The 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 Administrative Medical Assistant  Update and file patient medical records  Fill out insurance forms  Arrange hospital admissions and laboratory services  Greet patients 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

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.

Cont. Salary Median 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 Outlook The medical assistant profession is expected to grow much faster than average, ranking them among one of the fastest growing occupations between the year , 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 Ed Medical Assistants Web. 23 March CollegeGrad.com. Degree Programs for Medical Assistants: Online and Campus School Web. 23 March Kathy Quan, R.N. The Everything guide to Careers in Health. copyright 2007 published by Adams Media