Medical assistants in Austin & Killeen play a critical role in the daily functioning of healthcare facilities. If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, you have many opportunities. There is a clear path to becoming a medical assistant in Austin & Killeen. We will help you with the first step, which is learning more about the medical field and where you can work. Then, you will want to explore the steps necessary to become a medical assistant. With this information, you can create a strategy to pursue a rewarding career in medicine.
Why Do People Work in the Medical Field?
There are many reasons why people work in the medical field. From helping others to teamwork and beyond. Why do you want to work in the medical field?
Help Others
This is probably the most common reason people sight for seeking a career in healthcare. You will work directly with patients every day and will impact their lives. It can be rewarding to see your effort improve the lives of others.
Job Security
Healthcare is a high-demand field with increased job stability in Austin & Killeen. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national growth projected for medical assistants is 14 percent through 2032. The demand for qualified medical assistants continues to increase as the population ages and technology advances.
Room for Advancement
Whether you want to remain a medical assistant and advance in this career or move to medical office management, medical assisting is an excellent place to start. It gives you a foot in the door and allows you to learn how to work in and succeed in healthcare. Once you are ready for more responsibility, pursuing certifications or furthering your education is much easier.
Comradery
You will never have to work alone, so this field suits those who enjoy a collaborative environment. This also makes it possible to network with your colleagues to open doors for your career. You never know when you will need to network to advance in your career.
Continuous Learning
The medical field is constantly evolving, and you learn something new every day. For example, you are constantly learning new medical software and medical procedures to stay ahead of the curve.
Professional and Personal Challenge
The medical field will challenge you professionally and personally. This makes for a stimulating work environment that moves fast and keeps you on your toes. After working in healthcare for a few years, you will see how much these challenges have allowed you to grow.
Where Can I Work as a Medical Assistant?
You will find various jobs throughout the Austin & Killeen area. To narrow down your job prospects, you want to learn about the facilities that hire medical assistants. Some of those medical facilities include:
Physician’s Offices
This is a standard setting for medical assistants. You will measure vital signs, document patient histories, assist the doctor, and prepare patients for examinations. You will also handle patient records, schedule appointments, and perform other administrative duties.
Hospitals
Every department in a hospital can use the skills of a trained medical assistant, so consider the environment in which you want to work. For example, depending on your preferences, you could work on the cardiac floor, in the emergency department, or in pediatrics. You will have a variety of duties regardless of which department you work in.
Urgent Care Centers
These facilities help patients with non-life-threatening conditions that still require prompt treatment. You will help triage patients, complete administrative duties, assist with minor procedures, and handle billing and coding.
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-term care facilities include places like assisted living centers and nursing homes. In this environment, you help patients with their daily living activities and assist the other staff monitor patients.
Outpatient Care Centers
These facilities include day surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare facilities focusing on diagnostic testing. In this environment, you will aid the doctors and nurses with procedures and help prepare patients for treatments. It is also expected that you will draw blood and handle administrative duties.
Specialty Clinics
Specialty clinics generally focus on one branch of healthcare, such as dermatology, pediatrics, cardiology, or orthopedics. Your exact duties will depend on the facility’s specialty. However, working at a specialty clinic commonly involves assisting the doctor, measuring vital signs, and helping with administrative duties.
How Do You Become a Medical Assistant?
If you want to become a medical assistant, there are a few steps you will need to take to be successful. These steps include:
Step #1: Getting Your GED or High School Diploma
The first step is to ensure that you have your GED or high school diploma. This will help you obtain a solid foundation in concepts you will use in medical assistant school, such as chemistry, biology, and health education.
Step #2: Find a Technical School
CyberTex offers a robust medical assistant program. You can complete our program in as little as 45 weeks. With this education, you will be ready to start working as an entry-level medical assistant and apply for certification.
Step #3: Complete Your Program
Once you enroll and classes start, you will complete practical training in medical assisting. You will take multiple courses, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical office management. You will also spend time in a laboratory learning clinical skills receiving hands-on training. After completing all necessary laboratory and classroom instruction, CyberTex will help you find an externship in the Austin & Killeen area. You will work under the supervision of an experienced medical assistant, so you can practice the skills you learned and get real-world experience in the field.
Step #4: Consider Certification
While obtaining a certification is not required, you might consider it. One of the most recognized certifications is the National Healthcare Association. The relevant certifications include medical assistant, phlebotomy and EKG. Once you have a certification, it can enhance your job prospects.
Step #5: Meet with Career Services
Once you finish your education, CyberTex can help you find your first job. We have career services that aid you with resume creation and interview skills. We even match you with job opportunities at employers in Austin & Killeen.
Final Thoughts
Create clear steps that will get you closer to accomplishing your goal of becoming a medical assistant. It will be easier to stay on track when you can visualize your path to success. After finishing your education at CyberTex, consider the place you prefer to work and target your job search. This will narrow down your options and make applying for the jobs that best fit your passion.
Want to Learn More?
The Medical Assistant Training Program at CyberTex Institute of Technology takes excellent care of you by providing hands-on training, practical experience, and the support it takes to get started in a medical assisting career without spending years in school. You will learn clinical and administrative skills and prepare to work in physician’s offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Contact us today to learn more about our Austin and Killeen campuses.
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