The need for medical assistants is growing rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the field will grow by 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is higher than the average for roles that provide support to healthcare professionals. Each year, an estimated 119,800 medical assistant jobs will open up across the country, including in Connecticut. Understanding medical assistant positions will help you take advantage of this career opportunity.
What Medical Assistants Do
Medical assistants play a crucial role in healthcare by supporting physicians and other providers. They handle a variety of clinical and administrative tasks to ensure the medical practice runs smoothly.
Clinical Tasks
The clinical tasks that medical assistants are allowed to do vary by state. For medical assistant positions in CT, typical tasks may include:
- Interviewing patients about their symptoms and main complaints.
- Checking patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature.
- Measuring patients’ height and weight.
- Collecting blood or other specimens for laboratory testing.
- Assisting with procedures, under the direction of a physician.
Administrative Tasks
Medical assistants in Connecticut perform clerical tasks to support the doctors, nurses, and other providers in their workplace. Typical tasks may include:
- Recording information in patients’ medical records.
- Providing prescription information to pharmacies.
- Scheduling patients’ tests and procedures.
- Ordering and restocking supplies in exam rooms.
- Filling out forms for patients, such as FMLA forms.
Where Medical Assistants Work
Medical assistants primarily work in doctor’s offices and clinics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 56% of medical assistants are employed in the offices of physicians. They may support primary care physicians, specialist physicians, or multi-specialty groups.
While many medical assistant positions in CT are in doctor’s offices, jobs also are available in other settings. Some medical assistants work in the offices of other health practitioners, outpatient care centers, or hospitals.
Types of Medical Assistant Positions in CT
There are a few different types of medical assistant positions. In Connecticut, you could work as a:
- Clinical medical assistant: Clinical medical assistants focus on direct patient care activities, including interviewing patients and helping physicians with procedures.
- Administrative medical assistant: Administrative medical assistants focus on clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments or completing forms.
- Specialized medical assistant: Specialized medical assistants focus on supporting providers in a specific branch of medicine, such as dermatologyor gastroenterology.
- Float medical assistant: Float medical assistants rotate through different clinic locations and have the experience to support any and all providers.
Typical Medical Assistant Hours and Work Schedule
Most medical assistant positions in CT are full time and require schedules of around 40 hours a week. However, there are also part-time positions available.
Typical work schedules for medical assistants will vary depending on the employer and type of healthcare facility. Medical assistants who work in physician’s offices can expect to work Monday through Friday during daytime hours. Those who work in hospitals or other settings that are open around the clock may work night or evening shifts.
How to Become a Medical Assistant
To become a medical assistant in Connecticut, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited medical assistant program. Employers may prefer or require certain certifications.
Education and Training
A career in medical assisting begins with enrolling in a medical assistant training program. Many community colleges and career colleges in Connecticut offer medical assistant training.
Medical assistant programs teach students the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Course content varies, but typically includes topics such as medical terminology, clinical procedures, and medical office administration.
Certification
Connecticut law does not require medical assistants to be certified. However, a search of job listings for medical assistant positions in CT shows that many employers prefer — or even or require — certification. There are three nationally recognized certifications that can be an asset when applying for medical assistant jobs:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): This credential is offered through the American Association of Medical Assistants.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): RMA certification is provided by American Medical Technologists.
Employers often require medical assistants to be Basic Life Support (BLS) certified through the American Heart Association. This certification shows you know how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator.
Join Our Team at PACT
Physicians Alliance of Connecticut (PACT) is a multi-specialty physician group with locations across the New Haven area of Connecticut. We’re always looking for talented and hardworking people to join our team. If you’re interested in a fulfilling career as a medical assistant at PACT, check out our current opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant in CT?
The length of medical assisting programs varies from school to school. At community colleges and career colleges in Connecticut, students can expect to spend between six months and one year to earn a certificate or diploma in medical assisting.
Is Being a Medical Assistant a Good Career?
Yes! Being a medical assistant is an in-demand and fulfilling role that gives you the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. It offers a relatively short training process, compared to other healthcare jobs, making it an appealing option for people who want to jump-start a career in healthcare.
Being a medical assistant can also be a stepping stone to other careers in healthcare. Some medical assistants may take on more responsibility, then move into a role as a medical office manager. Others may use their medical assistant role to gain hands-on healthcare experience before applying for a registered nurse or physician assistant program.
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, medical assistant salaries vary depending on many factors, including their experience level, work setting, and location. Statewide, entry level medical assistants earn an average of $19.25 per hour, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor. Medical assistants with more experience may earn anywhere between $20.07 and $24.14 per hour.
