Medical assistants play an important role in the field of healthcare. As valued members of a healthcare team, their responsibilities impact the quality of care patients receive. Most medical assistants perform clinical and administrative duties throughout their workday. Those wishing to specialize in patient care can choose to become a certified clinical medical assistant recognized by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
The Medical Assistant training program at Prism Career Institute, taught at our campuses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offers an avenue for anyone wishing to pursue a career as a clinical medical assistant. Here, we detail what a clinical medical assistant is and the responsibilities of the role.
What Is a Clinical Medical Assistant?
A clinical medical assistant is a medical assistant who has furthered their career and received certification. Their duties focus more on the clinical side of medical assisting, meaning they spend more time in direct contact with patients compared to normal medical assistants. Clinical medical assistant duties include:
- Taking vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood oxygen levels
- Drawing blood for laboratory examination
- Collecting urine and stool samples
- Removing stitches
- Administering injections
- Aiding physicians with medical procedures
- Preparing and cleaning examination rooms before and after every patient
- Recording patients’ symptoms and health histories
- Giving medication under the supervision of the physician
- Applying creams and ointments including lotions, antibacterial creams, and pain-relieving creams
- Applying simple wound dressings
- Stocking supplies
In-Demand Career Outlook
Healthcare is one of the leading industries for career growth. Within the sector, medical assistants are among the most in-demand professionals, including clinical medical assistants. Nationally, the job outlook for medical assistants is expected to grow at a rapid rate.
Estimates show employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14% through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Experts estimate around 114,600 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, during that span.
One of the biggest factors contributing to the need for more qualified medical assistants is the aging population. The number of adults aged 65 and older has increased. This demographic has consistent medical needs that can easily overwhelm hospital staff and primary care physicians. Many healthcare facilities rely on clinical medical assistants to handle more routine clinical duties.
Career Advantages for Medical Assistants
A strong job outlook isn’t the only advantage to pursuing a career as a clinical medical assistant. The profession offers several other desirable benefits, including:
Job Mobility
Clinical medical assistants can work in a range of medical settings. Individuals in this role can choose to work at hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, nursing homes, testing facilities, and more. Having this flexibility allows clinical medical assistants to find the best possible environment that suits their preferences.
Advancement Opportunities
Becoming a clinical medical assistant allows a person to explore other areas in the field of healthcare. Many use it as a stepping stone to advance their careers. As a clinical medical assistant, you will gain experience in the medical field and build connections you can use as you further your career in healthcare.
Make a Positive Impact
The most rewarding aspect of being a clinical medical assistant is the ability to make a difference. The duties and responsibilities performed by a clinical medical assistant will have a direct influence on a patient’s well-being. Clinical medical assistants also can have a positive impact on patient’s families and caregivers by offering them emotional support, especially during complicated clinical procedures.
Start Your Journey at Prism Career Institute
Clinical medical assisting is a great choice for medical assistants who wish to specialize in hands-on patient care. To pursue this role, individuals must complete a medical assistant training program like the one available at Prism Career Institute. Offered at our locations in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ, our medical assistant curriculum prepares students to pursue careers in the medical field, including clinical medical assistant roles. The program covers pertinent topics and equips students with a foundation that they can rely on as they further their careers.
The Medical Assistant program is offered both during the day and at night, making it an ideal program for those who already have jobs or family obligations. Financial aid opportunities are available to eligible students seeking assistance with school finances.
For more information about our Medical Assistant program and the careers it can lead to, contact us today or apply online today.