Healthcare

Medical Assistant Training can Launch an Advanced Healthcare Career

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Medical Assistant training Program

Medical assistants are key cogs in the functioning of medical offices and facilities all across the country. Essentially jacks of many medical office trades, medical assistants perform a variety of tasks that doctors couldn’t get done on their own. Although medical assisting is an endpoint for some, for many others it is merely the first step of an evolution into becoming a more specialized member of the healthcare workforce.

That’s one of the advantages of pursuing a career as a medical assistant. The possibilities for continuing one’s education are essentially limitless. Below is a far from exhaustive list of career paths medical assistants have the opportunity to pursue with some additional schooling and field experience in the medical assistant occupation.

Medical Billing and Coding

Medical billers maintain the healthcare office’s or facilities’ financial records. They ensure that the practice receives proper reimbursement for its services from patients’ insurance companies. They also handle patients’ payments, the part of the bill the insurance doesn’t cover. Proper reimbursement is crucial to the functioning of the hospital, as it is how it covers the expenses of operating and maintaining the facility.

Medical coders, on the other hand, also deal with billing, but in a different way. They are tasked with translating procedures and diagnoses into their corresponding codes, as listed in the International Classification of Disease, Tenth Edition (ICD-10). These codes are universal throughout the world of healthcare. Additionally, medical coders commonly serve as intermediaries between the doctors and the office’s billing department. After all, the doctors are the ones who are writing what they have to decode.

Depending on the size and workload of the facility, these two roles may be combined. Medical billing and coding are frequently taught together in training programs offered at community colleges and vocational schools. Knowing how to do both can improve one’s job prospects following completion of the program.

Medical Office Management and Administration

Medical assistants are often tasked with handling some, if not most, of the office’s administrative tasks. This experience makes them prime candidates for furthering their education in medical office management and administration.

Medical office managers and administrators handle a slew of duties vital to the functioning of healthcare facilities, including planning budgets, signing off on spending, supervising office staff, and hiring new employees. Past experience working as a medical assistant can prove useful because medical assistants understand what it’s like to work in that role, allowing them to exhibit greater empathy for their employees.  

According to O*NET, 65 percent of medical office managers and administrators have bachelor’s degrees, while approximately 20 percent of the workforce holds associate’s degrees. Associate degree programs in healthcare administration are frequent offerings at community colleges and vocational schools nationwide.

Nursing

Perhaps the most common profession that medical assistants make a transition into is nursing. There are many similarities shared by the two roles, though nurses typically have more responsibilities and capabilities within the office. It’s important to note that a medical assistant’s responsibilities may vary depending on where he or she is employed and the needs of the presiding doctor or doctors.

One reason such transitions are so common is that there are many different types of nurses. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer programs that bridge the gap between medical assistant and licensed vocational/practical nurse (LVN/LPN) occupations. There are also programs that bridge medical assistants and registered nurses (RNs) and which reward Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees at their conclusion.

At any rate, experience working as a medical assistant and having completed a medical assistant training program can provide aspiring nurses with a solid foundation for continuing their education and make the transition less burdensome.

Lead Medical Assistant

Going the extra mile and displaying leadership qualities can propel a medical assistant from a member of the pack to the leader of that pack.

Lead medical assistants take on more responsibilities, namely directing the other medical assistants. They also tend to receive a modest increase in salary following the achievement of the designation.

Physician Assistant

Physician assistants perform tasks such as examining patients, diagnosing them, administering treatment and participating in wellness outreach programs. As with medical assistants and LVNs, physician assistants’ responsibilities can vary from state to state and depending on the physician under whom they work. 

Though it requires a bit more schooling, transitioning from working as a medical assistant to a physician assistant is certainly feasible. Having achieved the status of registered nurse, it usually takes another two years of schooling to complete a physician assistant program. Most physician assistant programs award master’s degrees at their conclusion.

The additional two years of full-time schooling will be rewarded with plentiful job prospects for those who pursue the occupation. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of physician assistants is anticipated to climb by 37 percent through 2026.

For many seeking a career in the healthcare industry, becoming a medical assistant is not an end, but a means to a future career in specialized healthcare. It all begins with the completion of a medical assistant educational training program. 

