The health industry has developed remarkably over the last few years. With scientific and technological development, this sector has undergone a complete makeover. Apart from providing advanced treatment and faster recovery for the patients, it has also created huge scope for employment in different departments in order to meet the growing demand of the people. It is expected that employment for
medical jobs in UK related to medical assistance is growing to increase by 35% in between 2006 to 2016.
Duty of Medical Assistants
It is the task of the medical assistants to maintain smooth functioning of any form of health care facility. Generally medical assistants work for podiatrists, chiropractor and other physicians. Duties of medical assistants vary from office to office mainly depending on the size and location of the clinic. If they are working in a small firm, they usually have to manage both clinical and administrative work and report directly to the office manager, a health practitioner or a physician. On the other hand, those working in larger units should specialise in particular area and work under the supervision of the department administrators.
Medical assistants who take care of the administrative tasks have to perform several duties at the same time. They keep track of the individual patients medical record, make arrangements for their hospital admission, fill out their insurance form and take care of laboratory services. Along with that, they need to take care of customer care services such as scheduling appointment, handling correspondence, taking care of billing and bookkeeping, answering the phone calls from patients and even greeting them as they come for check up.
Common task of clinical medical assistants include taking care of medical histories of the patients as well as recording vital signs, making the patient understand the treatment procedure, make them ready for medical examinations and help the physicians as they examine the patient. At times, they have to collect and prepare laboratory specimens, carry out laboratory test, dispose unhygienic supplies and sterilise medical instruments after use.
Medical Assistants also guides the patients about medication procedures, diets and other important issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the position of medical assistants generally require a high school diploma or degree or need to complete a formal program in medical assistance. Experience in relevant healthcare field will be an added advantage. Those taking care of X-rays should have a formal training. It is better to have practical exposure in the field to understand the basics of the job.
Opportunity
Along with the growing number of
doctor jobs in UK , the jobs of medical assistants are also increasing. Around 63% of medical assistants work under a physician and approximately 12% serve in hospitals. There is lot of opportunity in this field. With the growing demand of specialised health care service, it has now become important to undergo formal training to perform additional duties. For example, if you are working under a podiatric medical assistant, it is better to have knowledge about casting of feet, how to expose and develop X rays and eventually assist in foot surgery.
Expected Salary
The salary of the medical assistant depends on the place of work, their responsibility, experience and specialisation. The salary amount increases with experience. Relevant experience will also entitle the medical assistant to enjoy certain privileges such as sick leave, insurance, pension and even a paid vacation.
Jobs of medical professionals is quite secure than any other profession. With growing demand, it has become one of the most popular sectors for a bright future.
