Overview of Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Allied health and medical assisting services involve support for medical professionals, including nurses, doctors, medical technicians, and others. This includes administering tests, collecting specimens, keeping records updated, sterilizing medical instruments, administering vaccinations, helping with physical therapy, and other healthcare related duties. Professionals who provide medical assisting services must possess a solid understanding of medical terms and procedures as well as be able to work under pressure in fast-paced medical settings.

Career Opportunities Associated with Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Careers in the field of allied health and medical assisting services are varied and plentiful. Individuals with the right education and experience may become medical clerks, billing and coding specialists, medical office assistants, nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, or medical transcriptionists. Additionally, individuals may also pursue specialized medical assisting services such as radiology technologists, phlebotomists, dialysis technicians, and many more.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Many programs in allied health and medical assisting services offer internship and co-op opportunities. These programs are designed to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings while building their professional network and skill set. Internship or co-op opportunities typically involve supervised work placements in hospitals, medical offices, medical research centers, or pharmacies.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Individuals who are interested in specializing in allied health and medical assisting services may choose to pursue one of several advanced concentrations. These include specialized programs in advanced medical assisting, medical billing and coding, medical office management, and health information technology. Other specialized tracks may include pediatric assistance, geriatric assistance, or medical equipment maintenance.

How Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Students who complete an allied health and medical assisting services program are well-positioned to pursue further education. This type of program provides a comprehensive understanding of the medical field and gives students fundamental knowledge and skills associated with working in the healthcare industry. Many students go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field, such as nursing, healthcare management, or physical therapy.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of allied health and medical assisting services is becoming increasingly prevalent. AI-enabled medical assistants can assist with tasks such as scheduling appointments, processing medical records, and handling billing information quickly and accurately. This technology can reduce the amount of time spent on tedious tasks and free up more time for direct patient care. Additionally, it can provide greater accuracy with diagnostic information and reduce the cost of medical care.

The Career Outlook for Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

The career outlook for allied health and medical assisting services is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of positions in this field will increase by 18% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. This career field also offers a great deal of flexibility and advancement opportunities, making it a desirable choice for many students.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services:

Wayne State University, Salary: $78,723

Widener University, Salary: $64,740

Pima Medical Institute-Tucson, Salary: $56,165

Albany State University, Salary: $50,576

St Petersburg College, Salary: $40,374

Michigan State University, Salary: $36,550

Mount Ida College, Salary: $36,208

Texas A & M University-Kingsville, Salary: $34,248

Purdue University-Main Campus, Salary: $34,109

North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Salary: $34,085

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.