Have you always had a passion for the field of healthcare but were wary of the extensive degrees required? You might want to consider getting a degree in medical assisting! A career as a medical assistant allows you to thrive in the medical field by assisting physicians with both administrative and clinical duties.
Education
This major is typically offered either as a certificate or at the associate’s level. You will typically take courses like medical office administration and insurance, medical terminology, pharmacology and administration of medications. All the courses you will take will help you prepare for the certification exam which covers three major areas: general medical knowledge, administrative knowledge and clinical knowledge.
What to know before you apply
If you choose to go the route of earning a certificate, make sure what you earn is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CCAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). If you choose to earn an associate’s degree, find out if the school offers specializations like medical insurance billing and ask how the program will prepare you for the certification exam.
Questions to ask
When exploring colleges offering this major, ask about experience opportunities. Will you complete an internship as part of your schooling? Will you spend time in a doctor’s office or another health care facility? Or will you spend most of your time in a classroom?
Salary
According to BLS.gov, medical assistants earned an average of $21,000 and $41,000 annually. Salary varies depending on the facility you work at, but typically physician’s offices and hospitals pay the highest wages.
Is medical assisting right for you? Take the course at Next Step Academy to find out!
