Career Opportunities for a Clinical/ Medical Assistant

Healthcare facilities are increasingly multifaceted and complex, requiring a range of support staff for their effective functioning. Clinical/ medical assistants are trained medical staff that performs both clinical and administrative responsibilities in order to assist doctors and other healthcare professionals. The job profile of a clinical or medical assistant can involve active involvement in patient care, as well as a variety of administrative tasks.

Clinical or medical assistants require a combination of practical skills as well as knowledge of clinical procedures. They should also possess strong interpersonal skills and have a background in basic application of medical principles in order to be successful in industry. Since they serve as a link between doctors and patients, they must also have excellent communication skills. The responsibilities of a medical assistant vary according to the kind of practice they work in: the duties of an assistant in a dental practice are very different from those in a podiatrist office. Plus, assistants in rural practices usually perform both administrative as well as clinical duties, while those in bigger cities tend to be more specialized in their functions.

Responsibilities of a medical assistant can include obtaining patient medical histories, collecting and preparing specimens for laboratory testing, providing instruction to patients regarding medications, nutrition, and follow-up treatment. They can also prepare and administer medications and authorize medication refills, if allowed by state law.

In addition to their clinical responsibilities, medical assistants may also perform administrative functions. These duties can include answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, updating and filing patient medical records. Medical assistants can specialize in ophthalmic, optometric, or podiatric capabilities, to name a few, or they can stick to general practice in medical and surgical settings. Medical assistants should possess strong organizational skills to allow the smooth functioning of a medical practice.

Many community colleges, vocational and technical schools offer diploma, certificate or associate degree programs in clinical/ medical assisting. This is required in order to take the state licensing examination and become a licensed medical assistant. Certification provides a distinct competitive edge over those without certification.

Medical assistants are a vital component in a physician's office, and demand for their services is growing rapidly. While no formal training is required for most medical assistants, education and formal instruction beyond the high school level is highly recommended, as most physicians will only hire those who have completed that step. Medical assistants who can handle both administrative and clinical duties are expected to have the best job prospects. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for medical assistants are projected to grow by 34%, much faster than average, through 2018. With an expanding health care industry, technological advancements in medicine, and an aging population, this field has a bright future.