Different types of Medical Assistants

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Different types of Medical Assistants

Different types of Medical Assistants

Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. It will continue to experience rapid growth as America’s aging population increases in size, creating an even greater demand for healthcare services. This means that now is the perfect time to begin a career as a Medical Assistant.

There are several types of Medical Assistants, all of which are vitally important to the healthcare teams they are a part of. They work alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to assist with patient care, handle administrative tasks, and complete clinical procedures. In many clinics and doctors’ offices, the medical assistant is in charge of managing the office, which allows the physician to devote more time to providing top-quality patient care.

Employers set their own educational requirements for the Medical Assistants they hire. The standard is typically a minimum of one-two years of formal training at a technical or vocational school, resulting in a certificate, diploma or associate’s degree.

Duties and Responsibilities of Medical Assistants

Although the duties of a medical assistant may vary somewhat from one job to the next, they all work to keep doctors’ offices and clinics running smoothly. In all cases, medical assistants perform the tasks physicians delegate to them with the goal of supporting the physician in providing the best possible patient care. In smaller practices, the medical assistant may perform virtually all office and clinical tasks, but in larger practices, medical assistants may have a specialized function, which may include managing other staff.

Types of Medical Assistants

There are three main types of medical assistants: Clinical, Administrative, and Specialized Medical Assistants.

Clinical Medical Assistant

A clinical medical assistant’s primary focus is on patient care, conducting assessments, and performing other clinical tasks. This may include preparing patients for medical examinations, documenting vitals and medical histories, instructing patients on home care, performing minor treatments, and assisting the physician during examinations. While the job duties of a clinical medical assistant are broad, the main focus will be on the clinical aspects of the practice.

Administrative Medical Assistant

Administrative medical assistants mostly perform administrative tasks such as managing patient records, making appointments, answering phones, maintaining the front desk and reception areas, and performing general accounting and billing. Administrative medical assistants play a pivotal role in physicians’ offices. They ensure that the business side of the practice operates smoothly to ensure minimal interruption to the physician’s core function of providing patient care. To be effective in this position, job candidates should have superb written and oral communication skills, proper phone etiquette, above average computer skills, and a basic understanding of medical terminology.

Specialized Medical Assistant

Specialized medical assistants perform specialized clinical tasks, since their specialized training allows them to work closely with physicians and serve patients more directly. Depending upon the size of the medical practice, specialized medical assistants may report directly to the physician, or to an administrative manager. The specific tasks that specialized medical assistants perform will depend largely on their area of specialization, size of the practice, and the number of assistants on staff.

There are many specialized medical assistant certifications available through the Association of Medical Technologists. To receive certification, assistants must complete an accredited training program and pass the certification examination. In many cases, certified medical assistants earn higher wages and have better job opportunities than those without certification.

There has never been a better time to become a medical assistant, regardless of the role or specialization. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects an employment growth rate in the field of medical assisting of more than 30% by 2022. Whether interested in a career as a clinical medical assistant, an administrative medical assistant, or a specialized medical assistant, this career promises ample employment opportunities, great earning potential, and a career that is both challenging and rewarding. If you’re ready to pursue a successful career in the healthcare field and interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

Benefits of becoming a Medical Assistant

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Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant

Ever since the formal establishment of medical assisting in the 1950’s, the profession has been a critical component of the thriving healthcare industry. Medical assisting is a great path for individuals who seek a career in healthcare, and since the complexities of healthcare are growing every day, doctors and nurses must rely on skilled, trustworthy medical assistants to keep offices running smoothly.

When studying medical assisting at the Allen School of Health Sciences, you can complete a quality, accelerated, hands on program and be in the field making a difference in less than a year. But that’s just one of the many benefits, you can be a vital member of your healthcare team and make a huge investment, not only in your community, but also in yourself.

You’ll constantly be refining your communication skills.

Along with administrative and clinical responsibilities, working with all kinds of people — both coworkers and patients — will be a huge part of your job. These duties require strong communication skills and the ability to work well as a member of the team. While you’ll learn how to do the functions of your job in your medical assisting program and externship, there is nothing better than on-the-job training, especially when it comes to the art of communication.

Listening to patients, answering questions, and taking direction from physicians takes time to perfect. Knowing what to say (and when to say it) doesn’t happen overnight. However, with some practice, refinement, and experience, you’ll learn how to effectively interact with different personalities, ages, and professionals in any situation that’s thrown at you. And through this process, you’ll become a strong medical assistant and an even stronger person.

