The medical aide career can lead to exciting and rewarding job positions, such as team leader, assistant manager, and operations manager in the healthcare industry.
This post provides detailed information on the medical aide career, including how to become one, the various opportunities available, and the benefits of being a medical aide.
How to become a Medical Aide
Here are steps you can take to become a medical aide:
Get your High School Diploma
Graduating from high school is the first step in becoming a medical aide. If you were not or are unable to graduate from high school, you must earn an equivalent diploma.
This is the least qualification for becoming a medical aide. It is possible to enter the field without more education by adopting the more difficult way.
If you don’t want to continue your education, look for a doctor who will train you. On-the-job training will provide you with the necessary skills, and you will be paid to learn.
While it sounds like a terrific path, keep in mind that if you opt not to become certified through more education, it will be more difficult for you to obtain work.
And you will almost certainly be paid less than someone who is certified.
2. Program Comparison
There are numerous medical assistance programs available; you can find the best one for you by doing some research online.
Certification programs are available at a variety of educational institutions, including vocational schools, technical schools, and universities.
In your search, look for schools that are accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Check out your local community colleges for the most cost-effective option.
Professional training takes time and money, but it is well worth it in the long run.
Within a year or two of working, you’ll most likely have repaid your complete education costs.
More on How to become a Medical Aide
3. Sign Up for a Program
Once you’ve identified a program that suits your requirements and interests, enroll in it!
Maintain your dedication and try your hardest as you progress through your courses. When you start seeking for work, you want to put your best foot forward.
While the job market for medical aides is competitive, you should nonetheless demonstrate that you are a cut above the rest.
Your chosen program will most certainly last two years, which is rather short for schooling.
After you complete your training, it will be easier for you to get work and you will be eligible for greater pay.
4. Take the Certified Management Accountant Exam
Your education will help you prepare for the Certified Medical Assistant exam, which you will need to take to complete your qualifications.
Remember that you are not need to be certified, but it is greatly preferable if you are.
The test is expensive, typically costing between $100 and $150 depending on your testing location and participation in medical groups.
You might choose to attend a prep class as part of your study. Alternatively, you can take a practice exam at the AAMA website.
5. Application and Interview
It’s time to put yourself out there when you’ve completed your training and certification.
Begin by developing an outstanding résumé that displays your freshly gained professional talents.
Create a concise but detailed cover letter to go with your resume for each application.
Demonstrate your abilities. Demonstrate your desirability!
Many people will most certainly apply for the job, so demonstrate why you are the best fit.
Medical Aide Career Opportunities
Here are various career opportunities available to medical aides:
Some CNAs are capable of performing some tasks that other healthcare professionals may perform, such as assisting in dressing or bathing patients.
Certified nursing assistants must be supervised by a registered nurse to ensure patient safety and the proper handling of medication.
2. Team Leader
A team leader handles several CNA’s under his supervision and manages their activities, skills, hours of service, training and experience.
They also take care of disciplinary actions for the CNAs under his/her supervision.
3. Assistant Manager
An assistant manager supervises the activities of an entire healthcare facility; supervising CNA’s and other patient care staff and staff who receive payment for their services, such as billers, receptionists, LPN’s, etc.
They may be responsible for preparing employee schedules and payroll.
An assistant manager must ensure that every patient is treated for his/her safety in a timely manner, following all rules and regulations of the healthcare facility.
4. Operations Manager
An operations manager oversees a small staff that is responsible for the everyday operations of a healthcare facility, such as management and billing staff, receptionists, medication aides, etc.
They also supervise nursing staff and CNA’s in the care of patients.
Operations manager are responsible for ensuring that all patient records are accurate and maintained.
They report directly to the facility’s owner or registered nurse manager.
5. Account Manager
An account manager is responsible for the financial affairs at a facility, such as supervising CNA’s and other healthcare staff who receive payment for their services, such as billers, receptionists, LPN’s, etc.
They also prepare employee schedules and payroll.
The account manager may be responsible for preparing financial reports and shareholder presentations.
