- August 3, 2020
- Posted by: Covelo Group
- Category: Clinical Careers
After a tumultuous start to 2020, U.S. healthcare jobs are finally starting to stabilize into more predictable hiring patterns. Recent research shows that the healthcare staffing industry is now back to seeing steady, consistent demand for allied health professionals across the board, up about 11 percent over this time last year, and that includes medical assistant jobs.
One particularly sought-after allied health position is the medical assistant (MA). Nationwide demand to fill medical assistant jobs are predicted to grow about 23 percent by the late 2020s, which is a much faster-than-average growth rate.
So far this year, Covelo has seen the highest demand for medical assistant staffing in major markets including Baltimore/Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
What to Expect Day to Day
The main function of MAs is to perform important tasks to allow nurses and doctors more time for other patient care priorities. MAs are responsible for collecting vitals and recording pertinent medical history from each patient. They are also in charge of managing patient flow from the waiting room, preparing treatment rooms, and organizing necessary supplies for physicians.
While every working environment is unique, MAs typically “cross-train” to perform a combination of administrative duties and direct patient care. The job description of an MA in a hospital or rehab facility may differ from one working in an out-patient setting such as an urgent care clinic or private medical practice.
Clinical responsibilities may include drawing blood, collecting lab specimens, and performing basic lab tests, and refilling prescriptions under the direction of a physician. MAs in a hospital setting may be charged with tasks like removing sutures and changing dressings, or administering prescribed medications to patients.
Medical assistant staffing companies are also looking for candidates with basic clerical skills, as MAs are responsible for updating patients’ electronic medical records (EMR), and may find themselves answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling coding, insurance, and billing-related tasks.
Career Advancement
With a respectable median salary, medical assistant jobs are a smart long-term career option. MAs also enjoy plenty of opportunities for growth, with the typical advancement path ending in office management or a similar position. Many also choose to work as an MA while pursuing further healthcare education to become a registered nurse (RN) or another medical professional.
Education and Requirements
The first step to landing a medical assistant job is to enroll in a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Some key questions to ask when comparing MA programs should be related to cost, financial aid, and the estimated length of time it will take to complete the coursework.
Classes cover a variety of important topics relevant to the position, including anatomy, medical terminology, CPR/first aid, coding, and insurance processing, as well as medical law and ethics.
Most employers will only hire MAs who are certified in their field. To become certified, MAs are required to pass an exam administered through an accredited institution, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). A good MA educational program will provide the right instruction for graduates to perform well on the exam.
Beyond education and certification, MAs should have a compassionate temperament and be committed to providing exceptional patient care. It takes a unique type of person to want to dedicate their career to caring for sick patients. If you have the desire to make a positive difference in your community, a medical assistant job could be a fantastic choice for you.
Partner with Covelo
If you’re a certified MA looking to take the next step in your career, trust the medical assistant staffing experts at Covelo to match you with the right career opportunity. We have open medical assistant jobs in Baltimore/Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, and can put you to work in short order.
To apply for medical assistant jobs with Covelo, apply directly on our Jobs page.