- October 21, 2020
- Posted by: Covelo Group
- Category: Clinical Careers
This year, we celebrate National Medical Assistant Recognition Day on Oct. 21. Medical assistants (MAs) are the glue that holds healthcare facilities together, ensuring patient flow runs smoothly and efficiently. Covelo Group would like to thank MAs nationwide for all they do to support the health and wellbeing of their patients.
By greeting patients, collecting vitals, and updating medical histories, MAs free up the valuable time of the clinical team members. This allows doctors and nurses to give better quality care to more patients throughout the day.
MAs are some of the most sought-after allied health professionals by Covelo Group hospital partners. We receive requests to fill MA positions from top hospitals in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Baltimore/Washington, D.C., among other major cities. In fact, medical assistant jobs are predicted to continue to grow by about 23 percent by the late 2020s.
What it Takes to be a Medical Assistant
MAs can expect to make a good salary, and enjoy plenty of growth opportunities. Some MAs advance into office management positions. Others may pursue further education to become a registered nurse (RN) or another healthcare professional.
The job description of a medical assistant varies, depending on the work environment. In addition to collecting vitals and updating electronic medical records (EMRs), an MA may be required to draw blood, collect lab specimens, or perform basic lab tests. In a hospital setting, MAs may be charged with tasks like removing sutures and changing dressings, or administering medication.
MAs should possess basic clerical skills to manage patient records, answer incoming calls, schedule patient appointments, and handle billing-related tasks.
A successful MA has a compassionate temperament and is comfortable caring for sick patients. If you have the desire to make a positive difference in your community, medical assisting could be the right career choice for you.
The first step to becoming qualified for a medical assistant job is to enroll in an MA program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Once you’ve completed your schooling, the next step is to become certified. MAs are required to pass a certification exam administered through an accredited institution, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Partner with Covelo
If you’re already 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 get you on the job as soon as you’re ready.
To apply for medical assistant jobs with Covelo, head over to our Jobs page.