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Any advice about becoming a medical assistant?
What subject I must take to be a medical assistant? What is something that you wish to tell me that you wish you had known sooner? What tools would I need while studying to become a medical assistant? What does a normal day for a medical assistant look like?
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Danielle’s Answer
Hello Teresa,
A medical assistant's role is a fusion of patient care and administrative duties. The specifics of these tasks can vary based on the workspace, but they generally encompass checking patient vitals, drawing blood, administering injections, conducting EKGs, or even delving into administrative tasks like medical coding, filing insurance claims, and transcription.
To prepare for this role, you'll need to undertake courses in anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy, medical terminology, insurance coding, and EKG conduction, among others. I recommend seeking a college that offers an Associate's Degree specifically tailored for Medical Assistants. This will ensure you cover all the necessary coursework.
Starting as a medical assistant is an excellent stepping stone into the world of hands-on patient care. If you find that you enjoy it, you can then consider advancing to a CNA or nursing degree. Personally, I transitioned from patient care to the insurance side as I discovered that the patient care aspect was not as fulfilling as I had anticipated.
A medical assistant's role is a fusion of patient care and administrative duties. The specifics of these tasks can vary based on the workspace, but they generally encompass checking patient vitals, drawing blood, administering injections, conducting EKGs, or even delving into administrative tasks like medical coding, filing insurance claims, and transcription.
To prepare for this role, you'll need to undertake courses in anatomy and physiology, phlebotomy, medical terminology, insurance coding, and EKG conduction, among others. I recommend seeking a college that offers an Associate's Degree specifically tailored for Medical Assistants. This will ensure you cover all the necessary coursework.
Starting as a medical assistant is an excellent stepping stone into the world of hands-on patient care. If you find that you enjoy it, you can then consider advancing to a CNA or nursing degree. Personally, I transitioned from patient care to the insurance side as I discovered that the patient care aspect was not as fulfilling as I had anticipated.
Updated
Stacy’s Answer
Hello,
For fifteen years, I worked diligently as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), before deciding to expand my expertise by acquiring a certification in medical assisting. I excelled in the year-long course and was even presented with the chance to earn an associate's degree, which I enthusiastically pursued and achieved with a commendable GPA of 3.8. However, in hindsight, I realize that these accomplishments didn't propel my career forward as I had anticipated.
While it's a path I chose, I sometimes find myself wishing I had explored other options. Despite my qualifications, landing a job proved to be a significant challenge. I've since shifted my focus to a different degree. This is a piece of wisdom I wish I had been privy to earlier.
However, remember, this is just my personal experience. Before investing years into a career, it's crucial to conduct thorough research. Understand the potential pay scale and evaluate the ease of securing a job in your chosen field. In my state, for instance, the pay is nearly equivalent to the minimum wage, making other career paths potentially more lucrative.
If you're still uncertain about your career choice, there's a fantastic resource available to you. Managed by the United States Department of Labor, the O*net website is packed with valuable information on a diverse range of careers. It even offers quizzes to help you identify the career that best aligns with your skills and interests.
So, take your time, explore your options, and make an informed decision about your future. Remember, every experience, whether positive or negative, is a stepping stone towards your ultimate goal.
For fifteen years, I worked diligently as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), before deciding to expand my expertise by acquiring a certification in medical assisting. I excelled in the year-long course and was even presented with the chance to earn an associate's degree, which I enthusiastically pursued and achieved with a commendable GPA of 3.8. However, in hindsight, I realize that these accomplishments didn't propel my career forward as I had anticipated.
While it's a path I chose, I sometimes find myself wishing I had explored other options. Despite my qualifications, landing a job proved to be a significant challenge. I've since shifted my focus to a different degree. This is a piece of wisdom I wish I had been privy to earlier.
However, remember, this is just my personal experience. Before investing years into a career, it's crucial to conduct thorough research. Understand the potential pay scale and evaluate the ease of securing a job in your chosen field. In my state, for instance, the pay is nearly equivalent to the minimum wage, making other career paths potentially more lucrative.
If you're still uncertain about your career choice, there's a fantastic resource available to you. Managed by the United States Department of Labor, the O*net website is packed with valuable information on a diverse range of careers. It even offers quizzes to help you identify the career that best aligns with your skills and interests.
So, take your time, explore your options, and make an informed decision about your future. Remember, every experience, whether positive or negative, is a stepping stone towards your ultimate goal.
Updated
Tailisha’s Answer
Back in 2010, I embarked on a journey into the medical field, a path that was not easy for me, especially in terms of finding a job in my locality. I never got around to taking the certification test, and as a result, I found myself exploring various career fields. One piece of advice I'd like to share is to choose your path wisely. Looking back, I sometimes wish I had pursued nursing or become an LPN. Considering the amount of money spent on tuition and fees, it's worth investing in a career that truly aligns with your future aspirations. Eventually, I landed a role as a Medical Admin Assistant at a Mental Health Clinic's front desk. I wish you all the success in your future endeavors, whatever path you choose to tread.