How being an MA is a steppingstone to nursing

by
Embarking on a career as a medical assistant (MA) is an excellent starting point for those considering a future in nursing. The in-depth training and real-world experience gained in a medical assistant role provide a solid foundation for advancing into more specialized healthcare positions, including registered nursing.

Why Start as a Medical Assistant?

Starting your healthcare journey as a medical assistant offers a unique blend of clinical and administrative experiences that are invaluable in the nursing field. MAs gain firsthand experience in patient care, learn to manage healthcare settings and develop critical interpersonal skills. These foundational skills not only make the transition to nursing smoother but also build a strong professional demeanor.

Essential Skills MAs Bring to Nursing

Medical assistants acquire a wide variety of skills that are directly transferable to nursing:
  • Clinical Competence: MAs perform tasks such as taking vital signs and administering medications, providing a practical understanding of patient care.
  • Administrative Proficiency: Experience with medical records and appointment scheduling sharpens organizational skills essential for nursing.
  • Patient Interaction: Daily interactions with patients develop communication skills that improve patient education and advocacy in nursing roles.

Educational Advantages for MAs Entering Nursing

For medical assistants looking to transition into nursing, a solid educational foundation can make the career change a little easier. Many nursing programs recognize the valuable skills and knowledge that MAs bring to the table, sometimes offering course credits for their prior experience. This can reduce both the time and the cost of nursing education, making it a more accessible goal. Also, the hands-on experience that MAs gain in their roles doesn’t just disappear; it provides them with a practical skill set that is highly beneficial in nursing school. This experience can give them a leg up in clinical training environments, allowing them to integrate more smoothly into their new roles and excel in their studies.

How Real-World Experience Gives MAs a Competitive Edge

MAs develop a strong understanding of healthcare dynamics, making them well-prepared and competitive candidates for nursing positions. This background can boost your confidence in clinical settings as MAs become familiar with the healthcare environment, which improves overall success and efficiency in patient care. The real-world exposure ensures that former MAs are adept at handling the pressures and responsibilities of nursing roles, often making them preferred hires. Additionally, the experience helps in developing a keen ability to anticipate patient needs and manage a variety of medical situations, ultimately enriching the quality of care that one is able to provide as a nurse. This foundational experience ensures that MAs moving into nursing are well-prepared and adaptable, making them highly effective in their new roles.

Pathways from MA to Nursing Careers

There are many different routes that medical assistants can take when transitioning into nursing careers, including: Several pathways help MAs transition into nursing:
  • LPN/LVN Programs: These programs serve as a popular first step for MAs looking to expand their scope of practice and take on greater responsibilities in patient care.
  • Bridging Courses: Tailored specifically to bridge the professional gap between MA and registered nurse (RN) roles, these courses deepen clinical knowledge and skills.
  • Accelerated BSN Programs: For MAs who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs offer a fast-track route into nursing, condensing several years of study into just 12-18 months.
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This two-year program provides a solid foundation in nursing, preparing MAs for the RN licensure exam and offering a comprehensive overview of nursing principles.
  • Online Nursing Programs: Flexible online programs allow MAs to pursue nursing education while continuing to work, providing a balance that supports both professional growth and personal commitments.

Transition Tips for MAs Pursuing Nursing

If your goal is to transition from an MA role to working as a nurse, there are a few useful strategies you can keep in mind:
  1. Continually pursue further education and certifications to keep on top of the latest medical advancements.
  2. Networking is crucial, so use your connections with healthcare professionals and seek mentorship from experienced nurses for valuable insights and guidance.
  3. Seek out diverse clinical experiences across various medical settings to enhance your adaptability and understanding of the healthcare environment.

Building a Strong Foundation for Your Nursing Future

Are you ready to take the next step in your healthcare career? Consider starting as a certified medical assistant to build a strong foundation for a fulfilling nursing career. Allen School of Health Sciences is committed to providing the education and resources necessary to embark on this promising career path, establishing a clear path to medical assistant certification. Contact Allen School of Health Sciences today to learn more about how to become a medical assistant now!

