– Updated May 30, 2023 –

Medical Assistants Choose from a Variety of Fields

Some of the most vital roles on any healthcare team are Medical Assistants. Because they are so highly valued, those who pursue such careers have the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings. Medical assisting duties vary from job to job, but ultimately each one works alongside physicians to help provide the best healthcare possible for their patients.

So where can a Medical Assistant work? While there is a long list of industries to consider, here are eight popular areas where Medical Assistants can find successful careers!

8 Fields Where Medical Assistants Can Work

1. Obstetrics & Gynecology

This specialization involves helping a physician with women’s health procedures, such as Pap smear testing, breast exams, and pregnancy care.

2. Ophthalmology

These medical assistants perform duties in caring for the eyes. They assist physicians with eye medication administration, diagnostic testing, and other eye treatments and emergencies.

3. Family Medicine

In a family medicine practice, medical assistant duties can vary widely. Those who work in this field handle blood pressure and weight checks, strep tests, and urinalysis. They also follow up directly with patients on lab results and review medications.

4. Pediatrics

At the most basic level, a passion for working with kids is required to succeed within this specialty. Since pediatric care is needed in numerous medical fields, the role of medical assistants can vary widely from field to field.

5. Geriatrics

Opportunities in this area involve working in places like retirement homes and physician offices that provide care for geriatric patients. Tasks include giving injections, scheduling appointments, assisting with examinations, and helping residents with daily medical needs.

6. Psychiatry

Medical assistants in psychiatric facilities help provide services to patients needing treatment for behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders and substance abuse. Empathy and sensitivity are vital skills an individual needs in this field. They might be tasked with preparing patients for examinations, managing medication refill requests, and being a point of contact for patient questions and concerns.

 7. Administration

Those who want to step back from assisting in patient treatment can find more administrative jobs. These medical assistants are responsible for maintaining patient records, handling billing, purchasing office equipment, and other organizational tasks.

8. Military

Medical assistants can use their skills to serve in the U.S. Military. Beyond the traditional qualifications of becoming a medical assistant, individuals interested in this path must complete basic training and other specialized training that their military branch requires. 

How to Choose the Right Field

Whether in a hospital setting, small practice, or another medical facility, medical assistants are always in demand, giving them lots of opportunities to find a field they are passionate about.

Beyond this list of 8 popular fields where medical assistants can work, there are several other specialties to explore, such as oncology, cardiology, podiatry, orthopedics, chiropractic, and clinical labs. To determine the best fit for you, start by assessing your interests and figure out what you are most drawn to. From there, you’ll need formal medical assistant training.

Through Milwaukee Career College’s Medical Assistant training program, you can finish your education and begin working in less than one year! Our comprehensive program combines classroom learning and hands-on training to help you gain the skills and experience healthcare employees seek most.

Contact us today to learn more about how MCC can help you launch your new career!