Medical Assisting (5236)
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At a Glance
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Medical Assistants are multiskilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public's health and well-being, and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.
This PSAV program prepares students for employment as vital members of a physician's health care team. This program is taught in an office-like setting, allowing students to learn the necessary skills to work in both the administrative and clinical settings of a Physician’s office or an Out-patient Clinic. |
Employment Opportunities |
Upon completion of this program, you may seek employment as a medical assistant. In 2006, nationally, about 62 percent worked in offices of physicians; 12 percent worked in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and 11 percent worked in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists. Most of the remainder worked in other health care industries such as outpatient care centers and nursing and residential care facilities.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
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Job Outlook |
Outlook: Increasing
It is projected that in 2015 there will be 4,660 medical assistants working in Palm Beach County. This represents an annual average growth rate of 6.4 percent, faster than the 2.5 percent growth rate for all occupations in Palm Beach County
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-Under “Resources”, select Labor Market Information; Occupational Profile; click on A County, click on Palm Beach n the map; type medical assistant.
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Salary Information |
The mean hourly wage for medical assistants in Palm Beach County in 2008 was $14.65. The mean annual wage or salary was $30,478.42. In Florida in 2008 as a whole, the mean hourly wage for Medical Assistants was $13.24. The mean annual wage or salary was $27,542.68.
Salaries vary depending upon location, skills, experience, position, education, and organization.
employflorida
-Under “Resources”, select Labor Market Information; Occupational Profile; click on A County, click on Palm Beach n the map; type medical assistant.
employflorida
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| Special Skills or Qualifications Needed |
You must have strong communication skills, able to interact well with patients and physicians, and be discrete and respect the privacy of patients. Maintaining confidentiality is a must. This occupation requires accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure, keeping calm in emergencies. Energy, personal initiative, the ability to handle multiple tasks, and manual dexterity are also important. |
| Career Path Notes |
The Palm Beach Community College Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), A Committee on Accreditation of CAAHEP, which functions as an autonomous body within the AAMA Endowment. Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB), 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 1575, Chicago, Il 60606, 1-800-228-2262, 312-899-1259 (fax).
Upon program completion, students may sit for the American Association of Medical Assisting (AAMA) national certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Graduates from the Medical Assisting Program qualify for articulation into the Health Information Management (HIM) AS Degree Program. |
Career Planning Suggestions for Success |
Thoroughly research the occupation and talk with a Medical Assistant working in front and back office positions.
The PBCC Career Consultants Network may have the name of a person you can contact. Refer to the Career Center information listed below. Obtain a part time entry level position in a physician’s office.
American Association of Medical Assistants website
Ferguson Career Guidance Center (user name & password is pbcc)
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