Allied Health professionals cover a broad area of healthcare jobs that require training and, often, certification or licensing, but aren’t doctors, physicians, or nurses. With a steadily aging population and a need for dedicated workers in various healthcare roles, now’s the perfect time to begin training to become a medical assistant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 23% growth in medical assistant jobs¹ through 2028, much faster than average.
The online medical assistant diploma can help students prepare to sit for a number of industry certification exams such as
Certified or registered medical assistants are needed in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, physician’s practices, nursing homes, clinics, chiropractic offices, laboratories, and more. Because medical assistants fill two necessary roles in a medical workplace - as an administrator and a clinical healthcare professional - developing an understanding of health insurance, electronic medical records, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures is necessary to taking the first steps toward a successful career in the role.
Penn Foster offers several Allied Health programs geared to helping students prepare to take the next step toward their career goals. Find out which program is right for you.
Q. What is the job description for a Medical Assistant?
A. Medical assistants complete both administrative and clinical tasks in an outpatient setting. While job duties can vary depending on their work environment, most assistants are responsible for collecting and recording patient information, measuring patient vital signs, scheduling appointments, and administering injections or medications at the direction of the doctor or physician’s assistant.
Q. How can I become a certified Medical Assistant?
A. Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) most often requires successful completion of a medical assistant career program or college degree. After completing a recognized program, the next step is to sit for and pass an industry exam such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once you’ve earned your certification, you’ll need to maintain the credential by recertifying after a certain time period and completing continuing education requirements.
Q. Where can Medical Assistants work?
A. Most medical assistants work full-time and find positions in doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other medical offices.
Q. What is the salary for a Medical Assistant?
A. While pay can vary by region, experience, and work environment, the average annual salary for medical assistants in 2018 was $33,610.¹
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