Medical Assistant

To be a successful Medical Assistant you should…

• like working with people
• be interested in health sciences
• be flexible and adaptable to change

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What will my job be like?

Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly.

Preparing patients for examinations, they take vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration. They assist with first aid, collect and process specimens, and perform ordered tests. As the physician’s right hand, these professionals schedule appointments, prepare and maintain patient records, and
arrange hospital admissions. A medical assistant serves as a liaison between the physician and others, such as pharmaceutical sales people.

Where could I work?

Most medical assistants work in physician offices. Medical assistants often find employment either in full-time or part-time positions.

Other workplace settings:

• Chiropractor Offices
• Medical Clinics
• Optometrist Offices
• Ophthalmologist Offices
• Podiatrist Offices
• Sales
• Insurance Companies

What is the average annual salary?

$36,500

What is the future of this career?

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

There are both 1-year and 2-year medical assisting programs.

Two-year programs result in associate degrees while 1-year programs grant certificates or diploma’s.

Formal training in medical assisting is most widely preferred but is not always required. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although this is less common than it was in the past.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• American Institute, West Hartford
• Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield
• Branford Hall Career Institute, Branford/Southington
• Capital Community College, Hartford
• Goodwin College, East Hartford
• Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport
• Lincoln Technical Institute, New Britain/Shelton
• Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted
• Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
• Porter and Chester Institute, Stratford
• Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson
• Stone Academy, East Hartford/West Haven/Waterbury
• Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
• Tunxis Community College, Farmington

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?

American Association of Medical Assistants
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL   60606
312-899-1500
www.aama-ntl.org