A Pathway Into the Healthcare Community
Medical Assistants (MA) are often the first point of contact for patients. These multi-skilled health professionals perform both administrative and clinical duties to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, and other health practitioners running smoothly. Common tasks include taking medical histories and vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by a physician.
The crucial role MAs play in population health is reflected by the current high demand and strong job outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (only 4%) and faster than the average for other healthcare support occupations (14%).