Job variety

As a medical assistant, your days will be very busy. Every role will change depending on the office or practice you’re in, but wherever you work as a medical assistant you’re almost guaranteed job variety. You’ll check patients in, take their histories and check their vitals, and then turn around and answer phones, return messages, and fill out billing and coding forms. In essence, you’ll never be bored! Performing a variety of tasks helps fight off job stagnation and gives you the opportunity to learn soft skills, along with clinical specialization that probably attracted you to the job in the first place.

The hours aren’t crazy

It isn’t unusual for nurses and physicians to work long shifts or to be roused from a deep sleep by an emergency. As a medical assistant, one of the perks, especially if you work in a clinic, is that your schedule can mimic a more traditional work schedule. You might occasionally end up staying late, working on the weekends, or working a holiday or two depending your office, but you can look forward to enjoying a normal work-life balance.

Room for advancement

Because medical assistants provide a range of support to clinics and hospitals, there is plenty of room for advancement for those who excel and work hard to become experts in as many functions as possible. If you can master your job, become a top-notch communicator, and work well with those around you, you’ll be in a prime position to move up within your organization.

Medical assisting can also be a launching point for hospital administration or other healthcare careers, such as nursing, radiology, or specializations that require more training or education. The great thing about medical assisting is that you have many, many options after finishing your MA program and working for a few years afterward. You’ll also have a leg up on fresh faces entering the industry because you’ll already have a solid background in healthcare and the experience to back it up!

Tips for Single Moms Going Back to School

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Tips for Single Moms Going Back to School

Going back to pursue your degree as an adult poses its own set of challenges. Going back to school when you’re a single mother can be more difficult. However, daunting it may seem, though, it’s certainly possible. With some extra planning and a bit of know-how, you can achieve the medical assistant education you need to get ahead and do it on your terms. Here’s how to make it work:

Do it on your time.

The Allen School of Health Sciences accelerated program is an advantage when your free time is at a minimum. The Allen School of Health Sciences in particular let you schedule your studies around your existing responsibilities and routine. Plus, you have the added benefit of being able to attend classes during the day or at night day or night. By scheduling your studies and schoolwork around your existing career and children’s commitments, you can reach your goals– and potentially do it sooner than you think.

Know that it takes a village.

For single mothers, it goes without saying that a support network is integral — especially when considering the prospect of returning to school. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Rally your family, friends and neighbors, whether it’s for carpooling, childcare or Internet access in a pinch. Additionally, don’t rule out your school as a source of support. The Allen School of Health Sciences dedicated enrollment advisors, faculty and staff are available to answer your questions and assist single mothers achieving their goals. All can be a great resource in terms of camaraderie, tips, encouragement and support.

Make it a family activity.

Kids are sponges when it comes to learning. And since they have homework to do, consider doing it at the same time. It’ll not only spark conversation but also set a positive example. What’s more, it’s an opportunity for you and the kids to support each other — and that’s a win-win.

Take time to recharge.

Sure, you’re Supermom, but even you have limits. Unless you give yourself permission to regroup and regain your strength and mental stamina, it’s impossible to sustain the rigorous schedule required of a juggling your life, studies and career. Besides, exhaustion makes it difficult to retain information. Although it may seem counterintuitive to take breaks and treat yourself when you’re busy taking care of everyone else, you need to — regularly and as a priority. Sometimes, that means taking an afternoon off to spend at the movies or with a good book or simply getting an extra hour of sleep. You deserve a professional position that makes it easy for you to provide for your family. If you’re ready to pursue a successful career in the healthcare field and interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Medical Assistants Working in Hospitals

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Medical Assistants Working in Hospitals:

What do medical assistants do? That depends. Particularly in hospitals, some medical assistants (MAs) work primarily in clerical settings, while others perform clinical jobs. In other hospitals, MAs do both. 

Clerical MAs

In a hospital’s clerical positions, MAs can perform many of the same tasks as those in a physician’s office, with one important difference: The specifics of a hospital MA position vary by department within most hospitals, and there is plenty of variety. Whereas one MA might be auditing medical records, another works as a unit clerk on an orthopedics floor.

Clerical and administrative tasks in a hospital are generally similar to what MA’s encounter in other medical settings. Some of these tasks include:

  • Scheduling patient appointments
  • Managing electronic health records (EHRs);
  • Assisting with insurance claims;
  • Gathering and providing information to other providers;
  • Communicating with patients and families;
  • Working in billing departments;
  • Handling mail;
  • Managing unit supplies and inventories;

Clinical MAs

What do medical assistants do in a clinical hospital setting? This, too, depends on the department where they work. Some practice in laboratory settings and rarely have patient contact. Others provide for a variety of patient care needs directly. You might see a MA working with patients in the emergency department, receiving basic information on a pediatric floor or even taking vital signs on oncology patients. Still other MAs feed less-mobile patients on a surgical step-down unit.

