Medical assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, performing both clinical and administrative duties to help facilities run smoothly. Trained medical assistants can pursue various career paths in the healthcare industry. Prism Career Institute offers a Medical Assistant program at our campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that prepares aspiring medical assistants for a range of career paths. Here, we discuss eight unique medical assistant jobs that you may not have considered previously.
Potential Medical Assistant Jobs
Completing a medical assistant training program like the one at Prism Career Institute provides a strong foundation that prepares students to work in the healthcare industry. Some graduates choose to work solely as medical assistants, while others are looking for related career paths they can pursue. Medical assistants can also complete other training or certifications that allow them to work in other healthcare jobs. Some of the potential jobs for medical assistants include:
1. Phlebotomist
One job that medical assistants can pursue with an additional certification is a phlebotomist or a specialist who draws blood. Medical assistants are trained in basic phlebotomy skills in their programs, but those who are interested in pursuing it full-time will need to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
2. EKG Technician
Another job that medical assistants can work is an electrocardiogram (EKG) technician, who performs EKGs and other diagnostic heart tests. Medical assistants often study EKGs and how to perform them in their training, but to work as an EKG technician, they will need to become certified. The Certified Electro-Cardiology Technician Certified Electro-Cardiology Technician (CET) exam is strongly encouraged or even required by most employers.
3. Surgical Technician
Another position that medical assistants can pursue with additional training is a surgical technician, who assists in operating rooms sterilizing equipment, and performing other duties. To become a surgical technician, medical assistants will need to complete a surgical technology program from an accredited school and earn a certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
4. Medical Administrative Assistant
Another possible job for medical assistants is a medical administrative assistant or medical secretary. Medical administrative assistants focus mainly on the clerical duties in a healthcare facility, which include patient interactions, appointment scheduling, record keeping, and more. No certification is required to work as a medical administrative assistant, but taking the (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMMA) exam can be helpful in meeting employer expectations.
5. Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Another job that medical assistants can pursue is a medical coding and billing (MCB) specialist, which involves assigning codes to medical procedures and diagnoses and billing for them. Medical assistants may learn about billing and coding, but additional training and certifications are needed to work as an MCB specialist. There are different certifications available, including Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB).
6. Nursing Home Medical Assistant
Some medical assistants may want to work in a nursing home as a nursing home medical assistant. The job duties are similar to medical assistants working in other healthcare settings, but they mainly work with elderly patients. Some nursing homes may only hire nursing home aides, which medical assistants can become with additional training and certifications.
7. Clinical Trial Medical Assistants
Medical assistants can also work on clinical trials collecting and preparing samples, administering tests, recording data, and more. Some employers may require additional certification for medical assistants who want to work in clinical research.
8. Home Health Aide
Another path for medical assistants is to work as a home health aide, performing tasks in patients’ homes. In medical assistant training programs, students learn the skills needed for working as a home health aide, like taking vitals, documenting health history, interacting with patients, etc. However, both Pennsylvania and New Jersey require specific training and certification to become a Home Health Aide (HHA).
Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute
The Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute helps aspiring medical assistants prepare for careers in the healthcare industry. The program runs for 40 weeks and provides students with a well-rounded education combining in-classroom learning and hands-on experience. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about student success and provide individualized attention in small class sizes. We also have a Career Services department that assists students with resume writing, interview prep, and more, and financial aid opportunities for qualified students.
Explore Our Medical Assistant Training Program Today
Enroll in the medical assistant training program at Prism Career Institute to prepare for a range of careers in healthcare. We have daytime classes at all three of our campuses and evening classes at our NJ campuses, so you can expand your education when it’s convenient for you. For more information about enrollment or admission requirements, contact Prism Career Institute today.