More Medical Aide Career Opportunities
6. Store Manager
A store manager assists the operations manager in ensuring that all patient records are accurate and maintained.
The store manager also oversees the purchasing and inventory of all medical equipment, supplies and medications.
Store managers report directly to the facility’s owner or operations manager.
7. Service Manager
A service manager manages one or more healthcare facilities as a business; providing clinical direction to nursing managers on an ongoing basis, managing hiring and firing of staff,.
They monitor patient care standards, etc.
It is also their duty to prepare financial reports and shareholder presentations.
8. Licensed Practical Nurse
A licensed practical nurse is a healthcare professional that assists licensed registered nurses in the clinical setting.
Some LPNs are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the care of patients, while others may assist a registered nurse in performing duties such as giving medications, bathing or dressing patients.
LPNs must meet state requirements and pass a licensing exam to be licensed to practice as an LPN.
9. Registered Nurse
A registered nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who promotes, coordinates, and supervises medical services for individuals with various health problems.
They develop clinical policies, provide patient education, and assist in the delivery of preventive care.
RNs may specialize in different areas of nursing, such as critical care, pediatrics, gerontology, etc.
10. Registered Nurse Supervisor
A registered nurse supervisor supervises the activities of a registered nurse. They prepare patient charts and schedules, and coordinate treatments, etc.
The registered nurse supervisor ensures that work is performed within hospital policy and procedures, as well as all licensing and regulatory requirements.
Registered nurse supervisors report to the operations manager.
Challenges faced by Medical Aides on the Job
Some of the most common challenges faced by medical aides/include:
Multitasking
One of the challenges medical aide/assistants commonly face in their job is multitasking.
They are required to perform multiple tasks at the same time and can’t really focus on one job.
Medical aides may have to check multiple charts, count medication or do another task at the same time.
2. Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries (RSI), also called cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), occur in an individual who performs the same motion or series of motions over and over.
They are caused by the bending, stretching, or repetition of a particular body movement.
Medical aides are prone to developing RSI while doing their job, since they must complete many tasks that require repetitive movements throughout that day.
3. Exposure to Disease & Infection
A medical aide is at risk for exposure to diseases and infections from patients who have infectious diseases.
There are usually a variety of measures in place that are designed to protect the medical aide from exposure, but careful handling and cleaning work practices are necessary to keep them safe.
Major Benefits of a Medical Aide Career
Here are 5 benefits to becoming a medical aide, in addition to the basic pay and benefits:
Decent Pay
Medical aides make a decent living, though you can usually earn more as you become more experienced.
The pay varies depending on location and job title, but in the United States, medical aides make $38,537 (salary.com) or $45,771 (indeed.com)
2. Flexible Schedule
As a medical aide, your schedule is much more flexible than most other job out there. Depending on where you work, you may have a lot of free time or you may only have to work certain hours (i.e. in a doctor’s office).
3. Job Security
The job of a medical aide is very secure. They are needed for the foreseeable future as hospitals and clinics continue to expand and need their employees more than ever before.
As time goes on, there will also be a greater need for traveling and temporary medical assistants, which offer even more security.
4. Career Advancement
There are several paths that you can take as a medical aide. You can get a nursing degree from an accredited school, but you can also become certified by passing the CMA exam.
If you make it through the initial training and certification, there will be more opportunities for promotion as time goes on.
More Benefits of a Medical Aide Career
5. Employee Benefits
Most medical aide’s jobs offer some great benefits for their employees, including health insurance and paid time off.
In larger cities with more affluent hospital systems, there are also more opportunities for well-paid senior positions than in rural areas.
6. Impact Lives
You get to make a difference every day in people’s lives. When you help someone recover from an illness or injury, it can be incredibly rewarding.
7. Job Satisfaction
If you love working with people and providing them with service, then a career as a medical aide is the perfect job for you.
You will rarely have a dull moment and can feel a great sense of accomplishment if you do your job well.
Conclusion
If you are interested in the medical aide career, then the information shared above should help you achieve your goal.
There are many job opportunities in medical offices and hospitals for medical aides, which is great for those who have what it takes to fill them.
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