Why Medical Assistants Are the Backbone of the Healthcare Industry
Due in large part to the aging of a large section of our population (the baby boomers), as well as a general increase in people becoming more proactive when it comes to their health, the need for preventative care and treatment is fueling the faster than average growth of the healthcare industry. Many people are mindful of the fact that regular medical treatment and care is crucial in the early diagnosis and effective treatment and/or management of any possible illnesses or medical conditions. For this reason, physicians’ offices are full of patients needing care. Those physicians’ offices are in desperate need of qualified, certified Clinical Medical Assistants (CMAs).
Clinical Medical Assistants provide administrative and clinical support in the offices of physicians, pediatricians, podiatrists, chiropractors, cardiologists, and other health service providers. As you can imagine, medical assisting is one of the fastest growing professions; for a couple reasons. First, employment opportunities for medical assistants is projected to grow 23% from 2014 to 2024, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook. Second, this position has added appeal for those looking for a way to help others, often when they need the most help. This is a great career for those who are compassionate and service-oriented.
Getting started as a Clinical Medical Assistant is simple. All you need is patience, a desire to help others, and at least a high-school diploma or GED. In less than one year, you can complete training and begin working in your exciting new position. CMA training involves clinical and administrative classes, preparing you for both direct patient care and back office support. Classes include:
- Introduction to Allied Health
- Medical Office Administration
- Clinical Administration
- Career Development
In order to gain confidence in your newly acquired skills, you are also placed in an externship before the completion of your program. This is where you will gain experience as well as get your first interaction with actual patients. By the time your training is complete, you will be qualified and confident enough to seek employment in any doctor’s office, hospital, or other health care setting.
As a health care provider, the connections that you make with patients and families are priceless. Knowing that you are contributing to the quality of someone’s life is a feeling that is hard to describe. Medical assisting is a career that is not only emotionally rewarding, it is also has other benefits. As mentioned, training takes less than a year, and is affordable.
The healthcare industry is booming. Medical Assistants held 591,300 jobs in 2014; and the growth in this industry is expected to grow 23%, much faster than other industries. Simply put, there will always be work for a medical assistant. If one day you decide to move forward in your career, the skills that you have learned as a medical assistant will be valuable. Your next step could be to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
If you are interested in taking the first step. Get trained as Clinical Medical Assistant at High Desert Medical College. Our program takes less than a year. It’s your turn to take a great step in your future in healthcare as a CMA. Find out more on our Clinical Medical Assistant program page.