Working in the healthcare field is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. You’re able to help people with their health, get great benefits, and have job security. But what if you don’t want to spend four years or more in school?
A career as a medical assistant might be exactly what you’re looking for. It offers you a career in the medical field in a fraction of the time it takes to go to nursing or medical school. If you’re interested in finding out more about getting a medical assistant certification in Pennsylvania, keep reading this medical assistant guide.
What is A Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is a medical professional who supports the medical staff like doctors and nurses. They perform a variety of tasks such as:
Answering phones and scheduling appointments
- Keeping patient records
- Managing a doctor’s office
- Taking vitals
- Educating patients on medications
- Collecting labs or drawing blood
- Prepping patients for procedures
- Assisting the doctor or nurse
Medical assistants have a wide variety of duties which will fluctuate based on the needs of the office, the patient, and the doctors. Many medical assistants work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, public health facilities, schools, research labs, and more.
Medical assistants have room to advance in their careers. After a year or so in the field, you may have the opportunity to advance your education, grow in the field, learn more skills, and make more money.
Being a medical assistant is a gateway to exploring other medical professions as well. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door of the medical field without a lot of experience.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants
The career outlook for medical assistants is growing steadily. In 2021, there were over 700,000 job opportunities for medical assistants. The job outlook is 16% and continues to climb.
Medical Assistant Salary
A medical assistant also boasts a livable salary. In Pennsylvania, the average salary for a medical assistant is $17 per hour or around $37,000 per year. This number fluctuates based on location, experience, and other factors.
As you advance in your medical assistant career, you have the opportunity to earn more money. Some medical assistants earn well over $40,000 per year.
What Traits do Medical Assistants Need?
In order to thrive in your career as a medical assistant, you’ll want to focus on sharpening some skills and traits. Here are some traits needed to become a medical assistant.
Listening
Because a medical assistant performs many tasks, it’s important that you know how to listen well. Listening well involves focusing on what the person says and then repeating back what they’re asking to be sure you’re clear. When you listen to patients or other medical professionals, you can do your job well.
Communication
Patients usually have a lot of questions, and so do doctors and nurses. The ability to communicate things clearly and calmly is a necessary trait for a medical assistant. What you say and how you say it goes a long way in ensuring the patient gets exceptional care.
Accuracy
Much of the work as a medical assistant requires managing office duties like paperwork, answering phones, scheduling appointments, and taking patient records. When you have great attention to detail, the office runs smoothly.
Analytical
The ability to analyze and make decisions quickly is common in the medical field and is expected of a medical assistant. You’ll need to be able to analyze situations with patients or other medical professionals.
Time Managment
Any medical office or establishment is full of stress and business. As a medical professional, you’ll need to prioritize your duties so you can accomplish everything you need to. Learning how to manage your time well and prioritize goes a long way in ensuring tasks get accomplished.
How to Become A Medical Assistant
You can become a medical assistant online or in-person, and sometimes both. For people with busy lives or making a career change, the opportunity to complete a certification online gives them the flexibility they need. Even with online certification, there are hands-on clinical you’ll need to complete before graduation.
How Long Does it Take to Become A Medical Assistant?
Many people in the medical field spend years in school. However, a medical assistant certification allows you to finish your certification in as little as 6 weeks or up to 6 months. The course is self-paced, so you can move as quickly or as slowly as you need or want.
Most certifications require you to have a high school diploma or a GED, but not all. Check the necessary requirements before agreeing to the certificate.
Once you’ve completed your certification, you will need to participate in an internship to graduate. This clinical training offers you a chance to hone your skills and gives you experience in the medical community.
Cost of a Medical Assistant Certification
The cost of a medical assistant certification is a fraction of the cost of a four- or even a two-year degree. It depends on the type of certification you choose, but most entry-level certifications cost less than $1,000. You recoup this cost easily once you begin working in the workforce.
Get Your Medical Assistant Certification Today
Becoming a medical assistant by obtaining your medical assistant certification in Pennsylvania offers you a chance at a rewarding career that can grow if you desire. The certification takes weeks or a few months, and you can have a career that’s rewarding both emotionally and financially.
Are you interested in beginning your career as a medical assistant? Contact us today to learn more about how to get started.
Nancy L. Kimmel obtained her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2002, then went on to teach Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Henry Ford College and Oakland University. She obtained her Associate in Nursing from Henry Ford College and then went on to earn her Master Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became Board Certified working as a licensed FNP in the State of Michigan. She then went on to Medical School where she is now in her 3rd year, and is also in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Nursing Practice through Chamberlin University. She has authored the NET Study Guide, as well a several books on subjects of Math, ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy. She holds a patent on an Air Filter through the U.S. Patent Office.