Medical assistant programs are available through trade schools and junior colleges throughout the country. These programs are designed to teach students the ins and outs of working as an assistant in the medical field. The misconception about medical assistant programs relates to what you can do with the certification or degree you receive. Here are some of the ways this career choice and training program can become a more versatile career option than you may realize.
Emergency Room Medical Assistant
You already know a career as a medical assistant allows you to work in a traditional medical office. What you may not know is that emergency rooms at hospitals around the country are also looking for qualified medical assistants. You can work in a variety of areas and positions in the emergency room. There are medical assistants that handle admissions paperwork, insurance paperwork, or checking in on patients and keeping them comfortable. If your medical assistant training also covered injections, some states may allow you to do those as well.
Medical Biller and Coder
Medical billing and coding are a part of many medical assistant programs. The training gives you an introduction to both processes. In some longer associate's degree courses, you may be taught how to file medical billing paperwork and how to code for various specializations in the medical field. The key to using your medical assistant training for medical billing and coding is that this position can be done in office or from home. If you need a job in the medical field that is flexible, this may be the ideal focus for your medical assistant program training.
Medical Claims Representative
Medical claims are a vital part of the medical administrative process. When a medical claim is made, it can affect the billing for the office as well as for the patient. When the billing claim is handled improperly, it can cause someone to face large fees or to even have issues with further medical treatments. Medical assistant programs will train you to handle medical claims properly and quickly. This will help not only the office you work for but the patients as well. You can also do medical claims work from home if you need that flexibility.
There are many medical assistant programs available. Many of these programs, even those offered by trade schools, are becoming available online. When you are ready to enroll in a program of your choice, contact the trade school admissions department. They will walk you through the process and discuss tuition as well as any questions you have. For more information on medical assistant programs, contact a professional near you.
