Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training or experience, and certification.
Employment change. Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 35 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the [...]
Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1-year or 2-year programs.
Education and training. Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years and result in an [...]
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with Physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. (Physician assistants are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
The duties of medical assistants vary [...]
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A highly talented Medical Assistant with huge experience in performing routing patient screening, additional technical supportive services, medical clerical duties and other duties, as assigned; collecting, handling, and processing patients’ laboratory specimens, including phlebotomy and performing routine in-house laboratory tests; administering medications to patients on specific orders from a [...]
