The salary range of a medical assistant is not very high, however, if we consider the job outlook and prospects of growth in this career, it holds great promises. Here is some information regarding the same.
Medical assistants hold a key position among the hospital team members. Besides performing various clinical and medical tasks, they also assist the senior doctors or physicians in the administration and management of the health care units. They play a vital role in the overall hospital management. Owing to the increase in the number of patients in the hospitals and health care units, these jobs are in high demand these days. They help the senior physicians and doctors in surgical procedures and operations, thereby making their jobs convenient.
Job Duties
Anybody aspiring to be a medical assistant must understand that this hospital job is very challenging due to various tasks that they are expected to perform. Assistants are expected to assist people in blood donation, help patients in changing dressings, maintain medical records and carrying out various other diagnostic measures and regular check ups. The salary range is between $50,000 to $75,000 per year and it changes on various factors like the work experience and the extent of administrative tasks they can do. They also handle the administration works of senior doctors, like scheduling appointments, receiving telephone calls and performing data entry operations. They are involved in the higher administrative tasks like managing the medical insurance claims and providing the medical billing services to the patients.
Educational Requirements
A higher secondary degree in subjects related to medical sciences and medical services is the first requirement of this profession. To enter the hospital sector on this designation, it is mandatory to obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree from a college accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Further, in order to become a certified medical assistant (CMA) it is important to qualify the certified medical assistant exam, that gives national level certificates.
Salary Range
Nearly 60% of the medical assistants work with the physicians. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has ranked these jobs as one of the fastest growing jobs by 2016. The salary range also depends on the training, work experience and most importantly, geographical location. The geographical location matters because a state with more number of hospitals and physicians will obviously create a demand for more assistants than a state with less hospital facilities. Besides these, the salary range is also dependent on the place where the professional is working. For example, those working in general or medical hospitals and office of physicians / chiropractors / optometrists is paid different salaries. On an average, the salary range with one or less than one year experience, is $22000 – $25000 annually. Those with 1 – 3 years of work experience enjoy an annual pay scale of $25,000 – $27,000. Those who have established themselves and have a work experience of 3 – 8 years can earn anything between $27,000 to $30,000 and those who have 8 or more years of experience, earn between $30,000 to $35,000.
These jobs offer great career opportunities or young medical students. With an increase in work experience, the salary range increases and you will also be able to create a great path for your career development. So, if you are interested in hospital jobs, then certainly this job is another rewarding option for you. Have a flourishing career! All the best!