Medical assistant jobs can be found throughout the healthcare continuum, and are not limited to specific practices, organizations, or specializations. Their versatile knowledge in both fundamental clinical and administrative duties makes them valuable assets wherever they seek employment.
Graduates of a Medical Assistant Certificate program such as the one offered by the University of Providence, or those who have earned their NHA-CCMA, NCCT-NCMA, or AMCA-CCMA certifications have many options to choose from when seeking employment. Continue reading to learn more about the most common place for medical assistants to work and some alternative and non-conventional locations for those seeking a unique medical assistant experience.
The Most Common Job Location
Based on their skillset and education in the fundamentals of clinical and administrative healthcare practice, medical assistants are best suited for positions that utilize their combined skillset. In an occupation report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which aggregates data about various occupations, the most common place for medical assistants is in physician offices – with medical assistant jobs in these locations accounting for 56% of all medical assistant roles.
Physician Office
Medical assistants who work in physician offices may work alone or alongside a group of other medical assistants to complete office tasks that support patients, physicians, and nurses. In some cases, medical assistants who work in physician offices may solely focus on administrative or clinical tasks, while some may focus on both.
While medical assistant jobs inside a physician’s office may not be as fast-paced as other positions, a physician’s office is a great way for medical assistants to connect with patients and explore which aspects of the role they enjoy most.
Alternative Medical Assistant Job Locations
While physician offices are the most common medical assistant job location, it is not the only one. Medical assistants can find jobs in other sectors and locations throughout healthcare.
Some of these job locations include:
Hospitals
Medical assistant jobs can be found in local, state, and private hospitals – with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that 15% of currently employed medical assistants work in one. Within hospitals, medical assistants perform the same tasks but in a much larger setting.
Medical assistant jobs inside a hospital may include working within a specific department, specialty, or group of physicians to deliver care. Those who work in hospitals can be exposed to many unique medical situations and gain valuable experience.
Clinics
Medical assistant jobs can be found in urban and rural clinics, including mobile and brick-and-mortar locations. Clinics provide healthcare services to those who are not established with a physician, or who require care services but are without access to established services. Medical assistant jobs inside clinics look very similar to a physician’s office, with the primary role being to assist physicians, patients, and nurses with care. Working in a clinic is a great way to provide services to the community in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Research/Specialty Care Settings
Not all medical assistant jobs are on the front lines of treating the sick and wounded. The medical assistant skillset can also be applied in specialty care settings such as oncology, plastic surgery, or OB-GYN offices. Medical assistants can also work in medical research facilities, aiding researchers and physicians in public and private capacities conducting clinical trials on drugs, vaccines, and other forms of treatment.
Medical assistants who work in these capacities have a unique opportunity to explore different specialties and careers in healthcare outside the traditional path.
Outpatient Care Facilities
Medical assistant jobs in an outpatient care facility can offer a more personalized position than the hustle and bustle of the hospital. Accounting for 9% of all medical assistant roles, medical assistant jobs can be found in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, addiction recovery, surgical recovery, physical therapy centers, and more. Medical assistants who work in these advanced care centers help provide basic care and administrative support to recovering patients and the specialists assisting them.
How To Become a Medical Assistant?
Becoming a medical assistant offers a rewarding career with excellent growth potential. The pathway to securing a medical assistant job includes a post-secondary education in the form of a certificate or degree and nationally recognized certification through a certifying board.
With a Medical Assistant Certificate through the University of Providence, students not only graduate with the skills to pass certification, but to successfully translate didactic coursework, skill labs, and practicum experience into real word care for patients across the healthcare continuum. Learn more about what sets UP’s Medical Assistant Certificate program apart and how a Medical Assistant Certificate from the University of Providence can help launch a rewarding and fruitful career.
