A medical assistant with a stethoscope smiles at a young girl.
Medical Assisting. We have heard those words, but how many of us actually know what a medical assistant is?
Medical assistants are health professionals that are trained to work in ambulatory care, meaning on an outpatient basis without admission into a hospital, alongside physicians. Unlike other healthcare professions, they are cross-trained to perform both administrative and clinical skills.
Medical assistants are instrumental in helping patients feel comfortable during their appointment while providing education per the physician’s instructions. They work as both an advocate and navigator in patient care.
Now that you know what a medical assistant is, here are three reasons you should become a medical assistant.
1. Great degree with very little debt and lots of opportunities. Most medical assistant programs take less than one year to complete. In that year, you’ll be prepared to sit for a credentialing exam and become a successful member of the healthcare team. You can use this degree as a stepping stone into other healthcare professions or make a career out of it.
2. A variety of knowledge and skills. Medical assistants are taught a wide range of skills in order to be successful in the medical office. These skills allow them to work in many different specialties and settings. Common skills taught include, collecting vital signs, drawing blood, giving injections and medical coding.
3. Great work schedule. Medical Assistants are trained to work in the medical office, which means there are little to no nights, weekends or holidays worked. This is a great work schedule for those with a family or who just like to enjoy holidays without worrying if they are scheduled to work!
Medical assisting is a secure, rewarding and high-demand position in the healthcare industry that can lead to many opportunities for professional growth. If this sounds like the career path for you, learn more at Baker College’s Medical Assistant program page!
