Working in the healthcare industry can be emotionally and physically demanding, but it can also be rewarding and fulfilling. In this regard, medical assisting is no different than other health care careers.
Read on to learn more about one of the fastest-growing healthcare jobs: Medical Assisting.
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
Medical assistants are typically responsible for completing administrative and clinical tasks in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities vary depending on the practice’s location, specialty, and size. So what does the job entail?
The Main Challenges of Working as a Medical Assistant
The most challenging aspects of being a medical assistant, aside from the day-to-day responsibilities, are the unexpected clinical and administrative emergencies during a shift.
However, these situations may look harder than they seem, especially to the untrained eye. In other words, once you’ve completed a medical assistant training program, you’ll have the skills you need to get through your workdays.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of a medical assistant’s daily job routine?
Difficult Patients – Medical assistants interact with multiple patients daily, and not all of these interactions are pleasant. Even in these trying situations, medical assistants must maintain their professionalism and patience. If you’re highly introverted and not exactly comfy with people, this may be one of the hardest parts of the job.
Medical Emergencies – Most primary physician clinics experience at least one medical emergency every year, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, seizures, and cardiac arrest are the most common types of emergencies.
These situations can be frightening, but as a medical assistant, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to deal with any office medical emergency that arises. As a result, medical assistant training programs include CPR and First Aid Certification.
Emotional Closeness – Medical assistants frequently form close bonds with their patients. As a result, it can be extremely difficult for medical assistants when a patient receives terrible news or dies after a long battle with a disease.
On the other hand, medical assistants have responsibilities to other patients and must remain professional and composed during the workday until they can decompress at home.
The bottom line is that medical assisting can be a challenging career. Is it possible to be stressed? Sure. Is it too difficult that you should look for another job? Certainly not.
Is It Hard to Become a Medical Assistant?
The following question on our list is, “Is it difficult to become a medical assistant?” This is a common question students ask. While it does require some hard work, determination, and focus, becoming a medical assistant is not as difficult as you think. In fact, medical assisting is considered to be one of the most straightforward career tracks in healthcare.
You can pursue your career goals while maintaining your other responsibilities if you enroll in a flexible, career-focused medical assisting program. Whether you work part-time, full-time, or have a family to support, you can pursue your dreams and earn a degree that fits into your schedule.
Final Thoughts
No matter how difficult it is to pursue a medical assistant degree, it would help if you kept the end goal in mind: patients. Concentrating on your essential role with enthusiasm will help guide you through your program and into a rewarding career as a medical assistant.
Jumpstart your medical assisting career by enrolling in a certified medical assistant program at Northwest Suburban College! Our programs are focused on providing you with quality, affordable education, and accelerated programs. Get in touch with us today so you can determine your next step!
