Medical assisting is one of the most rewarding and prestigious careers in healthcare. As a medical assistant, you will work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide support and assistance in clinical settings. Nursing assistants, on the other hand, are responsible for providing care and assistance to patients in nursing facilities and hospitals. Here are some of the key differences between a medical assistant and a nursing assistant and how to become a medical assistant in NY.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who provides support and assistance to doctors and other healthcare professionals in clinical settings. As a medical assistant, you will work with patients and their families to help them receive the care they need.

What is a nursing assistant?

A nursing assistant is a healthcare professional who provides care and assistance to patients in nursing facilities and hospitals. As a nursing assistant, you will work with patients and their families to help them receive the care they need. Nursing assistants also work with patients in the medical setting to provide basic care and assistance.

Medical Assistant and Nursing Assistant Careers

Medical assistants have a variety of career options, including working in hospitals and nursing homes, providing care in doctor’s offices, and working as personal support assistants. Nursing assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health care.

The outlooks for both careers are highly positive thanks to several factors in the healthcare field. There is an increasing demand for medical assistants due to the growing number of people with health concerns. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it easier for people to receive healthcare services, leading to an overall increase in the number of medical assistant jobs.

Finally, as the population ages, there is an increasing need for nursing assistants to provide care for those who are elderly or have disabilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the nursing assistant field will grow 17% through 2024, and 23% growth for medical assistants through the next decade.

How to Decide Which Medical Support Career is Right for Me

There are so many factors when deciding on a career. Both medical assistants and nursing assistants have different job outlooks and responsibilities. Here are some of the questions to ask yourself when deciding which medical support career is right for you.

Do you want to be involved in the administrative part of healthcare?

Medical assistants often play a role in the administrative part of healthcare. This includes keeping records, preparing reports, and handling paperwork.

Do you have a background in health care?

If you have an existing background in healthcare, it will be easier for you to become a medical assistant. You will also be able to provide better care to patients.

Do you have some experience working with patients?

If you have experience working with patients, you will be well-equipped to become a medical assistant. You will also be able to provide care and assistance to patients in a clinical setting.

Do you have the desire to work in a challenging environment?

Medical assistants often work in challenging environments. This includes working with patients who are angry or agitated but require the highest quality of care at all times.

The outlooks for both medical assistant and nursing assistant careers are highly positive. With the increasing demand for medical assistants, there is a great opportunity for those who are interested in this career, but a career as a medical assistant opens more opportunities across the industry and there are more opportunities to move up the career ladder.

The Process to Become a Medical Assistant

Joining the medical assisting profession is a life-changing journey. You will have to work hard to gain the necessary skills and experience to become a successful medical assistant. Here are some of the steps you will need to take to become a medical assistant in NY.

Step 1: Gain experience in a medical setting

The best way to gain experience as a medical assistant is to work in a medical setting. This includes working as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office, a hospital, or a nursing home. During your time as a medical assistant, you will gain experience working with patients and handling various medical and administrative tasks.

Step 2: Get certified

Once you have experience as a medical assistant, you can get nationally certified. You should take an accredited medical assistant certification course at a school for medical assistants that prepares you to take the medical assistant certification exams. Although not mandatory for employment as a medical assistant in New York state, becoming certified will make you a stronger candidate to potential employers.

Step 3: Obtain practical experience

If you want to become a medical assistant in NY, you will need to gain practical experience. This includes studying health sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. You will also need to study medical terminology and clinical skills. Be sure to enroll in a course that provides you with practical experience in these areas within a real work environment, such as an externship.

Step 4: Consider taking the medical assistant licensure exam

To become a medical assistant in NY, you do not need to pass the medical assistant licensing exam. However, obtaining this credential will make you a more competitive candidate for employment or advancement.

Learn How to Become a Medical Assistant in NY with the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants

If you are ready to pursue a career as a medical assistant in NY, then you should consider enrolling in a medical assistant certification course at the Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistants. We offer accredited medical assistant certification courses that will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful medical assistant.

Our medical assistant certification courses are designed for students who want to pursue a career in the medical field. Our courses are affordable and will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful medical assistant.

Contact us today and enroll to begin the journey toward your new career as a medical assistant!