Hospital-based MAs normally play a more abbreviated clinical role in hospitals than in physician practices. In the latter, much of what a MA does depends on the needs of the physician he or she is assisting. In these settings, their roles are often divided between both clerical and clinical work.

Universal Tasks

Nevertheless, hospital-based MAs perform tasks that reflect the needs of their unit. Many are generic across multiple settings, but others are more specific to the hospital. The range of clinical tasks allowed by a MA varies from state to state: Some clinical tasks are off-limits to MAs practically anywhere. For example, they should never make diagnoses, administer anesthesia or inject anything intravenously. More universal MA tasks include the following:

  • Administer oral medications;
  • Transport patients within the hospital;
  • Assist nurses as directed for a variety of needs;
  • Help physical and occupational therapists;
  • Take vital signs;
  • Call in prescriptions to pharmacies;

Think you might have what it takes, but afraid to ask? Take part in one of our career planning sessions and discover the many healthcare pathways available to you. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Fearful of going back to school?

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Create a ‘Why Statement’ to help fight the fear of going back to school

How do you feel about going back to school? Do you dream where it might take your career as a medical assistant?  If you fear that because you are a working, you won’t have the time or energy to go back to school. But fear has this funny way of holding us back from things that could be exceptional for us. You can think of many reasons not to take on this challenge like the additional workload, the time and energy it’ll take, and, the biggest one is the fear of failure.

How can you put these fearful thoughts aside and truly judge if it’s time for you to go back to school? School should give you something you’re missing. Why do you want to go back to school?  What is missing in your life right now that school could provide? What will furthering your education bring you? A promotion, growing your competency about the work you do, or perhaps changing your career track?  When you can articulate your reason or your “Why statement” you can use it to fight back your fear. When you begin to doubt yourself, remember your “why statement” to leave your fearful thoughts behind.

Get your support system to back you up 

There will be times when you need help with your home life responsibilities. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the extra workload think about who is your support system and how they can help you accomplish your goals? Identify what you need help with. Will you do homework at night, early mornings, or on the weekends at the library?  

Next, get your support system on board. People in your support system are people like ​your spouse, partner, parents, neighbors, kids, and friends. Share with them why you’re going back to school. Then share any areas you need help with. You’ll feel less fear knowing that your support system has your back.

Find extra time in your day

Do you feel like you won’t have enough time or energy to do homework? Then try this.  Throughout your day tomorrow make it a priority to look for small blocks of free time. Did you spend too much time surfing the net during lunch? You could do work then. 

Keep a lookout for these blocks of time where you could give up something to make room for school work. School won’t last forever and making some sacrifices will be worth it. 

It’s hard to contain excitement and anxiety over what will happen once you get that degree or certificate. But all good things come to those who wait or work hard. 

When fearful thoughts creep up when you think about going back to school, take a deep breath and put them aside. You have many options for making it work for you and you could reap some big benefits if you go for it. Following these tips is a way to “go the extra mile”. If you follow these guidelines, you can improve your approach to going back to school. 

Ready to start working towards a new career? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

   

Interview Tips!

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Interview tips for a Medical Assistant!  

Interviewing can make even the most confident of professionals nervous. It is a natural part of the interview process and, in fact, employers understand you will be nervous because it shows that you are really interested in the opportunity. Here are some easy ways to ensure your interview anxiety will not affect your interview!

Be Prepared

Proper preparation prevents poor performance! Proper research before an interview is one of the most important steps in your preparation. Researching the company, job opportunity available, and other key factors about the position will allow you to anticipate questions you may get on the interview and tailor your answers to the company you are interviewing with, which will make a strong impression on the hiring manager. Where can you look? Check out the company’s website if one is available, talk to other employees that work there already, read recent industry related information about the specialty of the doctor. There are a lot of great places to get information very easily.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Sometimes just thinking of the worst possible outcome, and realizing it is not all that bad, will allow you to relax a bit when you go into the interview. Realizing that even if you don’t get the job, you can continue to apply for additional opportunities, may make you realize that if your nerves get the best of you, you can learn from your mistakes and do better the next interview.

Breathe

Deep breaths are a wonderful way to vanquish negative feelings, and return to the present moment. Taking just 30 deep breaths will change your shallow and nervous breaths into long confident ones.

