Medical Assistant

Welcome to The 2011 Hot Jobs Guide

• Why It’s Hot: As the healthcare industry expands due to technological advances and an aging population, medical assistants are in prime position to capitalize. Medical assisting jobs are expected to grow by 34% by 2008, far faster than the overall average. The growing number of clinics and medical centers will

continue to need capable, quality medical support staff.

• What You’ll Do:

Medical assistants are responsible for performing a wide variety of different clerical as well as clinical duties. They commonly work in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other medical professionals. A medical assistant is different from a physician assistant. The role of a physician assistant includes examining, diagnosing and treating under the supervision of a physician. Administrative duties of medical assistants can include greeting patients, keeping medical records, answering the telephone, completing insurance forms, making appointments, handling correspondence, scheduling hospital and laboratory services and assisting with billing. Overall, the responsibilities of a medical assistant can be split between secretarial and clinical duties. Some medical assistants specialize and have additional duties, depending on the area of their specialization. Medical assistants may be employed in a wide array of areas. Approximately 60% of medical assistants are employed in doctor’s offices. Around 10% work in specialized offices, such as podiatrists and chiropractors. Medical assistants are responsible for helping patients to feel comfortable as well as verifying instructions of the physician. Medical information must be kept confidential. Medical assistants must have good visual perception and be able to work well with their hands.

• What You’ll Earn: