Categories: Online Medical Assisting Classes

Medical Assistant Specialties

Female nurse with a mask putting on gloves

Growth in the healthcare industry has led to increased demand for medical assistants and more opportunities for medical assistants to specialize in particular areas. A foundation of knowledge and practical skills developed in a medical assistant training program can give students the best prospects for finding employment as medical assistants and then advancing in their careers at specialty clinics.

In this article, we’ll explain the typical job duties of medical assistants and some areas of patient care where medical assistants may be able to specialize.

What Do You Do in Medical Assistant Jobs?

Medical assistants support physicians in their day-to-day work. They can work in physicians’ clinics, health facilities, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and dental clinics, among other places. The responsibilities of a medical assistant vary depending on the work environment. Some of the primary roles include:

Performing medical examinations
Recording medical histories
Taking vitals
Preparing and performing laboratory tests
Administering medication
Responding to texts, calls, and emails
Scheduling appointments
Keeping medical records
Handling billing and bookkeeping

Specialty Practice Areas for Medical Assistants

As you progress in your medical assistant career, you might find that you have an interest in a particular area of healthcare practice. Here are just a few examples.

1. Pediatrics

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine concerned with treating children. Medical assistants in pediatric practices perform many of the standard administrative and clinical duties but are also often called upon to comfort children who are frightened of going to the doctor. If you love kids and are great at putting them at ease, this could be the right specialty for you.

2. Dermatology

Dermatology is the branch of medicine which focuses on treating disorders of the skin. Medical assistants who specialize in this area not only help patients get healthier, but they also help patients feel their best by treating conditions that might be unsightly and damaging to the self-esteem.

3. Orthopedic Medicine

Orthopedic medicine deals with muscle and bone issues. Helping athletes’ rehab from sports-related injuries is one prominent area of orthopedic medicine. Medical assistants in orthopedic medicine might assist in performing procedures and assess patients’ range of movement.

How Much Training is Needed for Medical Assistant Jobs?

To become a medical assistant, you’ll first need to have your high school diploma or GED. You’ll then need to take a medical assistant training course from a reputable vocational institution like PCI Health Training Center. PCI’s hybrid medical assistant program offers a convenient blend of online and on-campus instruction and can be completed in as little as nine months.

Working in some specialty practice areas as you advance in your career may require additional training. However, starting your career with training from PCI will help prepare you to have the essential administrative ability, clinical skills, and hands-on experience to hit the ground running as you enter this field. It’s a foundation that will serve you well wherever your career in healthcare takes you.

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