Positive Visualization

Visualizing the potential positive outcomes of your situation may make you more confident and comfortable with handling that situation. Think about how you will feel if you leave that interview knowing that you answered all the questions as well as you could!

Are you ready to start working toward a career in healthcare? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School Family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

   

Single parent? Start a new career in under a year!

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Single parent? Start a new career in under a year!

Tired of working long, stressful shifts at retail establishments or fast food restaurants? Enroll in medical assistant classes at a reputable school so that you can pursue a stable career helping others. At the Allen School of Health Sciences our accelerated medical assistant programs takes less than one year, and you can begin applying at healthcare facilities as soon as you obtain certification. Here are reasons why many single moms benefit from becoming a medical assistant.

 Daycare-Friendly Hours

It can be difficult to find a babysitter if you don’t work a traditional 8-to-5 schedule, especially if your employer requires open availability 7 days a week. You may even get stuck working on holidays and special occasions. A schedule that varies drastically also makes it difficult to establish a bedtime routine or get older kids to school.

You can resolve these issues by becoming a medical assistant. Some hospitals and healthcare offices require medical assistants to work evenings or weekends, but many medical assistants have the option to only work on weekdays.

 Stable Career Outlook

You may have heard friends with degrees or certifications in other fields complain that they can’t find a job. That’s generally not an issue for medical assistants, as doctors, hospitals, and retirement homes often hire this type of healthcare worker. Medical assisting is a stable, in-demand career with a job outlook that’s projected to increase approximately 29% by 2026. (See Bureau of Labor and Statistics)

Accelerated Program Completion

It’s difficult to balance work, school, and parenting when you’re a single mom. Luckily, you can finish medical assistant classes quickly and start your new career.

The Allen School of Health Sciences offer an accelerated medical assistant program that last less than one year. 

 Knowledge of Common Medical Conditions

Kids often get injuries and ailments that require medical care, but sometimes children undergo unnecessary trips to a healthcare provider. After you become a medical assistant, you’ll have valuable knowledge that helps you identify which minor injuries and illnesses can be treated at home. You’ll also learn the correct way to quickly apply gauze, ointment, and bandages.

You deserve a professional position that makes it easy for you to provide for your family. If you’re ready to pursue a successful career in the healthcare field and interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant. Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Healthcare career: Turning challenges into rewards

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Medical Assisting: Turning challenges into rewards

 

You dreamed of a Medical Assistant career where your life’s work would be all about helping others. You wanted to contribute your knowledge and compassion to a healthcare team that helps patients get well, but the profession has its challenges. So how do you turn those challenges into rewards and accomplishments you can be proud of? How can you do the job you love? Follow these steps:

Accept diversity

Not all your patients, or even all the people you work with, are going to think just like you. If you understand that fact from the get-go, you won’t look at differences as a bad thing. Instead, you’ll come to appreciate diversity and enjoy getting to know others. Learn about their cultures and ideas—and share yours. Isn’t it awesome that you get to meet so many different people as a medical assistant?

Empower your patients

No one enjoys being hurt or sick. All they want to do is get better. And as a medical assistant, you get to help them! Share what you’ve learned through your healthcare training at the Allen School of health Sciences and experiences you have learned working in the healthcare field. Will give your patients some of the tools they need to get well. For example, you probably understand the importance of following a physician’s instructions to the T. You can explain the doctor’s instructions and turn medical terminology into a language your patients can understand. All that info helps your patients take charge of their own care. The more they do what they’re supposed to, the sooner they’ll be on the mend.

Advocate for your patients

How can doctors possibly help patients if they don’t have all the details of what’s going on? Since you might spend more time with patients than even their doctors, you could have vital information that will improve their treatment. Encourage your patients to be completely open and honest about how they feel and what they do—and tell their doctor. But when they don’t, it’s your job to make certain the healthcare staff knows what they need to make good decisions for the best patient care. Communication can be a challenge in any setting, but your patients rely on you to have their best interest at heart. And their good health and sincere appreciation is a great reward.

Acknowledge your own limitations

It’s frustrating to deal with difficult patients. It’s hard when you really can’t make someone better and when you don’t have all the answers. But you’re not supposed to! It’s important to remember what you can—and can’t—do as a medical assistant. Focus on the positive. You can offer kindness and comfort. A smile and a pleasant attitude can go a long way to turn grumpy patients into happy people. But when your positive disposition doesn’t work, don’t let it get you down.

