If you’ve ever thought about pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, now is the time to make it happen. Health care isexpected to gain 3.2 million jobs before 2018 – more than any otherindustry – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Health careis one of the most diverse industries and employs people with alldifferent educational levels. One of the most dynamic positions youcan pursue is that of a medical assistant.

Medical assistants can be found all over the health careindustry. They perform important administrative and clinical tasksthat play a significant role in keeping practitioners’ officesrunning smoothly. These dynamic professionals have a range ofresponsibilities, including:

* Updating patients’ medical records and filling out insuranceforms

* Arranging for hospital visits and laboratory services

* Scheduling appointments and bookkeeping

* Taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations andexplaining procedures

* Performing basic laboratory tests

These duties only skim the surface of what medical assistantsare expected to do, and their duties vary greatly depending on thetype of office or medical setting they work in.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medicalassistant, you can take several paths. It’s possible to get a jobwith only a high school diploma, but you can become a moremarketable candidate by obtaining an associate degree or acertificate or diploma. Medical assistant training programs can be found at vocationalhigh schools, post-secondary vocational schools, and community andjunior colleges. In general, you can earn a certificate or diplomain as little as 12 months or an associate degree in as little as 24months.

Because the jobs themselves require such a diverse skill set,medicalassistant courses cover a wide range of information and aredesigned to teach students the practical knowledge and skillsnecessary to succeed in the demanding, high-paced medicalenvironment.

If you want to become part of the health care industry, there isno better time to pursue your dream. Start training for a rewardingcareer today.

Information in this article was provided by Brown College.Contact Brown College today if you’re interested in developingmarketable knowledge and career-relevant skills with anindustry-current degree program. (BrownCollege does not guarantee employment or salary. Financial aid isavailable for those who qualify.)

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Medical Assistants,on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm (visited May26, 2010).

Courtesy of ARAcontent