Medical Assistant Positions

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What Is A  Medical Assistant

A Medical Assistant is a healthcare professional who performs both administrative and clinical tasks to support doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. The scope of a Medical Assistant's responsibilities can vary depending on the employer, but typically includes tasks such as taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, administering medications, performing basic laboratory tests, scheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records. Medical Assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, physician's offices, and long-term care facilities. 

Perks of Being a Medical Assistant

Becoming a Medical Assistant offers several advantages, such as a quick training process. As mentioned earlier, you can complete the certification program within a year. Furthermore, since the title of Medical Assistant is not regulated in Canada, your certificate will be valid across the country, and you won't need to get recertified if you move to a different province [2]. This widens your job prospects, as Medical Assistants are not limited to working only in hospitals but can also find employment in doctor's offices, nursing homes, or even as at-home aids. Additionally, the Canadian Job Bank predicts that the demand for Medical Assistants will increase by approximately 25% over the next decade, indicating a stable and promising career path. 

How You Can Become A Medical Assistant In Canada 

Becoming a Medical Assistant doesn't follow a regulated certification process, as it is not a certified position. However, there are several paths you can pursue to prepare for a successful career as a Medical Assistant. 

To work as a Medical Assistant, post-secondary education certificates are not always required, as on-the-job training is a common way to learn the necessary skills. Typically, physicians or experienced Medical Assistants teach new assistants medical terminology, instrument names, daily tasks, patient interaction, coding of paper and electronic health records (EHRs), and patient information recording. The length of the training period can vary depending on the workplace, but it can take several months to complete.

The salary of a Medical Assistant varies depending on experience and location. Due to the differing medical systems in each province, the pay rates also differ. The Canadian Job Bank reports that the average salary for a Medical Assistant ranges from $22 to $44 per hour. If you're seeking the highest salary, comparing provinces can help you determine the best expectation.