Being a medical assistant requires similar work no matter where you end up. However, there are some differences depending on the setting you are working in. A large hospital has a very different dynamic from a clinic, and the work is often more hands-on. In a hospital, medical assistants typically work in departments such as the emergency room, surgery, or pediatric unit. A clinic, on the other hand, is more like a doctor’s office. Medical assistants in clinics typically work with one or two patients at a time. Here are the important differences between medical assisting in a hospital vs a clinic.

Workplace Size

The sheer size difference between the two workplaces means there is a different relationship between the workplace and the medical assistant. For people who like to know all of their coworkers personally, a clinic might be best. For those who don’t mind a busier, more chaotic workplace with more coworkers, a hospital is a great option.

Clinics Have More Focus

A clinic might specialize more in one area of medicine, such as pediatrics or family medicine. This means that the responsibilities of a medical assistant will be different in a clinic than in a hospital. In a hospital, the medical assistant may be responsible for a wide range of duties, from taking care of patients in the waiting room to helping with surgery.

More Diversity of Job Duties in a Hospital

A medical assistant in a hospital is likely to be responsible for a variety of duties, from taking medical records to dealing with insurance companies. This variety of work gives medical assistants the opportunity to learn more about the medical field and to develop their skills in a variety of areas.

Different Hours and Work-Life Balance

Clinics usually have shorter hours than hospitals that run 24 hours a day. In addition, many clinics offer flexible work hours and may provide medical assistants the option to work from home one or two days a week. This can be a great option for people who want to spend more time with their families but still have a job.

Start Medical Assisting and Get Your Medical Assistant Certification from the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants

No matter where you work, a career in medical assisting is a great way to help people. The work is varied and challenging, and there are opportunities to learn more about the medical field. With the right credentials, a medical assistant can start working in a hospital or clinic and develop the skills necessary to become a great doctor’s assistant.

Contact us today and enroll now to start your new career.