8 Interesting Facts About Medical Assistants

1. Medical Assistants Wear Many Hats

Medical assistant education requirements don’t mention the need to be adaptable, but this is an important asset. MAs play many different roles in their jobs. They may be required to discuss medical records with a doctor one moment, and then draw blood from a nervous patient the next. The language used for each of these encounters is very different - one is academic and the other emotional.

A medical assistant knows that it's just as important caring for a patient while blood samples are being taken as it is being responsible for medical records and files. Busy and varied, this is an enthusiastic role that requires flexibility and commitment; MAs have this in spades.

2. They're Reliable and Flexible

Medical assistant classes prepare MAs for being one of the first faces a patient might see when going to a hospital or doctor's office. The MA is responsible for checking the patient's vital signs and preparing them for what happens next. Equally, a doctor is reliant on the information provided by the MA. The MA's assistance in preparing the patient or clinic is essential for the doctor to be able to start work.

In other occupations, you’ll see company directors who rely on their personal assistants to help make or break a deal, or professional athletes who count on their trainers to help them stay in the best shape possible. These kinds of professional duos take joint credit for their success stories. For healthcare professionals, the outcome can be life or death. Within the hospital or clinic, both roles are crucial for delivering seamless healthcare to patients.

3. They Are No Stranger to Technology

Now that patient records are electronic, healthcare workers are constantly brushing up on their IT knowledge as they go about their everyday work. Becoming a medical assistant can mean being as much a part of a digital world as it does delivering face-to-face, practical and hands-on assistance.

Workers in certified medical assistant jobs use computers for all kinds of routine tasks, such as:

• Scheduling appointments
• Bookkeeping and admin
• Billing and insurance
• Handling electronic patient information

Some MAs relish the use of tech to make work processes faster or more efficient, while others only use computerized systems and tools as required. Much of this kind of training can happen on the job. Using digital equipment becomes another part of the day-to-day activity, like complying with security measures or health and safety regulations.

4. MAs Are Similar to Detectives

It may come as a surprise that medical assistant job duties often include data analysis, including patient medical records and charts, along with billing information and insurance. Those with an analytical mindset are able to process data, organize and understand it. This plays a key role in diagnosis. Contributing to the work of doctors who look to solve medical problems and offer solutions requires accuracy. Data must be precise, so MAs who pay attention to detail become reliable members of the team.

Not every case will be straightforward, and charts or results may not provide all the answers. If a medical case needs input from a patient or consultation with other medical experts, an MA can use their interpersonal and communication skills to get to the bottom of it. Using the right tone and asking questions at the right time can help uncover important pieces of information to help solve a complex case.

5. The Role Is More Flexible Than You Think

Medical assistant programs prepare you for the role, but the job itself can be based anywhere, such as hospitals, a doctor’s office, or in a variety of other healthcare centers. Working in a large hospital filled with people from all walks of life will offer a very different experience from working in a small family practice with the same group of people each day.

How appropriate a setting is depends entirely on the person. Medical assistant courses and networking along the way will help to provide a taste of what each place might have in store, but freedom to choose is a powerful motivator for job hunters. Throughout the course of a career, it’s possible to try out different settings to find out which is the most enjoyable or challenging for you. Being able to move around easily can help with relocation issues or other practical considerations, too.

6. You Have the Chance to Pursue Your Passions

MAs have a unique ability to easily slide into different teams. Those who enjoy interaction with patients more than anything else can move into patient care. For some, clinical duties are more inspiring than clerical duties, but others may prefer keeping medical records or managing billing information. After completing their medical assistant training, many choose to continue their professional path to pursue a passion or interest or to fulfil a growing need in the industry.

MAs can specialize in a number of different areas, such as:

• Phlebotomy: For more hands-on assistants who are fascinated by drawing blood and visiting the lab, phlebotomy is a common choice.
• Cardiology: Many MAs utilize cardiac-specific skills, such as EKG training or similar, to position them for a role at a heart clinic. These settings can be a great fit for those who prefer seeing the same patient frequently and building long-term relationships.
• Obstetrics/Gynecology: If you feel called to help women of all ages, including pregnant women, navigate their reproductive health with confidence and support, specializing in OBGYN care could be a good fit.

7. They Have Flexible Class Schedules

Medical assistant schools welcome students from all backgrounds, which makes this a popular career choice. You’ll be amazed at how diverse the range of motivations are that lead students to train for this career. Some students might be working towards a medical assistant certificate around full-time work, family or other study. A young adult may have wanted to work in healthcare for as long as they can remember - this is the first step in that process. A recent high school grad could be training alongside a seasoned office worker who wants a completely new career.

The beauty of the medical assistant career path is that there are courses that run during the daytime and during the evening, to accommodate every situation. Part-time options may also be available at some schools – these take longer to complete, but may work out better for students who need to schedule around work, childcare or a family member's schedule.

8. There Is Always an Opportunity to Learn

The role of a medical assistant evolves every day. That means you will always have new opportunities to learn, whether you choose to specialize further, become a traveling healthcare professional or stay in the same role for your entire career. Every day brings new tasks and a chance to expand your experience. As the healthcare market continues to evolve and new medical tools and innovations emerge, the role of a medical assistant will grow alongside it. This makes it a good career for someone who can think on their feet and adjust to new scenarios quickly.