to growth faster than average.

Healthcare employers are hiring medical assistants who are trained with accredited programs or experience, and especially those who are certified.

Historical Earnings Information

A few factors affect how much money medical assistants make. They include: experience, level of abilities, and location. In 2002, the median for yearly earnings was $23,940. For the mid 50%, earnings ranged from $20,260 to $28,410. Medical assistants earned as little as $17,640 (the lowest 10%) and earned as high as $34,130 (the highest 10%). Earnings increases with more experience as a medical assistant.