Although this is a field of unsung heroes: clinical medical assistants are the often forgotten professionals that hold most practices together. Often confused for nurses, clinical medical assistants aid inpatient treatments and in clinical duties. They both work directly with patients, as well as alongside other medical professionals like doctors and nurses.
If you’re curious about where they can work: here are the top locations and what they do in them!
Hospitals
One of the first places medical assistants might work is at a general hospital. Just nine to twenty-four months after looking up ‘medical assistant school near me,’ these professionals are well trained and ready to help whatever doctor or nurse needs it. General hospitals offer a great training ground after graduation before it gives them the chance to spread out to a new specialty. Hospitals pay well and hire readily but have a high turnover rate because of the expedited job fatigue that can come from working in a general hospital.
Medical Research Centers
Medical research centers offer a chance to put their brains to the test and learn through their entire career. In these facilities, clinical medical assistants work with doctors, and other medical professionals, to study medications new and old, treatments for illnesses, and track symptoms of other diseases. Although these are often where paid clinical studies are carried out, it is testing the medication itself, not interacting with study participants.
Chiropractic Offices
Though you won’t be cracking anyone’s back as a medical assistant, clinical medical assistants help intake patients, walk them through any information they need to know about their visit and prepare the doctors for the patients. In chiropractic offices, you’ll have a lot of patient face time and will have to be able to answer any question they lob at you. This can seem complicated at first, but you’ll realize you’re always asked the same ten questions in time.
Pediatric Clinics
Children’s clinics are a fantastic place to work if you have a good report with kids. As a clinical medical assistant, you’ll be in charge of helping prepare patients for their appointments, talking to family, taking insurance, and explaining any medications that may be prescribed. Although some of this work is classically done by a nurse, clinical medical assistants are often hired to fill this role.
Outpatient Care
Outpatient care is given to those who don’t need to spend the night in a hospital. This care can range from simple surgeries to a vaccination. These are almost always appointment-based unless you work at a walk-in clinic. Outpatient care is easy and predictable compared to hospital shifts and still pays extremely well.
If you’re curious about a job as a clinical medical assistant, you’re not alone! This is one of the fastest-growing lines of work, allowing for a quick turnaround on education, thrusting you right into a career that’s eagerly hiring new workers every day. If you want to work in the medical field or are curious about what it can offer you, consider getting an education to become a clinical medical assistant.