Start Your Journey at Coyne College

Coyne College is one of Chicago’s top skilled trade educational institutions and is proud to offer its medical assistant program to future healthcare professionals. Coyne offers day and night classes for both programs to accommodate your busy schedule. Both programs are offered at the Coyne College campus, located in the heart of the Chicago Loop at the intersection of State and Madison streets.

Coyne College’s medical assistant program thoroughly prepares you to enter the healthcare field as a medical assistant. The program can be completed in as soon as 54 weeks.

As a medical assistant student at Coyne College, you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as a medical assistant. Some of the topics covered in the program’s curriculum include:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Pharmacology
  • Anatomy and Pathophysiology
  • Basic Insurance and Billing
  • Clinical Medical Assistsing
  • And More!

You will learn the ins and outs of medical assisting in an environment surrounded by instructors dedicated to helping you succeed. Coyne’s highly knowledgeable instructors have years of meaningful experience in the workforce. Coyne College’s program also features a six-week portion dedicated to electronic health records.

All medical assistant students are required to complete an externship following the completion of all of the necessary coursework.

Following the completion of the program and your externship, you will be ready to enter the workforce as a medical assistant in any number of healthcare settings.

With more than 110 years of experience in helping aspiring skilled trade professionals realize their dreams, Coyne College has a well-developed network of resources to help students gain employment after they finish their studies. 

Coyne College offers students career assistance, including mock interviews, externships and resume help. These resources can help students secure externships after completing the program.

Coyne’s students receive a well-rounded medical assistant education that provides them with a toolbox for success in the healthcare industry.

Start your journey to bettering the lives of patients today by visiting https://www.coynecollege.edu/.

Medical Assistant: Things to know about most underappreciated Career choice

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medical assistant underappreciated career choice

In the bustling world of American healthcare, one of the most underappreciated, yet vital roles, is that of a medical assistant. Medical assistants are, in many ways, the adhesive that holds medical offices and facilities together. They are crucial members of a doctor’s staff who help with a varying mix of both administrative and clinical tasks – they are jacks of many trades. Some of the tasks they typically perform include checking blood pressure, escorting patients through the facility, sanitizing equipment and scheduling patients’ appointments.

Because of the vital role they play, along with the increased need for healthcare, medical assisting is one of the most rapidly growing fields currently and is anticipated to remain so into the coming years. Per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to climb 29 percent through 2026.

To enter the field, most employers require medical assistants to have a certificate from a community college or vocational school, which can usually be achieved in less than two years. Some employers may require national CMA certification, depending on the state. Certification can make a medical assistant more desirable in the eyes of employers.

Needless to say, doctors and other healthcare professionals could not keep their offices, clinics and other facilities open without the toil of their skilled medical assistants. In playing such a versatile role, medical assistants use a vast array of equipment.

Physician’s Office

Within the setting of a physician’s office, medical assistants are the staff members with whom patients interact first. They are the ones who announce patients’ names to the waiting room, signaling that the patient is ready to be seen. Typically, they will also conduct some basic practices and readings, some of which utilize some of the equipment mentioned below:

Blood Pressure Meter – Taking vitals, such as blood pressure, is one of the primary duties of medical assistants. Blood pressure meters consist of a cuff that is placed around the patient’s arm and inflated with air to get a reading of their blood pressure. The kind of meter used depends on the office or facility. It is advantageous for medical assistants to know how to take blood pressure manually, as not all facilities have machines.

Stethoscope – Stethoscopes can be used in conjunction with the manual blood pressure cuff to get a reading of a patient’s blood pressure. They are also used to listen to a patient’s heart and lungs in an effort to determine if there are any problems with those organs.

Autoclave – Medical assistants are typically tasked with the cleaning of medical tools. To achieve this end, they often employ a machine called an autoclave. An autoclave uses high temperatures of steam to sterilize equipment prior to use on future patients.

Computer and Computer Programs – As with many other modern office jobs, computers are essential tools in medical office settings. Medical assistants use computers for tasks such as maintaining patient health records and scheduling appointments.

Telephone – Medical assistants, depending on the physician’s office in which they are employed, may be asked to answer phones and schedule patient appointments. This requires customer service skills and patience, in addition to being comfortable talking on the phone.

