Goal fulfillment. Fast-growth. Tons of opportunity.
These are just some of the benefits of getting into medical assisting. Career possibilities available to those with a medical assistant degree range from phlebotomist and EKG technician to specialized medical office clinical or administrative professional. It’s even possible to use a degree in medical assisting to move up into other professions in the field such as a registered nurse.
If you think you’re the right person for a career in the medical field and want to get started with a medical assistant degree or even if you’re already hard at work in the field, here are five secrets that can help you succeed:
1. People Skills are a MUST for Medical Assistants
Medical assistants are usually the first to encounter patients in a doctor's office when they’re required to have preliminary tests performed such as blood pressure and heart rate. They answer health questions and relay concerns patients may have. A medical assistant must be able to put the patient at ease and allow them to feel comfortable sharing intimate health concerns they have for the doctor. Medical assistants will often spend more time with the patient than a doctor, making the time invested an ideal opportunity to get to know the patient a little better.
2. Clear Communication is Non-Negotiable in the Medical Field
Medical assistants are not only required to do simple preliminary tests for medical records but also make sure the patient's charts are up-to-date. This will require asking about current medical therapies and health conditions the patient has and prompting them to talk about any health concerns they have in a way that will be helpful for the doctor. A medical assistant must ask the right questions to get a more complete picture of the possible health concern so it can be diagnosed and addressed correctly. Medical assistants may be required to answer patient questions about such things as blood pressure readings in a way that is easy to understand.
3. Medical Assitants with Leadership Ability Can Get Ahead
Some medical assistants go into supervisory and management positions in the medical field. This may include hiring, managing, and evaluating personnel. If this is a role you’d like to pursue after receiving a medical assistant degree, having excellent leadership abilities is a must. Leadership skills will also become useful as you learn more in the medical field and become a knowledgeable member of staff that newer and younger staff members look up to for learning and assistance.
4. Desire for Continued Education is Critical
The medical field is vast, so there’s always room to learn more. A medical assisting degree can be an excellent starting point to give you the tools you need to explore and grow into whatever position or specialty you desire. Being a great medical assistant means that you are always trying to perfect the skills you already have, as well as learning new ones to help you become a better addition to a medical staff and, thereby, progressing your career.
5. Technology Skills in Medical Assisting are Invaluable
The medical field is relying more and more on technology for medical record keeping, prescription refills, scheduling appointments, and other common uses. Part of the job requirements of medical assistants is keeping the medical records of patients and updating them during each visit. Having some basic technology skills to learn electronic record keeping platforms can be very useful to help you do your job more efficiently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assisting field is projected to grow 29% between 2012 and 2022, so now is a great time to be in medical assisting.
If you would like to become a part of this rewarding field, consider earning your Medical Assisting, Associate of Applied Science in Health Science degree at ECPI University. With its hands-on learning environment, and year-round schedule, you could be ready to enter your new profession in as little 17 months. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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