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Becoming a Clinical Medical Assistant is a great way to start a career in healthcare, and it doesn’t take a lot of time or schooling to get the training you need to land one of these in-demand jobs. In fact, U.S. News & World Report have listed medical assistants as #7 in its “Best Jobs Without a College Degree” list and #10 in its “Best Healthcare Support Jobs” list. In addition, the occupation is also found on its list of “100 Best Jobs of 2021” based on pay, stress levels, personal satisfaction, job demand, and other factors. Here are five things you need to know about a career as a clinical medical assistant as you consider this new career path:
Clinical medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team.
They are responsible for completing administrative and clinical duties that help healthcare facilities run efficiently and effectively treat patients. For example, you might record patient information and history, measure vital signs, and help with patient examinations in this role. You may also give patients injections or medications, explain treatments and procedures, schedule appointments, prepare samples for labs, and update medical records, among other things.
Clinical medical assistants make a good salary.
Most clinical medical assistants work full-time, and some do have to work holidays or weekends to ensure that medical facilities are properly staffed whenever they are open. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median salary for medical assistants is $35,850, with the top earners in the profession making more than $50,000! Those working in outpatient centers and hospitals typically make the most money. Medical assistants in New Hampshire can expect to make $44,000-$47,000 a year.
Clinical medical assistants have a lot of work opportunities.
According to the BLS, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 19% during the next 10 years. This is almost five times faster than the average expected growth for all jobs in the United States and equals an additional 139,200 jobs! Clinical medical assistants can find work in almost any type of healthcare facility, including physician’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and even chiropractor’s offices. However, those who earn certification, such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), will have the best job prospects according to the BLS.
Clinical medical assistants have a rewarding career.
Helping others makes you feel good, and you will be doing a lot of that in this role. One of your primary jobs as a clinical medical assistant is to help make patients feel at ease for their appointment and during any treatments. This is essential to ensuring successful medical care. In addition, you will help patients every day by ensuring they understand what and why they need treatments, calming their nerves, properly performing procedures like drawing blood and taking vitals, and accurately updating medical records.
Clinical medical assistants don’t need to have a degree.
To become a clinical medical assistant, you will need to first earn a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no formal education requirements in most states, but you will likely need to find a professional training or certificate program to gain the skills you will need on the job. Many clinical medical assistants also decide to earn a professional certification such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the NHA to improve their job prospects and earning potential. Some states require clinical medical assistants to complete a professional training program, pass a certification exam, or both. It’s important to check with your state board of medicine for more information in New Hampshire.
Whether you’re looking for an in-demand job, good salary, personal job satisfaction, or a way to make a difference by helping others, entering a healthcare career as a clinical medical assistant is a great choice.
Want to learn more about starting a career as a certified clinical medical assistant?
Explore our online CCMA training course.