4 answers
Markel
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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how do I get into a good paying medical assistant job right after medial assistant school ?
I am in 10th grade at EOC charter high school
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4 answers
Kaitlin Perri
Technical Program Management / Project Management
2
Answers
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Updated
Kaitlin’s Answer
I don't know if I can answer directly about Medical Assistant, but I can answer this in general. The most important thing in my experience is working. Employable skills are built upon each other, and the most effective way for employers to see that evolution of skills is your resume.
So when I was in the 10th grade, I started working at a fast food chain. Working at a fast food chain didn't help me directly land any one career, but it did help me get a better customer service job in my grade 12 year. When I went to university (or college), I already had 2 plus years of working experience, which short listed me for good campus jobs. Good campus job my first two years of university made it easier to eventually move into an office job. And having an office job was important for me moving into my first "career" job shortly after graduation.
Although no one job was a direct path from where I was to where I wanted to be, each job showed potential employers this evolution of skills and made my application more competitive.
So when I was in the 10th grade, I started working at a fast food chain. Working at a fast food chain didn't help me directly land any one career, but it did help me get a better customer service job in my grade 12 year. When I went to university (or college), I already had 2 plus years of working experience, which short listed me for good campus jobs. Good campus job my first two years of university made it easier to eventually move into an office job. And having an office job was important for me moving into my first "career" job shortly after graduation.
Although no one job was a direct path from where I was to where I wanted to be, each job showed potential employers this evolution of skills and made my application more competitive.
Susan P
Contract Management
29
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi Markel,
Do you have the program through your charter school? Where you can take the classes and earn the certification in high school? If not, to become a certified medical assistant, you would need to enroll in a medical assistant certification program. It is usually 9 months. Although a certification is preferred, it is not required and you could still apply for jobs that train on site. With that being said, I would recommend you look into the dermatology field. Often times the pay is higher and there are also ways to get bonuses. Dermatology offices tend to offer cosmetic procedures and sell products - this can lead to bonuses. As many others have stated, you can try to get a part time job at a medical office - even offer to volunteer in the summer to gain experience. You can later call that an internship on your resume. As others have stated, you have to start somewhere - even if it is not dermatology, just to get some experience on your resume, and then continue to look for and apply for better jobs in the future. I would recommend that you research medical assisting and the pay that comes with that career to be prepared for what to expect. I don't know what your idea of high pay is, and there is a cap on how much one can make being a medical assistant. Sometimes, at private practices, you learn more than just medical assisting, such as the front desk operations, medical billing and overall general practice procedures (how the office is run) I say this because it can lead to you having a more managerial role in the future. That comes with higher pay as well. Hope that helps!
Do you have the program through your charter school? Where you can take the classes and earn the certification in high school? If not, to become a certified medical assistant, you would need to enroll in a medical assistant certification program. It is usually 9 months. Although a certification is preferred, it is not required and you could still apply for jobs that train on site. With that being said, I would recommend you look into the dermatology field. Often times the pay is higher and there are also ways to get bonuses. Dermatology offices tend to offer cosmetic procedures and sell products - this can lead to bonuses. As many others have stated, you can try to get a part time job at a medical office - even offer to volunteer in the summer to gain experience. You can later call that an internship on your resume. As others have stated, you have to start somewhere - even if it is not dermatology, just to get some experience on your resume, and then continue to look for and apply for better jobs in the future. I would recommend that you research medical assisting and the pay that comes with that career to be prepared for what to expect. I don't know what your idea of high pay is, and there is a cap on how much one can make being a medical assistant. Sometimes, at private practices, you learn more than just medical assisting, such as the front desk operations, medical billing and overall general practice procedures (how the office is run) I say this because it can lead to you having a more managerial role in the future. That comes with higher pay as well. Hope that helps!
Elizabeth Carp
Regional Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
First off, focus on getting strong grades in high school, that's your stepping stone to applying for medical assistant school. While you're studying, try to snag a part-time job in a medical office. This is a great way to get some hands-on experience. Even better, try to land an internship early on during your schooling. This early bird approach will give you a leg up over your peers. To stay ahead of the curve, make sure you're always learning. Keep yourself updated on the latest news and trends in the medical assistant field by browsing the web or flipping through medical journals.
Research medical assistance schools that fit your needs and personalities.
Apply for an internship or part-time job.
Keep up to date on news
Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:
Davina Nolten
Referral Coordinator
15
Answers
Milton, Washington
Updated
Davina’s Answer
Try getting a job in a medical clinic. Volunteer at free medical clinic/event..if nothing else for the networking. Every person in the medical field (clinical or non-clinical) started somewhere.