Certificate Level I Medical Assistant

Are you people-oriented, friendly, patient and willing to serve people and their families who may not feel their best? Are you thorough, attentive to details and able to manage time and stress? Would you like to work in a medical setting but aren’t sure how or where to start? Then take a look at Howard College's Medical Assistant Certificate program!

Medical Assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an increasing number of doctors’ offices and outpatient care facilities, technological advancements and the growing number of aging Americans who need medical treatment, the job market is booming for those who enter this exciting career field.

Careers

According to America’s Career Infonet, job openings for medical assistants (MAs) across the country are expected to grow by a whopping 52 percent — more than almost any other job category — through the year 2014. MAs can expect to make a median salary of $12.19 an hour, or $25,400 annually.

Medical assistants have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform numerous administrative and clinical duties. They perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician.

Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing and coding for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood and administering medications as directed by physicians.

Medical Assistants can work in:

• physicians offices
• hospitals (as unit secretaries or patient care technicians)
• nursing homes
• emergency clinics

Course Information: Howard College Catalog