Medical Office

In medical offices where medical assistants play a larger role in the patient care side of things, they are often eligible to perform a greater variety of tasks using a wider range of tools. Of course, there is great variability depending on the office in which the medical assistant works.

Vaccines and Syringes – In certain settings, medical assistants may be eligible to administer vaccines, such as ones of the flu variety, to patients. Administration of vaccines, in most cases, requires the use of syringes.

Glucometers – Glucometers are used to measure the blood sugar levels of a patient. Usually, after pricking the patient’s finger and squeezing it to accumulate a sizable blood droplet, the droplet is collected with a strip that is inserted into the meter, which, after a few seconds, displays a reading. Finger pricks are also used to take blood samples for other kinds of tests.

Thermometer – A patient’s temperature is one of the vitals taken in the initial interaction with the medical assistant. Temporal scanning thermometers, which are less intrusive than other methods of taking one’s temperature are becoming increasingly common,

Gloves and Masks – Depending on the procedure with which they are assisting, medical assistants may be required to wear gloves, a mask covering their mouths and possibly a hairnet.

These are simply a few different examples of the kinds of equipment medical assistants come into contact with during their day-to-day practices. To reiterate, the kinds of duties and tools medical assistants are able to perform and use depends heavily on the doctor under whom they are working. If working in a multifaceted role in the booming healthcare industry is of interest to you, studying to become a medical assistant might be the perfect career choice for you.

Achieve Your Dreams with a Coyne Education

Coyne College is one of Chicago’s premier skilled trade education institutions and is proud to offer its medical assistant program to future healthcare professionals.

Coyne College’s medical assistant program thoroughly prepares you to enter the healthcare field as a medical assistant. The program can be completed in as little as 54 weeks. As a medical assisting student at Coyne College, you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as a medical assistant. Some of the topics covered in the program’s curriculum are:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Pharmacology
  • Anatomy and Pathophysiology
  • Basic Insurance and Billing
  • And more!

Coyne College’s medical assistant program also helps give its students a leg up on the competition by featuring a six-week portion dedicated to electronic health records.

During your time in Coyne’s program, you will learn the ins and outs of medical assisting in an environment where you are surrounded by instructors dedicated to helping you succeed. Coyne’s instructors are highly knowledgeable and have years of meaningful experience in the workforce.

Coyne College offers day classes for the Medical Assistant program. The program is offered at the Coyne College campus, located in the heart of the Chicago Loop at the intersection of State and Madison streets.

Following your studies, you will be required to complete an externship. After you complete the medical assistant certificate program, you will be ready to enter the workforce as a medical assistant in any number of healthcare settings.

Coyne College is dedicated to helping its students find gainful employment following the completion of their respective programs. To that end, Coyne offers a wealth of career services and job placement help for its students, including networking and resume advice.

Coyne College also offers its students career assistance, including mock interviews, externships and resume help. These resources can help students secure apprenticeships after completing the program. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

What are you waiting for? Dive into all that Coyne has to offer by visiting https://www.coynecollege.edu/.

Seven Questions to Ask When Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

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Medical Assistant Questions

Finding the right medical assistant program can be an overwhelming task to take on. There’s a lot riding on the decision you eventually make, one that will mark the beginning of your pursuit of a new career. It’s an investment of both time and money, but most importantly, it’s an investment in yourself and your future. It’s a choice you should think through thoroughly before making. With that being said, how do you evaluate whether or not a program is the right fit for you? You need to ask questions, lots of questions. Here are a few Medical Assistant questions to ask while choosing program:

  1. Are the school and program accredited?

Whether or not a school is accredited or affiliated with the governing bodies of an industry is a pretty good indicator of the quality of instruction the school provides, not to mention the validity of your completion of that school’s program as it pertains to your career. Accreditation can be highly important when it comes to earning certifications or licensures, depending on the occupation. For medical assisting, you should make sure the school you choose meets the accreditation guidelines of the American Association of Medical Assistants, as that will be a key part of your certification eligibility.

