The healthcare industry offers multiple career paths for trained medical assistants, including some that may be a surprise. Settings, where medical assistants work, include hospitals, doctor offices, outpatient clinics, and more. They work one-on-one with patients, assist physicians, and participate as key members of the medical team. Here, we’ll explore how students enrolled in the Medical Assistant training program at Prism Career Institute are prepared for a diverse array of roles.
Transferable Skills
Medical assistants perform multiple functions on any given day. By specializing, they can adopt new titles and roles in their field. Some of these roles may include the following:
Phlebotomist
Students are thoroughly trained in the art and science of drawing blood for laboratory tests. This important medical task is a useful aspect of the medical assistant role in many settings, but medical assistants can also work exclusively in this high-demand occupation.
Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician
This position operates equipment to measure the electrical activity of the heart. Creating a graphic representation of this activity helps doctors determine any heart problems and assists with monitoring heart conditions.
Surgical Technician
As part of the surgical team, medical assistants can train to work in the operating room at a hospital or outpatient surgery center. Sterilizing equipment, working closely with doctors during surgeries, and patient care are some of the tasks required in these settings.
At Prism Career Institute, students are highly trained in essential skills that employers seek. These skills can translate to several job opportunities within the dynamic field of healthcare.
Special Interests
Programs with in-depth training help students broaden their horizons in the professional landscape. The experience gained by well-trained medical assistants is valuable and can help them attain positions in settings for which they have an affinity and interest. These settings may include:
Retirement Communities
For those who enjoy working with the elderly, attaining medical skills is a great way to find a position that you love. Community clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers all need people who enjoy older adults and have top-notch skills to contribute.
Prisons
Many among the prison populations need medical care, and medical assistants can provide services that make a big difference in the lives of individuals and overall public health. Especially when healthcare resources are limited, the comprehensive training and medical knowledge held by medical assistants is particularly desirable.
Clinical Trials
For those who enjoy research, medical assistants are key team members on clinical trials conducted by universities and drug companies. These settings provide opportunities to make a big impact on the understanding and treatment of diseases and other illnesses.
Alternative Health
As healthcare continues to integrate alternative medicine strategies, medical assistants find themselves in demand by chiropractors and other holistic specialists. As the public becomes more aware of these practitioners, the need for their care teams expands.
Entertainment Events
Medical assistants who want to moonlight can find part-time work at concerts, fairs, sporting events, political rallies, and more. Set up in a medical tent or van, medical assistants work with emergency medical technicians, doctors, nurses, and others to help people who become ill or suffer injuries during large, crowded events.
A comprehensive medical assistant training program not only helps students gain transferrable skills but also helps broaden career prospects. With the skills needed to work in a variety of areas, students can step into a career path that’s most rewarding for them.
Learn about the Medical Assistant Training Program at Prism Career Institute
Traditional medical specialties and integrative health practitioners want trained medical assistants on their teams. Community settings, whether for aging populations, immigrant groups, or people living with disabilities, all need the knowledge, skills, and experience offered by professional medical assistants. For more information on our Medical Assistant program in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, contact Prism Career Institute today.