The healthcare landscape is constantly changing in response to new technologies and techniques. Amidst this landscape, medical assistants play a pivotal role in maintaining the efficiency and efficacy of the care provided. This role often reflects the evolutions seen throughout the industry.

Pennco Tech offers a Medical Assistant program at campuses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, we discuss how medical assistant programs keep up with developments to prepare students for success.

Developing Technologies

The medical field is heavily affected by technology. As new treatments, techniques, and software are developed, the industry transforms around them. Electronic health records (EHRs), for example, are now a cornerstone of the industry. Patients can schedule remote appointments with telemedicine options. They can coordinate insurance and pay bills with convenient mobile apps.

Medical assistants must be proficient with these technologies. They may be managing digital billing, facilitating electronic appointments, or transferring medical records between healthcare centers. Skill with technology is essential to maintaining the security and integrity of a facility’s online systems.

Modern medical assistant programs now provide hands-on training with the latest technologies used in the workplace. For instance, assistants will be trained in both paper and electronic billing to adequately prepare for either kind of system. Programs must constantly evolve to keep up with the newest innovations and ensure graduates remain competitive.

Patient-Centered Care

Another new emphasis in medicine is on patient-centered care. The contemporary healthcare philosophy is focused on treating the patient, not just their condition. Patient satisfaction is prioritized, as it is associated with higher adherence to suggested lifestyle changes and other instructions. This often leads to better treatment outcomes. This means medical assistants must have more than just technical ability. They must also demonstrate “soft skills” such as:

• Empathy
• Open and effective communication
• Willingness to educate patients on treatment protocols
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with patients

In response, patient-centered care is being incorporated into the top medical assistant programs. These programs train students not only in basic administrative skills but also in maintaining positive interactions between patients and providers.

Increased Demand for Medical Assistants

The demand for medical assistants is growing rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 14% employment growth through 2032. This is much higher than the average for all industries, and it reflects the essential role medical assistants play in keeping healthcare facilities running efficiently. As the healthcare industry grows, it relies on the support of its assistants.

In addition, medical assistants are taking on an ever-growing range of responsibilities. With the demand so high, individual medical assistants may be expected to perform extra duties. This includes an increasing amount of integration into clinical practice. Medical assistants may perform a range of basic clinical tasks such as:

• Recording and accessing medical histories
• Measuring patient vital signs
• Assisting with physical examinations
• Administering injections and medications
• Collecting and preparing blood samples for testing
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Preparing and sterilizing medical equipment
• Maintaining inventories of supplies

To prepare students for this growing list of duties, medical assistant programs are putting more emphasis on teaching clinical skills alongside administrative abilities. Training is increasingly hands-on to provide the practical experience students will need.

Emphasis on Certifications

As medical assistants take on more specialized tasks, employers need to know that their staff is sufficiently trained. This places a greater emphasis on certifications for new hires. Many employers now only employ medical assistants who have earned their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credentials to prove their competence. Employers that do not require certification may heavily encourage it.

Training programs reflect this trend. Increasingly, medical assistant schools are focused on preparing students for their CCMA exams. The goal is not only to teach the skills necessary for success in the workplace but also to help students pass the exam and earn their certification, qualifying them for more opportunities.

Enroll in Our Medical Assistant Program in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Pennco Tech is a vocational school with campuses in Bristol, PA, and Blackwood, NJ. Our Medical Assistant program is constantly updated to keep up with industry-defining trends to ensure students receive the proper education for their future careers. Our experienced educators provide comprehensive training to help students succeed on certification exams and beyond. We also offer lifetime career services, supporting our graduates as they seek job placement after graduation.

If you believe a medical assistant career is right for you, apply at Pennco Tech today. Our enrollment is open year-round, and students can begin classes at the start of the next term. We also offer evening classes to help you fit an education into your busy schedule. Financial aid opportunities are available for students who qualify. Contact us today to learn more.