Medical AssistantThe Medical Assistant field has increased dramatically in the last decade,

being able to perform many task in doctors offices and hospitals makes this job very flexible and much needed. Duties of medical assistants varies

from doing administrative and clinical work, making patients feel comfortable, scheduling appointments and helping the doctors office run

smoothly. However medical assistants are not to be confused with physicians assistants or nurses.

Job Description: There are a couple different types of Medical Assistants

Clinical Medical Assistant

Take medical history and record vital signs

Explain treatment procedures, prepares for examinations and helps physician with examinations

Collect lab specimens if directed by physician

And sometimes perform basic lab test

Administrative Medical Assistant

Update and file patient medical records

Fill out insurance forms Arrange hospital admissions and

laboratory services Greet patients

Salary

The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. The median earning is 28,300 a yr. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,700 and $33,050. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,570.

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Cont. SalaryMedian Annual Wages

General medical and surgery hospital--$29720

Colleges universities, and medical schools--$28820

Physician’s offices--$28710

Outpatient care centers--$28570

Offices of other healthcare practitioners--$25240

Job OutlookThe medical assistant profession is expected to grow much

faster than average, ranking them among one of the fastest growing occupations between the year 2008-2018, by the year 2018 the profession is estimated to grow about 34%. In 2008 there were 483,600 medical assistants employed and by 2018 its expected to be 647,500 employed. As the healthcare industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population, there will be an increased need for all healthcare workers. Medical assistants play a very important role in the health care field, being that the job is broad its easier to find a career and be satisfied.

Bibliography (Works Cited)Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational outlook handbook

2010-11 Ed Medical Assistants 2009. Web. 23 March 2011. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm

CollegeGrad.com. Degree Programs for Medical Assistants: Online and Campus School 2011. Web. 23 March 2011.

http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/servi07.shtml

Kathy Quan, R.N. The Everything guide to Careers in Health.copyright 2007 published by Adams Media