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Open the Door to an Exciting Career in Medical Assisting

In the world of healthcare, doctors and nurses are commonly regarded as irreplaceable people whose expertise is crucial to the health of their patients, and rightly so. But there is another occupation within this industry that in many ways is just as vital – Medical Assisting. A career in medical assisting can open the door to an exciting future with better pay and benefits, not to mention the good feelings that come with helping others, but what is it that a medical assistant actually does? How does one become a medical assistant, and what are the benefits of this career, both tangible and otherwise? Finally, what are the prospects for finding a job in this field? Examining this subject more closely reveals just how vital this career is, and will continue to be in the next decade.

Medical assistants work in a variety of capacities in the healthcare industry, performing a range of tasks, medical as well as administrative. Scheduling appointments, answering telephones, insurance billing and coding, and transcription of a physician’s notes are all clerical duties that a medical assistant may typically perform in an office setting, while some job responsibilities of a more medical nature could include assisting in measuring and recording vital signs, administering EKGs, assisting in minor office surgery, or performing phlebotomy (drawing blood). Medical Assistants work directly with nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and even hospital administrators to help a medical facility run as smoothly as possible.

What kind of person goes into the medical assisting field? People who take pleasure in helping others naturally find that a career in the healthcare industry can be very rewarding. Having direct interactions with patients, as well as the doctors and nurses providing care, enables a medical assistant to gain a broader understanding of the “big picture.” This perspective can drive dedicated assistants to find new and better ways to care for patients, utilizing a point of view that is unique to this career. Medical assisting can be an end unto itself, but can also be just a step towards becoming a doctor, nurse, or healthcare administrator. How does one become a Medical Assistant? In order to get into the field of medical assisting, candidates generally must pursue a medical assisting program at an accredited school, which usually takes between one and two years to complete. While in school, students will learn a host of skills, from basic anatomy and biology, how to prepare and present medical reports, medical transcription, even performing minor medical procedures. Once graduated from an accredited Medical Assisting program, a medical assistant is typically eligible to sit for national certifying exams to become both a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA-AAMA) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA-AMT). The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a new career, you enjoy helping others, and you are willing to dedicate yourself, medical assisting may be the perfect job for you.

Finally, no one wants to train for a career that has virtually no job openings, so what are the prospects of employment after education? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, employment in the medical assisting field is projected to grow much faster than average over the 2008–18 decade, which would make medical assisting among the fastest growing occupations in the country. With a reported mean hourly wage of nearly $30,000 annually according to the U.S. Department of Labor, it is clear that this profession will provide both the opportunity and financial security to move forward with confidence.

Ohio Business College is the perfect place to receive the education needed to enter this rewarding career. Medical Assisting classes are available in Columbus and Sheffield Village for both daytime and evening students, and OBC can help you fit career education into a busy schedule. Experienced faculty and a friendly and helpful staff strive to make your experience at the school memorable and gratifying. Graduates from the Medical Assisting Diplomas at Ohio Business College are eligible to sit for national certifying exams to become both a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA-AAMA) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA-AMT).

Ohio Business College has been educating Ohioans since 1903 and offers associate degrees and diploma programs that will give students a head start filling the jobs of tomorrow. Anyone interested in more information about career training and education at Ohio Business College should visit OhioBusinessCollege.edu, or call the specific campus you are interested in attending - (440) 934-3101 for Sheffield Village, or (614) 891-5030 for the Columbus campus.