Becoming a medical assistant is a great way for interested candidates to enter the medical field. If you can take the initiative and have excellent customer service skills, you may make a great medical assistant. From helping admit patients, to ordering supplies for the office, the responsibilities of a medical assistant are broad and fulfilling.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the medical assistant profession is growing. In fact, it is expected to grow 29% by the year 2022, this is higher than average. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s baby boomers are getting older and requiring more care, The Affordable Care Act is making healthcare more accessible to American citizens, and office tasks are being streamlined to medical assistants, making them more valuable than ever.
Iowa not only has many accredited schools that offer medical assistant programs, but it also has its organization to support the profession. The Iowa Society of Medical Assistants is dedicated to the education and certification programs for medical assistants. The association not only offers advice and access to the state’s best programs; it also provides a way for medical assistants to network with one another.
Iowa medical assistant programs will teach students how to manage an office by providing bookkeeping courses, computer lessons, and correspondence practice. In addition to the administrative portion of the curriculum, students will also learn basic anatomy, physiology, first aid, how to handle lab work, medical terminology, healthcare rules and regulations, and how to interact with patients.
In addition to education programs, medical assistants can also earn certification with the American Association of Medical Assistants. The Medical Assistant Certification (CMA) ensures prospective companies that a candidate has proven their proficiency with medical software and computer applications, basic anatomy courses. It also ensures they are proficient at any specialties they’ve pursued, such as geriatrics, obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, or gynecology.
With the predicted growth of the profession, now is a better time than ever to begin your journey to become a medical assistant in Iowa. You will find yourself in a career that is both challenging, developmental, and personally fulfilling. With the support of the Iowa Society of Medical Assistants, you will have contacts who can help you achieve your most difficult goals and gain friends who are on the same journey. Earn a fair wage and a stable career by beginning one of the many suitable programs today.
More Information about Medical Assisting Programs in Iowa
Becoming a Medical Assistant in Iowa: Education and Career Outlook
Medical assistants are essential members of healthcare teams, providing both administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Iowa, this article will provide you with information on the education and training requirements, as well as the career outlook for medical assistants in the state.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a medical assistant in Iowa, you’ll need to complete a medical assistant training program. Programs are available through vocational schools, community colleges, and technical institutes, and typically take 9-12 months to complete. It’s recommended that you choose a program that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to ensure that you receive a quality education that meets industry standards.
Medical assistant training programs cover both clinical and administrative aspects of the job. Clinical training includes courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, phlebotomy, and other medical procedures. Administrative training covers courses in medical office procedures, medical billing and coding, and electronic health records.
Medical Assistant Certification
While certification is not required to become a medical assistant in Iowa, it’s highly recommended. Certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your job duties effectively. Two organizations offer medical assistant certification: the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To be eligible for certification, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited medical assistant training program and pass an exam. The AAMA certification exam covers both administrative and clinical knowledge, including patient care, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and medical office management. The NHA certification exam covers similar topics and includes 150 multiple-choice questions. Both exams require a passing score of 70% or higher.
Career Outlook for Medical Assistants in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services. In Iowa, medical assistants earn an average salary of $34,440 per year, slightly lower than the national average.
Medical assistants in Iowa can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may also specialize in certain areas, such as ophthalmology or pediatrics.
Conclusion
Becoming a medical assistant in Iowa can be a fulfilling career path for those interested in working in the healthcare industry. Completion of a medical assistant training program and certification can enhance job prospects and increase earning potential. With the healthcare industry expanding and the demand for medical assistants on the rise, now is a great time to pursue a career in this field.