Those who work as medical assistants have tremendous employment opportunities. In clinics, hospitals, private practices, and other settings, they may specialize in practically any field of medicine while supporting doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Let us take a look at possible options that would lead to career advancement in Medical Assisting.
Tips for Career Advancement in Medical Assisting
At first glance, it may seem like working as a medical assistant will bind you to that position for the rest of your life. Nonetheless, it is feasible to widen one’s perspectives, particularly with more education and training.
For example, a medical assistant may advance to team leader or supervisory responsibility positions or choose to return to school to pursue other opportunities in the medical industry. Read on to see what you can do to improve your skills and credentials.
1. Obtain Your Certification
Many medical assistants opt not to pursue certifications merely because they are unnecessary. That indicates that people who receive certificates may have more career alternatives and may be more noticeable among many applications.
2. Look at Other Training Opportunities
There are probably multiple options to train in various fields, possibly directly in the company where you now work. Consider training programs in anything, from recognizing drug use or depression to CPR workshops and billing and coding refresher courses.
3. Pursue Extra Training and Education
Continue to polish your talents while thinking about furthering your training. Moving into a different sector of healthcare may be simpler than you think. For example, if you already have an associate degree, it’s a short step to a bachelor’s degree, which might allow you to become a registered nurse, work in administration, and so much more.
4. Improve Your Professional Abilities
When presented with the chance to try something new, seize the moment! It is necessary to learn how to use new equipment in the workplace. For example, a new billing system provides a chance to broaden your horizons.
5. Seek Specialization to Broaden Your Skill Set
Some healthcare professions need highly specialized knowledge and skills. Consider widening your skill set through specializations if you are comfortable with relocating every few years. Emergency medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and podiatry are clinical specialties that pique your interest.
6. Teach the Next Generation
Make an effort to teach the next generation what you know. Contact a local vocational or community college and volunteer your services as an adjunct faculty member. From the first day, become the go-to person in your company for training new medical assistants.
7. Immerse Yourself in a New Language
In many cases, a medical assistant is the first person a new patient meets. What if the patient is unable to communicate in English? Being able to communicate in a foreign language increases your opportunity to demonstrate your abilities, help patients feel more comfortable, and make life simpler for doctors and nurses who do not speak the foreign language well.
Conclusion
Take advantage of possibilities to further enhance your professional skills after graduating from medical assistant training, receiving your certification, and working in the field. Learn about new billing software or office equipment, participate in workplace training sessions and courses when they are available, and take on extra tasks if you are given the opportunity.
Northwest Suburban College is committed to assisting you in achieving your goal to become a medical assistant. As you go through the program, and even after you have graduated, you will have access to various career services to support you in your transition from training to the job. Get in touch with us as soon as possible and let us help you decide your next move!
