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Medical Assistant Careers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Close up view of phlebotomist inserting syringe into patient’s arm

Whether you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant or you’ve already graduated from a program, you may be wondering what career paths are available for you. Fortunately, medical assistants can train or become certified for other related career paths in the healthcare industry. At Prism Career Institute, we offer a Medical Assistant program at our campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Learn more about the possible medical assistant career paths you can pursue.

What Is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are professionals who work in various healthcare settings performing clinical and administrative tasks. They help keep facilities running smoothly while also interacting with patients. Some common job duties of a medical assistant include:

  • Interacting with patients and recording their medical histories
  • Filling out forms or charts
  • Processing claims/billing
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Administering vaccinations or medications
  • Assisting with electrocardiograms (EKGs) or patient examinations
  • Reviewing recovery recommendations
  • Collecting or preparing blood samples
  • Dressing wounds

Medical assistants can work in a range of healthcare settings, including clinics, pediatrician offices, hospitals, OB/GYN offices, family medicine practices, rehabilitation facilities, laboratories, and more.

Medical Assistant Career Paths

Becoming a medical assistant can be rewarding for many reasons, but one of them is the variety of career paths that are available for you to pursue. Of course, you can work solely as a medical assistant, but if you’re looking to continue your education or specialize in a certain area, a medical assistant diploma can help provide you with a solid foundation. Some career paths that can be pursued by medical assistants include:

Phlebotomist

One career path option for medical assistant graduates is a phlebotomist or specialist who draws blood. Although medical assistants often learn basic phlebotomy skills in their programs, if you’re interested in pursuing phlebotomy as a career, you’ll have to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. This additional certification can help you fulfill employer requirements and access more career opportunities than just medical assisting alone.

EKG Technician

Another career option for medical assistants is to become an electrocardiogram (EKG) technician. This involves administering EKGs and other diagnostic tests that measure a patient’s heart activity. Medical assistants may learn about assisting with EKGs in their program, but there are certifications needed to work as an EKG technician. Aspiring EKG technicians have to take the Certified Electro-Cardiology Technician (CET) exam. It is strongly encouraged or even required by most employers.

Medical Coding and Billing Specialist

Medical assistants who are interested in record-keeping and coding can explore a career as a medical coding and billing (MCB) specialist. However, additional training and certifications are needed for this career path. There are a range of certifications for MCB specialists, including (Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and (Certified Professional Biller (CPB).

Medical Administrative Assistant

Medical assistants who are more interested in the administrative side of the job can become medical administrative assistants or medical secretaries. Medical administrative assistants work in the front office of a healthcare facility, interacting with patients, scheduling appointments, maintaining files, and more. A certification is not required to work as a medical administrative assistant, but taking the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMMA) exam can enhance your job opportunities.

Registered Nurse

If you’re a medical assistant looking to continue your education, becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a fulfilling option. You will have to complete an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and complete a background check to become licensed by the state board of nursing. This career path takes more time to complete than others, but it is great for medical assistants who want to earn more and have more career opportunities.

Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute

At Prism Career Institute, our Medical Assistant program provides students with a well-rounded education that helps prepare them to explore a range of other career paths. The 40-week program combines classroom learning taught by experienced instructors with hands-on experience from a 150-hour externship. It is delivered in a blended format that includes both online and in-person classes. Class sizes are small, so students get individualized attention.

Students at Prism Career Institute also have access to Career Services for help with resume writing and interview prep. There are financial aid programs for those who are qualified.

Enroll in Our Medical Assistant Training Program Today to Start Your Career

Whether you want to work as a medical assistant or get certified for other career paths like phlebotomy, the medical assistant training program at Prism Career Institute will help you prepare for your journey. We offer daytime classes at all three of our campuses and evening classes at our Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, campuses. For more information, apply online or contact Prism Career Institute today.