Medical Assisting Careers

Medical Assisting — Career Paths

Medical Assistants can choose employment that best suits their strengths. For medical assistants who excel at clerical duties (or find they do not enjoy working around blood), an administrative role would make use of their organizational, detail-oriented and computer skills. For those who wish to provide direct patient care, a clinical role would be the best path as they may collect lab specimens, explain medical procedures and medications to patients, and record vital signs (duties vary according to state law). Or, the medical assistant may wish to incorporate both clinical and administrative duties into their daily work routine and therefore choose to work in a smaller office that requires a medical assistant who can perform both functions. Position titles for Medical Assistants include:

Medical Assistant
Medical Records Clerk
Medical Office Assistant
Medical Secretary
Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical Clerk

Graduates of the Herzing College Online Medical Assisting programs will also have knowledge of medical billing and reimbursement (including Medicare and Medicaid) and will be able to perform those duties as well.

Work environment

Medical Assistant careers typically include a 40-hour work week with full benefits (such as 401(k), paid vacation, and medical/dental insurance), although part-time and weekend shifts are often available. About 73% of medical assistants build careers in general practice or specialty physicians’ offices while 12% work in hospitals; the remainder are employed by other patient-care facilities such as long-term care homes and outpatient clinics.

Medical Assisting — Career Outlook

Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this career field is project to grow at the explosive rate of 35% between 2006-2016. Those with CMA and/or RMA certification will find the best job prospects.

Salary Surveys*

While incomes vary depending on experience, employer, and location, the average reported earnings for Medical Assistants in May 2007 was $28,270. The lowest paid 25% earned below $22,940 while the highest 25% earned over $32,250. Below is a breakdown by employer type:

Hospital$27,340

Outpatient facility 26,840

Offices of Physicians26,620

Chiropractors22,940

Optometrists22,850

*Information on salaries is taken from the US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistic's Occupational Outlook Handbook. Further information can be found at US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Find out more

Learn more about this growing career field by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors toll free at 1-866-508-0748 x832. We are happy to provide you with further information about career opportunities and the Herzing College Medical Assisting online programs so you can determine which one is right for you.
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