  1. What kind of financial aid is available?

Deciding to continue your education is a substantial financial commitment, one that very few people make without the help of financial aid. Find out if the school you are considering offers scholarships. Even if it does not, many schools offer loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized), work study programs and grants from the federal government. Schools also tend to have staff members strictly dedicated to assisting you with how you’re going to pay for your education. For many people, financial affordability is a crucial factor in deciding where to study, so be sure to ask about financial aid possibilities, especially if you go on a campus visit.

  1. Does the school have a career services office?

Career services, which typically include mock interviews, helps with resumes and job search assistance are some of the most valuable resources postsecondary educational institutions have to offer. Some schools are better than others about utilizing their connections to alumni working in the field to help newly minted graduates make their way. Asking about the presence of a career services office on a school’s campus and the services it offers will give you a better idea of what kinds of resources will be available to you as a student.

  1. How experienced are the instructors?

The people who teach the classes at a given institution can make or break your educational experience. Obviously, some instructors are going to be more skilled and knowledgeable than others, but that’s how it is at any school. Inquire about the requirements the school has when hiring instructors to join the ranks of their faculty. Some may argue that continuing education is a situation in which you get out of it what you put into it, but having instructors who foster your curiosity and personal growth can be invaluable to your career and your life as a whole.

  1. Will the program prepare you for the CMA exam, and how?

As mentioned in response to the first question, completing a medical assisting program at an accredited school is a large factor in determining your eligibility for the CMA exam. If you have chosen one of the accredited schools, your education should cover most of what is needed to pass the exam and achieve certification. Even if prepping for the exam is not explicitly a sizable portion of the program, many schools have tutors and other academic resources available to help you prepare for and ace the CMA exam.

  1. Does the curriculum include hands-on training?

Studying the theory of a skilled trade like medical assisting is all well and good, but you also need hands-on practice to be adequately prepared for a real-life MA job. Understanding this, most programs offer a mix of textbook instruction and practical hands-on learning. If there’s a specific skill that you’re looking to be taught over the course of your medical assistant training, make sure to ask about it. To be safe, you should ask about the curriculum as a whole, especially if you can’t find specifics on the school’s website.

  1. What resources are available if you should need help?

College can be hard sometimes for a number of different reasons. The way an instructor teaches might not connect with how you learn. It might take you a little longer than your classmates for certain information to click. Inevitably, life, and all of the unexpected events that come with it, still happens when you’re in school. Regardless of the situation, it’s comforting to know that you can get help from whichever school you decide to attend. Schools may offer tutoring and other resources to help keep you on track. There’s no shame in getting help if you need it.

Now that you have a better idea of what kind of questions to ask before deciding on a medical assisting program, you’re ready to put these questions into action and find your perfect fit.

Achieve Your Dreams with a Coyne Education

Coyne College is one of Chicago’s top skilled trade education institutions and is proud to offer its medical assistant program to future healthcare professionals.

Coyne College offers day classes for the Medical Assistant program. The program is offered at the Coyne College campus, located in the heart of the Chicago Loop at the intersection of State and Madison streets.

Coyne College’s medical assistant program thoroughly prepares you to enter the healthcare field as a medical assistant. The program can be completed in as little as 54 weeks. As a medical assisting student at Coyne College, you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as a medical assistant. Some of the topics covered in the program’s curriculum are:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Pharmacology
  • Anatomy and Pathophysiology
  • Basic Insurance and Billing
  • And more!

Coyne College’s medical assistant program also helps give its students a leg up on the competition by featuring a six-week portion dedicated to electronic health records.

You will learn the ins and outs of medical assisting in an environment where you are surrounded by instructors dedicated to helping you succeed. Coyne’s instructors are highly knowledgeable and have years of meaningful experience in the workforce.

Following your studies, you will be required to complete an externship. After you complete the medical assistant certificate program, you will be ready to enter the workforce as a medical assistant in any number of healthcare settings.

Coyne College is dedicated to helping its students find gainful employment following the completion of their respective programs. To that end, Coyne offers a wealth of career services and job placement help for its students, including networking and resume advice.

Coyne College also offers its students career assistance, including mock interviews, externships and resume help. These resources can help students secure apprenticeships after completing the program. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

What are you waiting for? Dive into all that Coyne has to offer by visiting https://www.coynecollege.edu/.

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