Medical assistants are in high demand due to a rapidly expanding healthcare industry. In fact, the profession is projected to be one of the fastest growing careers in the coming decade. Most of the medical assistants are hired directly by the physicians whereas the rest, approximately 30 percent, either work in the hospitals or assist various other health practitioners including Chiropractors, Pediatrics and Optometrists. In 2006, United States employed nearly 418,000 medical assistants. The job growth is set to increase by 35%, in the next eight years, translating into another 150,000 new vacancies.

Education

While working under a physician, many medical assistants could easily acquaint themselves with the basic techniques. It is not a preferred method, anymore. Now, most physicians prefer medical assistants with at least a high school certificate and preferably a specialized diploma or an associate degree. Serious candidates always get at least a one year diploma or a specialized course. Few even acquire an associate degree, lasting two years. While there is no pre-requisite to gain entry into any of these programs, certain advanced short courses may require licensing. These specialized courses include specific knowledge regarding eye care, cast making and surgery assistance.

Training

Training is provided by vocational technical high schools, vocational post secondary institutes and to a lesser extent by community colleges. The two well recognized accrediting health bodies are The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). According to a recent survey, there are more than 400 institutions in USA who are officially evaluated by these two organizations.

Cost

The basic cost of a specialized degree ranges from $5000 to $8000. Like any other medical degree, the additional costs associated with medical books, laboratory equipment and related lab fee can easily increase the total to exceed $10,000. While evaluating the costs, it is generally recommended that candidates review the entire fee structure as Institutions often ask for supplementary fee not listed in the prospectus.

Course Outline

Candidates with initial high school studies in Biology, math, bookkeeping, typing, computers and clerical skills may find it easier to navigate the medical assistant course structure. The two distinct types of subjects taught pertain to medical issues and clerical work. Medical courses shed light on courses such as first aid procedures, human anatomy, medical terminology, medical laws and physiology, while administrative education involves recordkeeping, patient relations, medicinal subscription and basic accounting. A graduate of these courses may also be trained in procedures such as taking blood, giving medications, performing X-rays, conducting laboratory tests and assisting physicians with physical checkups. For an advanced specialization a clinical experience may exceed 200 hours. Before any clinical experience, candidates are required to show proof of good health, immunizations, drugs, health insurance coverage and even a criminal background test.

Job Placement

Most of the schools have some sort of job placement assistance but fresh graduates are able to find work on their own. It is also a good idea to talk to medical recruitment agency which can utilize their extensive social network to locate a well paying job. Due to a very high demand, the job placement success rate is relatively higher then many other professions. A medical assistant can earn between $20,000 and $30,000 thousand annually depending upon specific training, and locality. The opportunities to transfer to other health care fields are always good for medical assistant. The kind people interested in Medical Assisting varies but it is certainly a field of work that is in high demand, as well as rewarding. The health care field is growing by leaps and bounds creating openings for many types of health care professionals, this includes Medical Assisting personnel, as they are necessity to the overall medical community.

Being a Medical Assistant is a career to look forward to, a career to be proud of. Over the years the field has grown and as the demand increases so will the requirements, now is a ground floor opportunity to gain a wonderful career. The requirement goals are reachable for any socioeconomic bracket, and the pay is an opportunity to support any future goal you might decide upon. Being a Medical Assistant is a career to look forward to, and definitely career to be proud of.