These duties can vary according to differences
in state law. Some of the tasks performed medical assistants include taking
vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, or assisting doctors
with examinations. Medical assistants also collect specimens, administer
medication as authorized by a physician and telephone prescriptions to
pharmacies. They are also responsible for taking blood, changing sutures
and dressing, and keeping examination rooms clean and tidy.Medical assistants
can move up in their careers by specializing in particular healthcare
areas. There are also advancement opportunities by moving up to office
manager.
With additional certification and education, medical
assistants can advance to other health care jobs such as nursing. Medical
assistants with further formal training and current job experience are
great candidates for career advancement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
projects that medical assisting will be one of the fastest growing jobs
on average through 2014. This is due to the increasing use of medical
assistants across the healthcare industry. The earnings of medical assistants
vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location.
Median annual earnings of medical assistants were
$24,610 in May 2004.Now is the time to get in on the ground floor of this
fast growing occupation. Healthcare employers prefer graduates of formal
programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical
high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior
colleges. Postsecondary programs usually last 1-year, resulting in a certificate
or diploma, or 2 years, resulting in an associate degree.Melissa Steele,
College Degrees @ EducationGuys.com
