In this economy, many are going back to school and enrolling in a medical assistant program to find a good job. Medical assistants are in-demand, and the average earnings are $28,300 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's hard work, and there's plenty to go around. People will get sick, and somebody needs to help care for them. But what exactly is involved in a medical assistant program education?

The Job of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are exposed to a variety of medical and office responsibilities that showcase administrative, medical and scientific skills. You also have to be pretty good at relating people, as a good part of the job is getting people to relax in a medical setting that may make people nervous.

As a medical assistant, your compassion can be used in many medical environments, from primary care physicians' offices to hospitals to specialist offices. Clinical duties that can be performed vary according to state law. They may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for examination and assisting the doctor.

Description of Medical Assistant Program

In a medical assistant program, you'll be trained to assist physicians in examination and treatment, as well as perform routine office tasks. You'll discover proper techniques to collect and prepare laboratory specimens, perform basic lab tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies and sterilize medical instruments. You'll learn how to instruct patients about medications and special diets, and prepare and administer medications according to physician instructions.

You'll also become skilled at drawing blood and giving injections, preparing patients for X-rays, taking electrocardiograms, removing sutures and changing dressings. Honing intrapersonal skills and discovering how to put patients at ease are also an essential part of your training, as is learning how to interpret doctor instruction correctly and efficiently.

Medical Assistant Program Licensure and Certification

Employers prefer to hire medical assistants who come from an accredited medical assistant program or certified applicants who have passed their certification exams. The American Association of Medical Assistants issues the Certified Medical Assistant Credential, though you can get similar certificates in podiatry and ophthalmology.

Job Outlook

There's good reason to enroll in a medical assistant program: the job outlook is extraordinary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 34 percent growth rate through 2018, thanks to technological advancements in medicine, the growth and aging of the population and an overall shortage of medical workers. In fact, job growth for medical assistants is higher than just about all other expectations, which is good news considering that many industries that were once considered steady are now vanishing.

Plus, you'll enjoy diverse career opportunities. Medical assistants may be able to advance to medical office manager with more lucrative pay. You may also qualify for administrative support occupations. If you gain enough experience, you may even be able to teach medical assisting.

Medical assistants enjoy a secure future, which is a great advantage in this economy. A medical assistant program typically takes only nine months. It's steady work that is only anticipated to grow in demand.