Why Medical Assistants Are in Demand Now

by

Medical assistant training programs offer a career that gives you the opportunity to help others while also providing variety and security in your career. Well-trained medical assistants are in high demand, with employment rates expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is largely due to the comprehensive MA training provided by places such as The Allen School of Health Sciences, where students are taught both clinical and administrative skills. With this education, medical assistants are equipped to handle wide-ranging responsibilities, which enables physicians to spend more time attending to patients. Keep reading to learn a few reasons why medical assisting opportunities have been increasing along with the demand for medical assistants.

Chronic Illnesses

More than 130 million Americans suffer from chronic illness. Individuals with conditions such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, mental health disorders, cancer, obesity, heart diseases, require frequent medical attention and professional assistance. Medical Assistants help mitigate the resulting demand on a doctor’s time by helping patients understand the nature of their conditions, and educating them on how to implement necessary home care.

Aging Population

Older adults require more preventive medical care, and the aging generation of Baby Boomers ― almost one-third of the U.S. population ― has had a direct impact on the growth of the healthcare industry. As this population continues to grow, the already taxed healthcare system will become even more strained, which will continue to raise the demand for both preventive medical services and emergency medical assistance. Consequently, more trained healthcare professionals such as medical assistants will be hired to handle routine clinical and administrative tasks.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) extended healthcare coverage to a greater amount of individuals, providing health insurance to more Americans than ever before. Previously, individuals without health insurance may have avoided seeking medical care because of the high cost. Subsequently, the spike in medically insured individuals naturally created a spike in office and hospital outpatient visits, which then increased the amount of paperwork – billing, accounting, and bookkeeping – for healthcare providers to complete. Performing the administrative tasks required to run a healthcare facility is a necessity that places a high value on trained medical assistants.

Medical Assisting offers you a stable career and an exciting opportunity for growth. Enroll in an accredited medical assistant training programs and earn the education you need to pass the CMA training programs exam and begin working in the exciting healthcare field! Call the The Allen School of Health Sciences for more information now.

Skills That Every Medical Assistant Should Have

by
Medical assisting is quickly becoming one of the most popular careers in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth within the field reaching 29% in the next ten years, making it one of the fastest-growing job markets in the country. With the incredible job opportunities, room to grow within the field, and flexibility within the field, it’s easy to see why so many want to enter the medical assisting profession. Some clear traits have been discovered that make a good medical assistant. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical assisting, check out these traits for top applicants and see if they apply to you.

You’re Adaptable

In the medical field, things are constantly changing, and your day can go from routine to hectic in a matter of seconds. Medical assistants can find themselves caring for multiple patients at a time, so it’s important to be able to switch gears quickly and handle any task that comes at you with skill and patience.

You’re Compassionate

More often than not, you will be encountering patients during very confusing and scary parts of their lives. Dealing with health issues can be incredibly emotionally draining for patients and their families, and part of your job will be providing emotional as well as physical support. If you can find the humor in scary situations, and maintain a pleasant demeanor during stressful times, you may have what it takes to be a medical assistant.

You Want to Help Your Community

The medical field is a vital part of any community, and you will find yourself coming in contact with people of many different backgrounds and beliefs. If you take joy in being a part of your community and have a passion for providing the best care you can to every person who walks into your facility, a career in medical assisting could be your dream job. If you relate to any or all of these traits, it’s time to consider a job in medical assisting. Contact The Allen School today to learn more about how to make your dreams a reality and put your skills to best use.

The Medical Assistant of Tomorrow

by

I found this excellent chart courtesy of BoingBoing.net.  Originally featured in an editorial in  the New England Journal of Medicine, the chart demonstrates just how far medicine has come in the last 100 years.  Not only are far fewer people dying per capital of disease, but so many afflictions, diseases and disorders have been cured.  This is an amazing recent record of achievement, discovery and improvements in technology and human knowledge.  As medicine has taken this quantum leap, medical office personnel – certified nursing assistants and medical assistants have been an instrumental part of the process.  Its interesting to think what the roles, functions and duties of CNAs and medical assistants may have looked like 100 years ago.  Or what nursing assistant training programs may have consisted of?  Likely, the difference would be about as dramatic as the difference in this chart.