The healthcare industry, as a whole, is rapidly growing across a broad range of occupations, making now a great time to prepare for careers in this exciting field. Medical assisting – which includes administrative and medical clinical assisting – is a quick way into the industry, and can be a great stepping stone if you want to further your education or move into other healthcare roles. Whether you love helping others or want to get hands-on experience, this is a great way to get started.
Let’s take a closer look at a few reasons why medical clinical assisting is becoming such a popular choice.
The Demand for Medical Assistants is Increasing Nationwide
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of medical assisting is projected to see rapid national growth between 2023 and 2033. If this projection holds, about 119,800 will be available nationwide each year. With Texas having the second highest employment rate in the U.S. as of May 2023, now is a great time to start training for medical assisting careers.
Medical Clinical Assistant Programs Are Relatively Short
Medical Assistant programs, including Administrative Medical Assistant and Medical Clinical Assistant programs, can be completed in two years or less. Two-year programs generally award an associate’s degree, but you don’t have to earn an associate’s degree to begin your career as a medical assistant of any kind.
In fact, the typical education of an entry-level medical assistant is a postsecondary nondegree award. At South Texas Vocational Technical Institute® (STVT®), you can complete our Medical Clinical Assistant program and gain hands-on experience in as little as 13 months. And since the STVT program includes an externship component, students can work with the Career Services team to vet potential opportunities and start making industry connections before graduation, which can help streamline their transition into the workforce after graduation.
Students Can Gain Clinical Experience Before Graduation
Medical Clinical Assistant programs at vocational schools usually work hands-on classes into the curricula to help students practice phlebotomy, taking vital signs, urinalysis testing, allergy testing, and more. As they gain hands-on experience, they also learn to safely handle biospecimens to mitigate the risks of cross-contamination and infection to themselves and others. Hands-on labs offer a low-stakes environment for students to practice new skills, refine their technique, and build confidence performing common clinical medical assisting duties.
At STVT, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is covered extensively throughout the hands-on portions of our Medical Clinical Assistant program to teach students how to protect and secure sensitive health information of patients. This gives students a better understanding of what is expected of them in the workplace, and allows them to hit the ground running during their externship and even after graduation.
Clinical Medical Assisting Can Be a Great Entry Point Into Healthcare
Becoming a medical clinical assistant is often seen as a stepping stone into the healthcare industry. It allows individuals to get experience in a clinical setting while also gaining valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to other healthcare careers. Medical clinical assistants do a wide range of tasks like assisting during procedures, drawing blood, educating patients, and more.
Working alongside doctors and nurses gives medical clinical assistants valuable experience and an opportunity to get input from working professionals on their career goals. Observing and interacting with licensed healthcare professionals gives medical clinical assistants insight into different healthcare roles, and can better clarify which healthcare roles they want to pursue.
Whether it’s seeing a dedicated surgeon or working with compassionate nurses, the guidance and mentorship from doctors and nurses can inspire medical clinical assistants to pursue specific areas of interest and shape their career path accordingly. During this time, a medical clinical assistant may find their niche or find out they want to advance their skills.
Medical Clinical Assistants Help Patient Outcomes
Medical clinical assistants help healthcare providers deliver direct patient care like taking vital signs, collecting patient medical history, and assisting with medical procedures. Their involvement in patient care helps with timely and accurate healthcare services.
Medical clinical assistants can educate patients from start to finish of their appointment. They often let patients know what to expect during the appointment, explain procedures, address concerns, and explain physician instructions. This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Through their direct involvement in patient care, education, and support, medical clinical assistants can make a big impact on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and overall healthcare experience.
Medical Clinical Assisting Can Be a Rewarding Career Path
Medical clinical assistants get a lot of respect and trust in the healthcare environment. Since they work directly with patients they can provide reassurance and emotional support to patients during a vulnerable time, which can give them a sense of fulfillment and pride in this career. Seeing the direct impact of their work on patient outcomes can also be very satisfying.
Medical clinical assisting also offers many opportunities for advancement. With more education and experience, medical assistants can pursue careers as nurses, healthcare administrators, lab technicians, and more.
Is Medical Clinical Assisting Right for You?
If you’re looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare, a medical clinical assistant path may be for you. With the opportunity to impact patient’s lives and be a trusted source of support, this career path can be very satisfying and fulfilling. The hands-on experience, exposure to different healthcare roles, and opportunities for advancement can make it a great entry point into the healthcare industry.
As the demand for medical assistants increases, becoming a medical clinical assistant is a great opportunity for those who want to gain clinical experience in this field. With the right education and training, you can start your journey to a successful medical assistant career.
Take Your Next Steps with STVT
At STVT, we are committed to providing our students with the education and hands-on experience to begin their career.
Contact us today at 866-480-9766 or submit this form for more to learn how we can help you prepare for careers in healthcare.
Disclaimer: Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. STVT does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at STVT. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at STVT.
