Learn How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in 5 Easy Steps

A certified medical assistant may also aid with prescription writing and adjustments and minor outpatient clinical procedures.

 

Overall, the forecast for medical assistant positions is good, as the aging baby boomer generation continues to boost the need for medical support.

Because of the physician shortage, medical assistants will have greater chances to handle basic clinical and administrative functions.

Indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that more than 160,000 new opportunities for medical assistants will be available across the country between 2012 and 2022, representing a substantially faster than average pace of employment growth.

Most medical assistants work in primary care, which is a rapidly developing segment of the medical sector.

 

A successful medical office assistant will have the following characteristics, according to the US Department of Labor: communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, attention to detail, customer service ability, listening skills, knowledge of medical terminology, clerical skills, knowledge of medical treatment, and more.

In general, a licensed medical assistant starting should expect to make roughly $40,000 at the start of their career.

While certification is not always required for medical assistant professions, it is highly encouraged and requested.