Medical Careers and Programs

Health care is currently the fastest growing industry in the United States. With an expected 30% increase in healthcare jobs through 2014, the medical career options for healthcare graduates of medical assistant programs are almost endless these days. A medical assistance degree opens the door to a number of stable and well-paid careers in healthcare.

According to a September 2006 article in BusinessWeek, more than 1.7 million jobs have been added in the healthcare industry since 2001, while other industries have seen little or no growth in the same time period. This job growth is expected to stay strong as governments and private institutions continue to invest significantly in health care and biotech. The good news for health care professionals is that much of the money invested in the industry goes directly to the workers. And, if the current trend continues, 30%-40% of all new jobs created in the U.S. over the next 25 years will be in health care!

The healthcare boom is largely being driven by increased demand for medical care: As diagnostic technological advances continue to double and clinician focus turns more towards preventive care, a healthier but aging general population requires more medical attention.

As a result, doctors, physicians, and dentists need professional assistance from skilled and sympathetic caregivers, delivered by today's top medical assistant programs. Changes in medical insurance billing practices and coding, and the increased complexity of managed care and HMOs, have also increased the demand for qualified healthcare administration personnel. Today's busy medical office or clinic can't function without a trained staff to engage with patients, explain and perform routine medical procedures, assist with recovery programs, decode medical transcripts, and assist with exams.

Medical assistants are well compensated for their work, as they are a vital part of any healthcare organization. For example, a diagnostic medical sonographer could earn more than $67,000 annually; an occupational therapy assistant could have annual earnings potential of more than $55,000; and health information technicians could earn up to $50,000 per year.

Training requirements will vary depending on the field of medical assistance. For example, some hospitals will hire workers for non-clinical jobs, such as medical transcription, after completion of a 1-year certificate because many of the specific duties can be learned on the job. Technical positions in ultrasonography or radiologic technology often require at least a 2-year associate's degree for people with no prior medical experience. Many hiring institutions prefer to hire certified medical assistants for certain positions. Information on state and national certification requirements can be obtained from the national certifying board of each profession.

There's a growing demand for qualified medical assistants across the board - from medical insurance coders to ultrasound technicians or physical therapy assistants. With the right training, you could be one!

Medical Assistant Programs:

Dental Assistant Training Schools
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
LPN: Licensed Practical Nurse
Massage Therapy Schools
Medical Assisting Schools
Medical Laboratory Technician
Natural Health Practitioner
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pharmacy Technician School
Physical Therapy School
Therapeutic Health Technician
Ultrasound Diagnostic Imaging Schools
X-Ray Technician Training

Medical Office Careers:

If you are motivated, organized, and ready to take on the challenge of managing a medical care office, click to learn about these programs.

Executive Assistant Training
Healthcare Administration
HealthCare Information Systems
Healthcare Management
HIPAA Training
Insurance Services, Healthcare
Medical Assistant Training Schools
Medical Billing and Coding
Medical Office Management
Medical Transcription
Medical Administration Training

Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Medical Association

Medical Assistant School and Medical Assistant Training Programs: As a medical assistant school graduate, you'll have your finger on the pulse of the medical healthcare field. You'll interact directly with patients and caregivers; you'll help operate complex diagnostic equipment including ultrasound, x-ray, dental and others, and you'll have ample opportunity for growth and advancement. All it takes is the right medical training and dedication.