Most medical assisting is found in the private practices of physicians. In fact, six out of 10 medical assistants work in these offices, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). And although some are trained on the job, most medical assistants have formal training from medical assisting schools. Those with medical assisting certification are most likely to secure jobs in the industry. Additionally, those with proper people skills and who can follow directions are best for this job.
Learning the Tricks of the Trade
Medical assistants need medical assisting schools, just as doctor's offices need medical assistants. With proper training and certification, aspiring medical assistants can get the skills and support they need to break into a field that promises a lucrative medical career.
Various community colleges and technical schools offer programs in medical assisting. Programs may last anywhere from one to two years, resulting in a certificate or associate degree, respectively. Medical assisting students take classes that cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and other courses that teach clerical skills. Students also learn first aid, clinical and laboratory techniques, and pharmaceutical fundamentals.
Since medical assistants interact with patients often, they also study office practices, as well as patient relations and medical law. There is no official licensing requirement to be a medical assistant, however some students require medical assistants to pass an exam before they begin work with certain tasks, like taking X-rays or giving injections. |
