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If you would like to work in the field of medicine and would like to start that career in two years or less, consider training to become a medical assistant. Medical assistants work in doctor's offices performing either administrative or clinical tasks, although in smaller practices, medical assistants may help in both areas. Some medical assistants specialize in a particular area of health assisting, such as optometry or podiatry. If you're interested in medical assisting, you need good communication skills and the ability to work well with patients.

What to Know About a Medical Assisting Career

A medical assisting degree is not necessary to become a medical assistant, and many assistants receive on-the-job training. However, for increased job opportunities and higher wages, some choose to complete medical assisting programs. One-year programs typically lead to certification, while two-year programs often lead to an associate?s degree. Medical assisting classes cover topics such as insurance processing, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Certification in a medical assisting specialty demonstrates knowledge in that area and may lead to increased employment potential. Medical assistants who want to advance may go on to earn to a nursing degree or teach medical assisting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care assisting field is expected to grow much faster than average between 2008 and 2018, meaning that job prospects should be great for those who have the right training and experience. While medical assistants earn median annual salaries of $29,060, wages can vary greatly depending on experience and specialties.