It has been said that the job of a medical assistant is expected to be one of the ten fastest growing occupations through the year 2008. The medical field is a fast growing field, which makes people interested in the field of medicine. Job prospects should be best for medical assistants with formal job training or experience (Farr 123).
Being a medical assistant involves being able to perform both clerical and clinical tasks. Clerical jobs include typing and answering phones and clinical involves more jobs like a nurse. Medical Assistants (MAs) help physicians by taking vital signs, interviewing patients, ordering supplies, and keeping records. They also may authorize drug refills as directed by a physician and telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy. They may also perform lab tests and first aid procedures. The work of a medical assistant varies from place to place ("Medical Assistant" 39).
While in high school, to help become a medical assistant, one should take math, science and computer courses. English and speech communications will improve writing and oral skills. Business courses like keyboarding, bookkeeping, accounting, and economics are very helpful. After high school, some people take a post secondary training like completing a two-year degree program from college or a nine to twelve-month program at an accredited technical school. Most people would agree two-year college is most recommended.
An MA needs to have a variety of traits, such as patience and a great sense of humor. Communication skills are also a must to be able to listen and respond to everyone. Also MA's need to be flexible. They are normally always busy and your days are not always 9-5 work days. Some require late nights, holiday hours, and weekends. Basically, they must have a real desire to help people (Hayes 385).
Salaries vary widely, depending on experience, education and the region of the country. Most earnings are from $14,500 per year to $21,000 per year (Hayes 387).