 The best reward about being a medical assistant is to know that you can make a difference in someone’s day, in their healthcare, and maybe even their life. If you’re up for a challenge because you really want to do something that matters, maybe a career as a medical assistant is right for you. Interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant? Ready to start a Medical Assistant Program? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-Allen School

Single parents starting a new career

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Single parents: Starting a new career

Tired of working long, stressful shifts at retail establishments or fast food restaurants? Enroll in medical assistant program at the Allen School of Health Sciences so that you can pursue a stable career helping others. Medical assistant programs often take less than one year, and you can begin applying at healthcare facilities as soon as you graduate. Here are a few reasons why many single moms benefit from becoming a medical assistant.

Daycare-Friendly Hours

It can be difficult to find a babysitter if you don’t work a traditional 8-to-5 schedule, especially if your employer requires open availability 7 days a week. You may even get stuck working on holidays and special occasions. A schedule that varies drastically also makes it difficult to establish a bedtime routine or get older kids to school. You can resolve these issues by becoming a medical assistant. Some hospitals and healthcare offices require medical assistants to work evenings or weekends, but many medical assistants have the option to only work on weekdays.

Stable Career Outlook

You may have heard friends with degrees or certifications in other fields complain that they can’t find a job. That’s generally not an issue for medical assistants, as doctors, hospitals, and retirement homes often hire this type of healthcare worker. Medical assisting is a stable, in-demand career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant employment is expected to increase 23% by 2024, much faster than the 7% average across all occupations. Medical assistant employment growth follows the general growth of the healthcare industry and the increasing need for support workers at healthcare facilities. By 2024, the BLS projects that 730,200 medical assistants will be employed in the US, compared to the 591,300 medical assistants counted in 2014. Such an increase in demand can provide workers with increased career stability and the knowledge that, no matter where they are in the country, medical assistants will be needed.

Quick Program Completion

It’s difficult to balance work, school, and parenting when you’re a single mom. Luckily, you can finish medical assistant classes quickly and start your new career across all occupations. The Allen School of Health Sciences offer an accelerated medical assistant programs that last less than one year.

Opportunities for growth: As you continue your career as a medical assistant, you may choose to attain additional certifications that will help you grow in your career. You may even decide to specialize or pursue other healthcare careers. With your unique access, you’ll have an inside view to what it’s like to perform a wide variety of medical jobs. You may decide to dedicate yourself to becoming the best medical assistant you can be or you may decide to get additional training and move on to other roles in the healthcare industry.

If you’ve ever considered a career in medical assisting, the medical assistant program at www.allenschool.edu could train you with the skills you’ll need. Check out all our health care programs. Are you currently working toward finishing school? Are you thinking about a new career? If so, contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our fall classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-ALLEN SCHOOL

Medical Assistant School in the New York Area

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Medical Assistant School in the New York Area

If you’re thinking of launching or continuing a career in Medical Assisting, you’ll need to plan out and make some important decisions regarding your MA education. In particular, you’ll need to decide where you want to receive your MA training and eventually seek employment. While a formal education is not always required to practice Medical Assisting, the completion of a standardized program will likely increase your chances of obtaining employment and advancing your career. In this exceptionally competitive field, it’s important to consider a formal education.

Typically, Medical Assistant training includes courses in anatomy, physiology, medical office management, and other related subjects. These classes can familiarize you with real-world situations and provide you with valuable experience before graduation. Overall, graduates of The Allen School of Health Sciences may have an advantage over candidates who did not complete formal training. Not only will they have an understanding of the clinical and the administrative aspects of the role, but they may complete externships and accumulate experience for their resumes.

One of the most appealing aspects of Medical Assistant training is that The Allen School accelerated program can be completed within less than a year, providing graduates with a set of marketable and in-demand skills. If job security is important to you, Medical Assistant training equips students with a skillset that allows for work in a doctor’s office, hospital, clinic, retirement center, or other healthcare setting. In addition, the Allen School’s career services team can teach students how to market themselves in a competitive job market. For instance, the Allen School provides their MA graduates with career development assistance, offering access to a team of career service advisors who can assist with resume/cover letter preparation, networking, and other job search strategies. As well as job placement after graduation.

Location matters for a few different reasons. First, it’s important that the campus is located within a reasonable distance, as you might be working while you attend school. You might also have family obligations or other time constraints. Location can also make a difference for future job prospects. If you successfully graduate and aim to market yourself in the New York Area, then attending a New York area Medical Assistant program will likely strengthen your job prospects. In many fields, it is often critical to seize networking opportunities whenever possible. Doing so can get your foot in the door and allow you to develop more professional contacts.

If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, you can earn your certificate in less than a year. We are enrolling now for our fall classes.  As always, we would love to hear from you! Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more about an exciting career as a medical assistant.

-Allen School