When choosing a degree in today’s market, the state of the economy and employment chances is something you want to keep in mind. Some industries are experiencing hard times are experiencing layoffs and shutting down, others are searching for qualified candidates. Doing your research before selecting a degree program, will give you a head up in this tough economy.

Qualified medical assistants is a growing field with a rapidly growing need for services. Baby boomers coming of retirement age and medical advances have spurred the growth of the medical field and employment opportunities. The employment rate is estimated to grow much quicker than average, ranking medical assistants as one of the fastest growing occupations between 2006 and 2016. There are many accredited programs around the country for prospective students, whether through a online college or through a traditional college.

Patients speak most often to medical assistants, they also speak regularly to medical billing, insurance reps and doctors and nurses. A medical assistant will play a primary role in assisting administrators and nurses. A medical assistant will perform both clerical and clinical tasks to enable the smooth functioning of offices. Not only physician’s offices employ medical assistants but also podiatrists, clinics, hospitals and podiatrists. Some of their duties include, measuring vital signs, performing lab tests, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, stocking and ordering supplies, answering phones, drawing blood or explaining treatment procedures to patients and their families. The duties vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice. .

The Medical Assistant profession is highly versatile. Some of the courses a medical assistant will study are physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, medical billing, and pharmacology. Medical assisting programs are typically one to two year courses. An internship may be need to be completed for students in accredited programs so that they gain the hands on experience that is needed.

Medical assistant salaries

Medical Assistants can earn about $ 38,000 per year. Medical Assistant earnings have grown over the past several years and that trend is expected to continue.