Medical assistants work in a variety of settings including doctor’s offices, clinics, urgent care centers, and other health-care facilities. They may be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as assisting a physician with exams and procedures. Medical assistants may also clean the exam room, take medical histories, record vital signs, and perform clerical work. Other duties may differ depending on the type of facility where the assistant works.
When choosing a medical assistant program, there are several factors to consider, such as the length of time it takes to complete the program. Some programs take a year to complete, while others are only a few months long. Because information is condensed, programs completed in less time may be more intense.
Medical assistant programs can be found at private schools, adult education centers, and colleges, and they can be full-time or part-time. The best medical assistant program is one that is convenient for you. A part-time program may be the best option if you need to work during the school day.
Consider enrolling in a medical assistant program that includes both front and back office training. Both are not taught in every medical assistant program. Patient care is usually associated with front-office skills. Monitoring a patient’s vital signs, administering injections, and removing sutures are some of the skills taught.
Scheduling, billing, and various clerical duties are examples of back office skills that may be taught. A medical assistant program that teaches both front and back office skills may increase the marketability of a medical assistant. Consider enrolling in a program that teaches you additional skills like drawing blood and performing EKGs.
It’s also crucial to figure out how much hands-on learning is available. Some programs, such as medical terminology and anatomy, may place a strong emphasis on classroom work. However, a well-rounded medical assistant program should include hands-on experience and practice of typical responsibilities such as taking blood pressure and administering an injection.
A program that assists with job placement may be beneficial depending on the job market in your area. Some programs will teach students how to write a resume and how to conduct an interview. The program may also include job leads and placement assistance.
Cost is usually a consideration when selecting a program. Books, uniforms, and equipment, such as a stethoscope, are all costs in addition to tuition. Make sure you know what’s included in the tuition and what’s considered an extra cost. The size of the class is also something to think about. It may be easier to learn in a setting with fewer students depending on your learning style.