Medical assistants also collect specimens, administer
medication as authorized by a physician and telephone prescriptions
to pharmacies. They are also responsible for taking blood, changing
sutures and dressing, and keeping examination rooms clean and tidy.
Medical assistants can move up in their careers by specializing in
particular healthcare areas. There are also advancement opportunities
by moving up to office manager.
With additional certification and education, medical
assistants can advance to other health care jobs such as nursing.
Medical assistants with further formal training and current job experience
are great candidates for career advancement. The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics projects that medical assisting will be one of the fastest
growing jobs on average through 2014. This is due to the increasing
use of medical assistants across the healthcare industry..
The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience,
skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants
were $24,610 in May 2004.Now is the time to get in on the ground floor
of this fast growing occupation. Healthcare employers prefer graduates
of formal programs in medical assisting.
Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary
vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Postsecondary
programs usually last 1-year, resulting in a certificate or diploma,
or 2 years, resulting in an associate degree.About the Author Melissa
Steele, College Degrees @ EducationGuys.com