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Is a Medical Administrative assistant worth investing time in?
I believe all health care jobs are very important but is this worth investing your time in or should you just take the extra step and automatically go to CNA or other more hands-on healthcare jobs?
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Martin’s Answer
Answering this question is a bit tricky because it's all about personal choice. Being a Medical Assistant (MA) is a great first step into the world of healthcare. However, it's important to know that while the role is crucial, it can also be quite demanding and is considered entry-level in the patient care hierarchy. As an MA, you'll be working under the supervision of nurses, physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners, among others.
Even though you'll be performing many tasks similar to those of a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse, your pay may be significantly lower. If you're considering a move into administration, be prepared to further your education and gain additional credentials to thrive in the business side of healthcare.
It's also important to remember that the roles of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and an MA can vary depending on the state you're in, and they're not always interchangeable. For instance, in Florida, CNAs mainly work in hospitals or nursing care facilities, while MAs are often found in medical practices. The training for these roles also differs, with MAs typically receiving more extensive training than CNAs.
So, when it comes down to it, your decision should be based on your personal vision for your future and how you see yourself fitting into the healthcare field.
Even though you'll be performing many tasks similar to those of a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse, your pay may be significantly lower. If you're considering a move into administration, be prepared to further your education and gain additional credentials to thrive in the business side of healthcare.
It's also important to remember that the roles of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and an MA can vary depending on the state you're in, and they're not always interchangeable. For instance, in Florida, CNAs mainly work in hospitals or nursing care facilities, while MAs are often found in medical practices. The training for these roles also differs, with MAs typically receiving more extensive training than CNAs.
So, when it comes down to it, your decision should be based on your personal vision for your future and how you see yourself fitting into the healthcare field.
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hello, Sierra.
Every job in Healthcare is an important piece of the total package. The MAA requires a wide skill set, organization being a key part of that. It may seem that some positions are less important or rewarding, but the behind the scenes ones keep the whole process moving. To find you best place in that process, assess your talents, abilities, and interests. See if you can interview someone in the positions you're considering and think about how you would function in that role. In the medical field, apart from emergencies , everything starts with scheduling. Some people aren't cut out for that, but it's the critical first step. In addition, providing the support other workers need, keeping the process running smoothly...those are critical pieces of the process.
Best to you in your job search!
KR
Every job in Healthcare is an important piece of the total package. The MAA requires a wide skill set, organization being a key part of that. It may seem that some positions are less important or rewarding, but the behind the scenes ones keep the whole process moving. To find you best place in that process, assess your talents, abilities, and interests. See if you can interview someone in the positions you're considering and think about how you would function in that role. In the medical field, apart from emergencies , everything starts with scheduling. Some people aren't cut out for that, but it's the critical first step. In addition, providing the support other workers need, keeping the process running smoothly...those are critical pieces of the process.
Best to you in your job search!
KR