Medical assisting is one of the hottest career paths in the United States. In fact, the number of medical assistants is expected to grow by 16% by 2031. This is much faster than the national average.
The rapid growth in medical assisting comes as no surprise to experts in the field. The medical field is recession-proof; no matter how poorly the economy is faring, people eventually need to see a doctor. Medical jobs pay well and there is always room for advancement.
Read on to learn about the different types of medical assistant jobs.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are the first line of communication between patients and doctors. They greet the patient in the examination room and start collecting vital patient history.
Medical assistants also perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the patient. For example, they may check a patient’s blood pressure and oxygen levels before the doctor arrives. They also educate patients on pre-surgery instructions.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is an increasingly popular and important segment of medical care. Medical students who pursue this career path can obtain certification in less than a year.
They make a noticeable difference in patients’ lives. Massage therapy is proven to relieve pain, reduce stress, and help heal injuries faster. The end result is a verifiable improvement in a patient’s quality of life and overall well-being.
Medical Billing and Coding
When a patient receives care, the office files a claim with their insurance company. A procedure code that describes the medical exam or test accompanies this claim.
As a medical biller and coder, you are trained to be an expert in the collections aspect of health care. Without you, medical practices cannot sustain a profitable revenue cycle.
Physical Therapy Aides
Physical therapy is a nearly $45 billion annual industry in the United States. There is great demand for physical therapy aides to help an office operate.
Physical therapy aides prepare equipment for the therapist and patient to use. They maintain supplies for the doctor as well. PT aides also help safely transport patients.
Vocational Nursing
You can get a vocational nursing diploma in just 14 months. There is a significant return on investment for this career choice as it typically earns more than the others.
For starters, it gets you on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Vocational nursing also propels students into niche fields like ultrasound technician.
Dental Assistant
Most Americans have seen a dental assistant in action. They work side-by-side with the dentist during oral care and treatment.
Dental assistants take X-rays of the mouth to look for cavities. They also give the dentist supplies and tools while they operate on patients.
Have Your Pick of Medical Assistant Jobs
You now have an understanding of the best medical assistant jobs. A medical assistant career provides you with stable employment and a good-paying job. Also, becoming a medical assistant takes significantly fewer years than other career choices.
Check out our medical assistant landing pages to learn more about these jobs or contact us to speak with an academic advisor.