What jobs would I qualify for as a medical assistant?
Asked by PeguinBackPacker
What jobs would I qualify for if I get certified as a medical assistant besides medical assistant? My brother's professor says I could qualify for nurse's aid also along with medical assistant. What else? What is the job demand for medical assistant? What does the class require? Does this skill transfer easily country to country (say I qualify in the US, will such qualifications be accepted in Europe?) or just within the US? Answer what questions you can best to your knowledge. I know these question are broad, but that is because I know little. The more information I know, the more defined and detailed further questions will be. I thank you for your assistance ahead of time. Thank you and have a nice day.

Best Answer:
I've heard that there are not too many jobs for the MA (including medical biller and coder). If you would still like to enter a training program, please do so at a lesser expensive school such as the local community college (perhaps non-credit course) or county vo-tech school as opposed to private schools. And please stay away from online schools such as penn foster and stratford career as most employers don't find them to be reputable. Others have recommended on YA that the person skip the MA training and instead apply for admission to an LPN (licensed practical nurse) program albeit it is supposed to be quite rigorous in the coursework as well as clinicals. It is said thought that there are supposed to be a lot more job opportunities for the lpn (however, not nearly as much as the RN/registered nurse).
For general career info: US occupational outlook handbook www.bls.gov/oco and type into search 'medical assistant' or 'licensed practical nurse' or such.
Answered by jannsody

Not much, actually. MAs can work in a variety of medical settings, but are usually found in clinics and private practices. The most marketable skills they have are doing vital signs ... and that can't take you very far. Nurse's aides, if they are certified, can do a bit more, but the area of highest demand is in nursing homes. Either way, career growth is fairly limited. For one more year of training, a bit more in the way of advancement and options can be had -- radiation technology, for one, a definitely growing field.
Answered by Lee S

Course requirements vary from state to state. Some give you a certification, some a license,etc. You will likely have to pass an exam, like a nurse would, if you go out of the country or transfer between states.
Answered by AM