A career area that’s been getting a lot of attention in the past few years is medical assisting. Let’s take a look at this growing field, and go behind the scenes and find our more about medical assistants.

What is a medical assistant? Medical assistants work in a healthcare provider’s office. They may perform both clinical and administrative duties, and report directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Medical assistants in large practices or hospitals often specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.

Medical assistants are not doctors, and do not treat patients. Medical assistants should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

Medical assistants who perform administrative tasks may fill out insurance forms, update and file patients’ medical records, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services. They also perform general office tasks including answering telephones, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, and handling bookkeeping and billing.

Clinical medical assistants may take medical histories and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examinations, and assist physicians during examinations and medical procedures. State laws regulate the scope of allowable clinical duties for medical assistants.

Where do medical assistants work? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 62 percent work in offices of physicians; 12 percent work in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and 11 percent work in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists.*

What are the qualifications needed to be a medical assistant? Formal training in medical assisting is a plus, but it is not always required. Employers prefer to hire either experienced workers or those who are state certified. Certification indicates that a medical assistant meets certain standards of competence.

Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Certificate and diploma programs usually last one year, and associate degree programs generally last two years.

Is there a possibility for advancement? Medical assistants may go on to teach medical assisting, while others get additional career education to become nurses or other health care workers. Administrative medical assistants may advance to office manager, or qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations. Additional training is often the key to professional advancement, especially in the healthcare field.

Is medical assisting a growing field? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, qualified people who want to work as medical assistants should find excellent job prospects. Medical assistants are projected to account for a very large number of new jobs. Between 2006 and 2016, the Department of Labor estimates that the number of medical assisting jobs will increase by 35%.* Candidates with formal training or experience—particularly those with certification—should have the best job opportunities.

Is medical assisting right for you? Check out the career colleges on Education-For-Careers and contact their admissions departments. They’ll be happy to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about choosing a career path and getting career training.

* U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition.