The field of healthcare offers attractive job opportunities to the discerning job seeker. Whatever the state of world economy, we always need access to quality healthcare for all our requirements and those of our loved ones. This keeps the healthcare industry virtually insulated from the vagaries of the economy.
The field of healthcare offers attractive job opportunities to the discerning job seeker. Whatever the state of world economy, we always need access to quality healthcare for all our requirements and those of our loved ones. This keeps the healthcare industry virtually insulated from the vagaries of the economy.
This also guarantees employment opportunities to the thousands of students who choose to make a career in this field.
It takes years of study and massive fees to become a doctor. But if you are keen on getting a stable and decently-paid job in the field of healthcare without several years of study and huge tuition fees, then allied healthcare is the way for you to go.
There are several career options you can consider in this field. With an ageing baby-boomer population the need for healthcare providers is bound to rise. This in turn will spur a huge demand for allied health workers like medical assistants, pharmacy technicians and phlebotomists.
If you want a relatively stress-free job with comfortable working hours, good work environment and a decent salary then you can consider becoming a medical assistant.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
It is the duty of the medical assistant to ensure that the facility where he or she works runs like a well-oiled machine. You will have to take care of administrative responsibilities and work on the front desk. Medical assistants are also involved in providing direct care to patients. The scope of your responsibilities will vary depending on the size, specialty and demands of the practice.
You will be dealing with the full array of administrative duties including answering calls and taking appointments, filling out forms for new patients and entering patient data in the online records, completing insurance-related formalities and keeping track of bills and payments.
You will also be called upon to assist in clinical tasks like administering shots and vaccines, drawing blood and preparing patients and rooms for surgical procedures.
In short you will be doing all that is required for the physician to do his job well and serve the patients in the best way possible.
How Can You Become a Medical Assistant?
The best part is that there is no formal qualification required for this position but that can also make it difficult for you to stand out from among the crowd of applicants.
A high school diploma/GED certificate or equivalent is the entry barrier for becoming a medical assistant in most states, including in Connecticut. But physicians or employers usually prefer pre-trained medical assistant candidates who will be able to immediately contribute to and be a part of the medical team. Well-trained people will not require any supplementary training or on-the-job instruction.
There are several community colleges and vocational training schools offering medical assistant programs in CT that equip you with all the necessary skills to perform well and excel in your job. Ensure you opt for focused and limited-duration courses that will help you get a job as soon as possible.
How Are Medical Assistants Certified?
It is not mandatory for a medical assistant to be certified but a certification will increase your chances of being hired at the best places.
Certification of medical assistants is done through the Certified Medical Examination (CMA). This examination is conducted through several agencies but Connecticut recognizes the CMA through American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) for the purpose of certification.
On completing the medical assistant training, you can apply at the website of AAMA and pay the required fee for the exam. You will receive details regarding the CMA and its schedule within a span of 30 days.
The examination is of 3 hour duration and comprises 200 multiple choice questions. The questions are divided into three broad categories and are based on the administrative, the clinical and the general duties of a medical assistant. On clearing the examination the AAMA will certify you as a medical assistant and confer the CMA certificate. This certificate is held in value and recognized across the US.
What Are the Additional Skills That a Medical Assistant Training Program at AIHT Equips You With?
Your duties as a medical assistant will be all-encompassing. Professional flexibility and the ability to learn new things on a daily basis are crucial for this role.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) has taken over most of the record-keeping at medical practices. A medical assistant training program at AIHT will teach you about the latest EHR computer software, data security and storage, how to analyze and interpret data for better results, co-ordinate for insurance-related activities, and maintain the integrity of individual patient data.
This knowledge of handling EHR and related information systems will increase your employment opportunities.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of 29% in employment opportunities for medical assistants through this decade. If you arm yourself with the right qualifications you can turn this to your advantage and have a truly lucrative career.
