The healthcare industry is growing! The move to electronic health records and the aging population are two factors that are driving this growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is projected to see an increase in the demand for qualified medical staff, including Medical Assistants.
As a Medical Assistant, you can become an important part of a healthcare team. Your responsibilities could include patient records management, medical laboratory procedures, CPR, scheduling patient appointments and measuring vital signs. At STVT, you’ll learn these skills – all through hands-on medical assisting programs.
What are the roles and duties of a medical assistant?
A medical assistant holds an important role on the medical team. The position is unique because the position requires both clerical and clinical work, however, keep in mind that the roles and duties of a medical assistant may differ depending on the location and workplace.
In regards to clerical work, medical assistants can help office managers make the office run smoothly. They assist with scheduling appointments, managing electronic medical records, assisting patients with insurance claims, and billing. In a clinical setting, a medical assistant’s duties can include taking vitals, giving shots, sterilizing instruments, changing wound dressings, and preparing bloodwork for the lab.
Both responsibilities, clerical and clinical, require medical assistants to interact with patients, therefore proper bedside manner is expected. For some, visiting the doctor or hospital is anxiety-producing or tense, so creating a positive, relaxing environment is important. By the end of the program, you will have learned these essential skills and duties, which are necessary to launch your career as a medical assistant.
Why should I become a Medical Assistant?
Remember that industry growth we talked about earlier? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the medical assistant field to grow 23% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Additionally, you’ll be entering a career that can allow you to see how the rest of the medical field works. So, if you ever decide to move to a new position, you’ll have first-hand knowledge of the positions that interest you most.
Where do Medical Assistants work?
Typically, Medical Assistants can be found in private physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, minor emergency centers and other healthcare facilities.
How much do Medical Assistants earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistants earn a median salary of $31,540 per year, while the top 10% of earners in this field earn more than $45,310 per year.
If you are searching for medical assistant schools in Texas, contact us today and we can answer any questions you have about our medical assisting programs. We know that a decision to attend STVT is an important step in your personal and professional life and we are committed to making sure that you have all of the information you need to make a career training decision that’s right for you.
STVT offers Medical Assisting programs at these Texas locations:
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, click the link below:
Programs vary by location.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.