The health care industry is constantly growing and many job-seekers are considering a certification to pursue a career in the field of medical assisting which offers long-term occupational stability and better income than most other professions.
It continues to be a high-demand job despite the economic downswing. A high school diploma or an equivalent degree is generally sufficient to get into a program, making it feasible even for people who do not hold a bachelor’s degree.
Typical job profile
This might be the right career for you especially if you like interacting with people and have a sense of genuine concern for them. You will have to perform routine clinical and administrative tasks mostly under the supervision of a physician or any other health care practitioner.
Clinical tasks:
Recording various physiological parameters such as blood pressure, temperature, height and weight, preparing patients for tests or procedures, collecting laboratory samples, and providing diet, medication and nutritional information are some of the clinical tasks to be performed.
Administrative tasks:
The administrative tasks include collecting and processing inpatient and outpatient information, recording a patient’s medical history, lodging health insurance claims, scheduling and managing patient appointments etc.
Job Prospects
Job prospects are bright, especially for those who hold a certification, with relevant experience and formal training. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 164,000 jobs are expected to be created and the employment rate is projected to grow 34% during the decade 2008–2018. Also, according to the BLS, “health care will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry, largely in response to rapid growth in the elderly population.”
Statistics from the United States Department of Labor in 2008 show that about 62% of medical assistants are employed in physician’s offices, 13% work in private and public hospitals and 11% work in other health care practitioner’s offices. The remaining 14% work in other healthcare facilities.
The job provides a level of security, which is an important factor to consider in today’s changing economy. It is worthy to note that the Forbes Magazine in 2010 listed medical assisting as one of the fastest growing careers for women. A number of students who start their career with an associate’s degree find employment in a diverse range of health care facilities.
Technological advancements in the health care domain, growing population, and an increase in medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes directly translate to higher demand for health care workers. Clinics and health care facilities will require additional support personnel, who can manage both clinical and administrative tasks.
A number of community colleges, vocational institutions and private colleges offer medical assistant certification in NYC. You may call 877-451-2596(9am–9pm EST/Mon-Fri) and talk to college advisers who will help you find the best schools in NY.
