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The need for experienced technical and medical workers who have the ability to manage both medical and administrative functions is increasing. This need is especially seen with doctors who want to spend more time with their patients. In recent years, medical assistant careers have become more in demand as the health care career has seen a tremendous increase in job openings in this field. The health care industry is increasingly seeing the value of having trained medical assistants on staff. A Medical Assistant (MA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) provides a number of medical and administrative tasks in the field of medicine. They assist physicians and nurses with delivering patient care.

Duties of a medical assistant can include: explaining treatment, medications, diet schedules, and procedures to the patient, monitoring and recording vital signs, preparing patients for medical exams, assisting physicians during a patient’s medical exam, instructing patients about medications and special diets, preparation and administration of medications, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, perform simple lab tests, disposing of contaminated supplies, sterilization of medical instruments, drawing blood, changing wound dressing, and removing sutures. A medical assistant’s administrative tasks can include: maintaining medical records, billing and clerical duties, scheduling appointments, arranging for admission to the hospital, and maintaining health supplies.

Medical assistants can be found working in hospitals, medical clinics, and in specialized medical areas. Education programs can be either a one year certificate or a two-year associate’s degree from an accredited school. Medical assistant training programs are provided by community colleges and vocational/technical training schools. Study areas include: first aid, medical billing, lab testing, patient care, medical terminology, administration, math, science, and more.

After completing a medical assistance program, one can sign up to take the certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistance. The course is offered three times per year by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The certification has to be renewed every five years. There are some employers that do not require the certification, but Certified Medical Assistants will normally have more job choices and receive a higher pay than Medical Assistants.

Employment is projected to grow much faster (35 percent) than average which has placed medical assistants as among the fastest growing occupations over the years 2006- 2016. Job opportunities are expected to be extensive, particularly for those with training, experience, and certification.

According to the American Medical Association website, salary ranges for medical assistants range from about ‘$22,000 to just over $30,000 annually.’ Other benefits such as health insurance may also be offered.

As the health care industry expands because of the advancements of technology in medicine as well as the aging of the population, there will be an increased need for health care workers of all areas. The use of medical assistants in the fast growing healthcare industry will increase.

Medical Assistants have become a highly valued asset in medical clinics and hospitals. Working under the supervision of doctors, nurses, and other health practitioners, medical assistants help make the health care system run much smoother and more efficiently.

Nova Scotia Halifax College provides hands-on career training for business management and medical industries like Health Schools