Medical Assisting Career Description

A Medical Assistant is responsible for completing administrative and clinical tasks for healthcare facilities and providers. Additionally, these professionals take and record confidential patient information using Electronic Health Records, only discussing this information with other professionals who are helping to treat a patient.
“One of the greatest parts of entering medical assisting is that this career in healthcare can be an entry point to other nursing and patient care positions,” a Certified Medical Assistant in South Carolina, said.
Education & Training
To become a Medical Assistant, a professional is typically required to graduate from a post-secondary education program such as Sumner College to obtain a certificate. This takes 7.5 months to complete. In some states, there are no formal educational requirements, but many employers prefer to hire Medical Assistants who have obtained certification.
Usually education requirements depend on the state, but most require at least a technical diploma.
Advancement
To advance in a career as a MA, a person can continue their education and learn a specialization. Alternatively an MA can advance by moving into a team leader or supervisory role.
So, in the field as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), some professionals choose to pursue additional education, perhaps earning an Associate’s Degree. Others develop specializations, such as becoming an Administrative Medical Assistant, Clinical Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Assistants or Podiatric Medical Assistant, and move into leadership roles.
Experience & Skills
To become a successful Medical Assistant, professionals should be able to use Electronic Health Records to record patient history and data, measure vital signs and help physicians perform patient examinations as needed. Medical Assistants must possess important technical skills so that they can operate basic clinical instruments such as stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, syringes and needles. They should also be able to give patients injections or medications (as directed by a physician and as permitted by State law), schedule appointments and prepare blood samples for laboratory testing.
To perform the necessary responsibilities, MA’s need to know medical terminology, ICD 10 codes, basic pharmacology, how to draw blood and how to take vital signs.
Personality
Medical Assistants should possess strong interpersonal and analytical skills, as patients need to be able to discuss personal information and problems with these professionals. They should also be detail oriented, and able to accurately record and relay patient information/data, as well as to collect data/results and code a patient’s medical records for billing. And empathy is the most important characteristic.
Lifestyle
Most CMAs work full-time, and many work evenings, weekends or holidays to accommodate patients and to ensure that all shifts are covered within facilities that are constantly open.
A Medical Assistant’s day is usually very busy. They are usually the patient’s first point of contact with the healthcare facility.
Employment
There’s no better time to beginning a path toward becoming a Medical Assistant than now! With Medical Assistants having held about 634,400 positions coupled with a projected growth of 23 percent over the next decade, this profession has proven to become increasingly in demand.
With the majority working in primary care facilities, a steadily growing sector within the healthcare industry, the highest employing facilities of Medical Assistants are the offices of Physicians, state, local and private hospitals, outpatient care centers and the offices of Chiropractors.
Earnings
There is great salary potential in a career as a Certified Medical. Assistant. For example, the median annual wage for someone in the role was $34,800, whereas the top 10 percent made more than $48,720. While the lowest 10 percent made less than $25,820 there exists great potential for raises and advancement.
Additionally, the highest paying employers include outpatient care centers, state, local and private hospitals, the offices of physicians and chiropractors.
Some content inspired by Careers in Healthcare.
Nurses Nurture Their Emotional Health
Article Shared from TravelNursing.com By Jennifer Larson, contributor “How are you feeling?” If the truthful answer to this question is something along the lines of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why BSNs are Important
Article shared from TravelNursing.com Cost vs. reward still a factor for BSN-prepared nurses By Debra Wood, RN, contributor When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
8 Fast-growing Travel Nurse Specialties
This article is sourced from TravelNursing.com. With a nursing shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven thousands of nurses from the bedside, many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Prolyn
PROLYN’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was a psychology student who was extremely interested in medicine. I wanted to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Alora
ALORA’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College, I was working as an EMT and a CNA. I really loved the work I was doing,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Tina
TINA’S STORY “I had been working in real estate for 20 years when I decided to take my excellent, customer service skills into the medical…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Caroline
CAROLINE’S STORY “I originally began my healthcare career working as a CNA/Medication Technician. I really enjoy helping others, especially the elderly. I wanted to expand…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Pursuing a career as an RN?
How to Become a Registered Nurse Registered nurses must be able to effectively communicate with patients to understand their concerns and assess their health conditions.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Next Generation NCLEX-RN
With new changes to the NCLEX going into effect in April, it is imperative students and educators are prepared as the nursing shortage continues to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Ryan
RYAN’S STORY “I started out working as a personal trainer but knew becoming a nurse was my ultimate goal. Helping people has always been the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Julianne
JULIANNE’S STORY “Previously, I was working as a CNA at an adult family home. I wanted to increase my skill set and employment opportunities, so…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Sydnee
SYDNEE’S STORY “Before apply to Sumner College’s ADN program, I had completed their LPN program and was working at an assisted living facility. I’ve wanted…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Gloria
GLORIA’S STORY “Before attending Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was employed as a Clinical Specialist for VeiMed Healthcare. Since I can remember, I have…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Lowell
LOWELL’S STORY “Before applying to Sumner College, I was working in Residential Construction. I really like to help people. I chose Sumner College because of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Camila
CAMILA’S STORY "Before applying to Sumner College’s ADN program, I was working as a Medical Assistant at The Vancouver Clinic. I really wanted to expand…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College’s NEW Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Sumner College has launched its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program — featuring a Clinical Simulation Lab and a new…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
January Student of the Month: Hamza Bagala, LPN
Hamza was selected by Sumner College faculty and staff for the January Student of the Month. Some of the reasons was was selected include: "Hamza…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Top Paying Nursing Jobs
Article Shared from DiversityNursing.com Whether you are considering a career in Nursing or are a Nurse looking to switch pathways, something to consider is salary. Many factors…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Secure The Spot For Most Trusted Profession 22nd Time In A Row
Article shared from DiversityNursing.com. The Gallup polls are in and for more than two decades, Nurses have achieved the highest ethics rating from Americans. According to the findings, the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Travel Phlebotomist Jobs Growing at a rate of 17% through 2029
Content for this article is shared form AMN Healthcare | Club Staffing . Growth for Phlebotomy careers is much faster than the average for all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Where do Registered Nurses Work?
RN Work Environment Registered nurses work in many settings, from schools to doctors' offices. Registered nurses held about 3.1 million jobs in 2021. The largest…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Presidents Day
Sumner College is closed today in honor of Presidents Day.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
February 18th is Critical Care Transport Nurses Day
The Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association sponsors the annual Critical Care Transport Nurses Day which takes place on February 18th each year. This day…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Info Sessions
Interested in learning more about the BSN program at Sumner College? Schedule a FREE BSN Info Session online at www.sumnercollege.edu. Reserve your spot today -…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Sumner College
Sumner College now offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing! The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program is the only program in Oregon…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Valentine’s Day from Sumner College! Gift ideas for Valentine’s Day to honor the nurses in your life
Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Nurses Full Time Nurse's February 2nd blog has some suggested ideas for honoring the nurse in your life for Valentine's…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Ambulatory Care Nursing Week is February 6-12
Ambulatory Care Nurses are critical thinkers, leaders, communicators, listeners, courageous, caregivers, and so much more. Join us to celebrate and support them! This celebration takes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What Color Tubes Are Used for Which Tests in Phlebotomy
Tube Colors And What They Mean The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Registered Nursing – Occupational Outlook
The field of nursing is an occupation that has exploded in recent years and is poised for continued impressive growth. According to the Bureau of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – February 6th Nursing Classes Start Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College's February 6th cohorts for Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing and RN-BSN.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn