Medical Assistant Specializations

July 13, 2015

Don’t Wait – Request Details Now!

How much is tuition? When does it start? Can I get financial aid? What are my career prospects?

I Understand & Agree

By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for First Institute to contact you regarding our programs and services using email, telephone or text – including our use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods/services and you may always call us directly at 815-459-3500.

Classes Taught in English Only.

Medical assistants can follow one of several specializations to work in a variety of environments

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the number of medical assisting jobs is projected to grow 29% from 2012 to 2022, making it one of the fastest growing job titles in health care. One of the reasons demand is rising so quickly is because Americans prefer to be treated by a specialist whenever possible. As a result, there are plenty of medical assistant specializations to choose from.

What do medical assistants do?

A medical assistant’s responsibilities may vary depending upon the health care provider for which they work. For instance, assistants at large organizations may specialize in administrative or clinical tasks, but in small, private medical practices, assistants often have dual responsibilities. Some of these tasks may include:

Assisting the physician with patient examinations
Giving injections as directed by the physician
Measuring patient’s vital signs
Preparing blood and other specimens for laboratory tests
Scheduling patient appointments
Taking and recording patient history and personal information

Specializations medical assistants should consider

No matter which path you choose to take in your medical assisting career, we have the program for you. The training you’ll receive at First Institute can prepare you with the skills you need to become a valuable member of a health care team.

Chiropractic practices

Chiropractors use a holistic approach in caring for the human body. To assist them, Medical assistants may perform front office duties such as making appointments and handling insurance claims. Medical assistants may also assist the chiropractor with treatments.

Obstetrics / Gynecology

Obstetricians and gynecologists specialize in women’s reproductive health. For these specialists, medical assistants assist in procedures, take patient histories and schedule appointments.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology medical assistants provide a wide range of duties in caring for the eyes. You can expect to perform testing on patients, take patient history, and sometimes measure basic vital signs like blood pressure and pulse.

Phlebotomist

If you don’t mind blood and needles, working at a local blood bank, hospital, or lab offers a great opportunity for medical assistants. Phlebotomists draw blood and prepare samples for testing.

Podiatry

Podiatry focuses on injuries and medical conditions of the foot. Medical assistants are responsible for trimming nails, providing wound and post-surgical care, assisting with splints and casts, and assisting in minor surgery.

Get the training you need for a medical assisting career.

As a medical assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to impact the lives of many patients. If you are interested in a rewarding career in the growing health care industry and would like to know more about First Institute’s Medical Assisting Program, call 815-459-3500