Advanced Careers For the Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand, and thecolleges offer programs called Medical Assistant to
opportunities for career advancement are many. WithR.N. programs. Students first achieve certification as an
further education or on the job training, a certifiedassistant, and then advance through the curriculum to
medical assistant can transition into a number ofcomplete the nursing program.
related disciplines. At the start of a career, assistantsMedical Records Technicians
most often are employed in physician's offices, clinicsRecords technicians are often responsible for making
and urgent cares. Job duties may include phlebotomy,sure that patients' records are accurate and in order.
taking patient histories, taking and recording vital signs,While they do not provide patient care, they are
giving injections, billing and coding as well as variousrequired to be knowledgeable about the care that has
clerical duties. Those who choose to further careersbeen provided, as well as be proficient in medical
with cross training and additional academic courses willterminology, billing, coding and transcription.
discover vast opportunities within the medical field.Home Health Aides
Cross training as a way to transition into higher payingHome health aides typically work under the supervision
jobs is very common among allied health careof a registered nurse and carry out the specific home
professionals. Further education can lead to careers ashealth care plan for patients as prescribed by a
an R.N., physical therapy assistant, medical recordsphysician. Home health care aides must complete a
specialist, home health aide or Licensed Practical Nursefour to six week curriculum to be eligible for
(LPN). All of these professions build upon the educationcertification in this specialized allied health career.
received in a medical assisting program; therefore, itPhysical Therapy Assistant
can be considered a stepping stone into advancedPhysical therapy assistants often work in the
career opportunities.therapeutic departments of hospitals, doctors' offices,
Registered Nursessports clinics and physical therapy offices. Knowledge
Registered nurses are employed in hospitals, clinics,of ROM exercises, heat and cold therapies, ambulation
urgent cares, and specialized facilities. Many technicaland therapy techniques is required for this profession.