Do you dream of working in the healthcare profession, but aren’t so sure about spending years in school? The good news is that you can pursue many rewarding medical careers with the right diploma and training. One popular healthcare career path that doesn’t require years of schooling or formal degrees is medical assisting, which involves clinical and administrative work.
If you really want to differentiate yourself as a medical assistant, you might also consider getting certified as a phlebotomy assistant. With a better understanding of how working as a medical assistant and phlebotomy can go hand-in-hand and the steps necessary to get certified in both areas, you can determine whether this path is right for you.
Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities
Understanding the role of a medical assistant in phlebotomy also requires an in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities of these related yet distinct areas of healthcare. The role of a medical assistant in phlebotomy extends beyond blood collection, supporting labs and patient comfort during the entire specimen collection process.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.”
These professionals typically work in physicians’ offices, though hospitals and outpatient care centers may also employ them. Common duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant may include:
- Recording patients’ medical history.
- Monitoring and documenting patients’ vital signs.
- Answering office phones and scheduling patient appointments.
- Keeping inventory of office/medical supplies and ordering more as needed.
- Collecting and preparing specimen samples for lab tests ordered by a doctor.
- Assisting doctors with examinations and other basic procedures.
The Role of a Phlebotomist in Healthcare
A common job responsibility of medical assistants is to collect specimen samples for testing. This includes collecting blood samples, which requires special care and proper technique. From finding the appropriate vein to draw the blood to ensuring that samples are properly labeled and stored, phlebotomists play an essential role in a healthcare setting.
Because some patients are squeamish about having blood drawn, these professionals must also be able to provide them with compassionate care and make them as comfortable as possible.
The Dual Certification Advantage
While not required by most employers, being certified as both a medical assistant and a phlebotomy technician can be a great way to market yourself as a healthcare professional while setting yourself apart from others entering the field.
Benefits of Being Both a Certified Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist
Earning a certification as a medical assistant and phlebotomist typically requires first earning a diploma from an accredited school. From there, you can explore certification options through such reputable organizations as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA). For phlebotomy specifically, credentials are typically issued by either the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
When you earn certification as a medical assistant and a phlebotomist, you can gain the foundational skills needed to perform your job confidently.
How Dual Certification Enhances Your Career Prospects
Earning a formal certification in both medical assisting and phlebotomy demonstrates to potential employers that you’ve met the rigorous training and testing requirements needed to be proficient in these roles. And because medical assistants are often required to learn how to draw blood anyway, already having this certification and experience can set you apart when seeking employment.
As a result, you may have an easier time landing a job in your field, and your credentials might even qualify you for higher-paying roles when compared to those with no certification or training.
Getting Started: What You Need
Not sure where to begin when it comes to dual certification? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started on this exciting professional journey.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
First, understand the basic qualifications and skills needed to be a successful medical assistant and phlebotomist. As you can probably imagine, being in this line of work means having at least some level of comfort working with blood and bodily fluids. Drawing blood also requires a fair amount of dexterity, so working well with your hands can go a long way.
In medical assisting and phlebotomy, you’ll need to possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, not only when working with other healthcare professionals, but also when interacting with patients. Because medical assistants often spend the majority of their shifts on their feet, having good physical stamina is an essential qualification for this line of work.
Equipment and Resources for Training
Medical assistants performing phlebotomy must also become comfortable using a wide range of equipment to collect samples while ensuring their own safety and that of their patients. Some examples of the kinds of supplies and equipment used regularly include:
- Needles in a wide range of lengths and diameters.
- Alcohol or chlorhexidine pads to disinfect the skin before drawing blood.
- Gloves for protecting against blood-borne diseases.
- Tourniquets to keep veins full and make it easier to collect blood.
- Collection tubes for collecting and storing blood.
- Gauze and bandages to stop residual bleeding before sending a patient on their way.
Aspiring medical assistants and phlebotomists can become comfortable using this equipment through extensive hands-on training, which may be provided as part of a diploma program.
Step-by-Step Guide to Certification
What does it take to become certified in both medical assisting and phlebotomy? Ultimately, it boils down to the specific certification you pursue, but there are typically some commonalities among them.
Step 1: Completing an Accredited Program
Certification programs typically require applicants to have completed at least a diploma program in medical assisting or phlebotomy from an accredited school.
Step 2: Gaining Hands-on Experience Through Internships
Next, explore options for gaining valuable hands-on experience in applying both your medical assisting and phlebotomy skills. Internships can be extremely valuable sources of real-world experience, although many diploma programs also offer some level of experience as part of their curriculum.
Step 3: Applying for Certification Exams
You’ll need to pass a formal exam to earn your certification(s), and these exams require advanced registration. While you can retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time, you’ll also need to pay a separate fee for each attempt, so it’s ideal to avoid retesting. When scheduling your certification exams, give yourself plenty of time to study and prepare.
Step 4: Preparing for and Passing the Certification Exams
Certification exams for phlebotomy and medical assisting are comprehensive and may be challenging, but with the right level of preparation, you should be able to pass with confidence. Study guides and practice exams can be handy when preparing for a certification exam, but falling back on your formal education and training will also be important.
Navigating the Certification Process
Certification requirements for medical assisting and phlebotomy can differ, primarily because different organizations issue these credentials.
Understanding the Requirements for Certification
Depending on which medical assisting certification and phlebotomy certification you’re pursuing, you may need to follow different requirements. Take the time to research the specific requirements for your desired certification(s), and consider making yourself a checklist to ensure that you cover all your bases.
For example, some medical assisting certifications may require you to complete an externship before you take your exam. Others may not have this requirement, so planning ahead is important.
Key Differences Between Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist Certifications
Medical assistant certifications tend to be more general, with exams covering topics ranging from general patient care to administrative tasks. Phlebotomy certifications, on the other hand, are much more specific because this work is tailored to collecting and storing blood samples in a medical setting. With this in mind, the certification exam to become a phlebotomist is more specific to venipuncture and best practices for blood collection.
Building Your Career Path
Both phlebotomy and medical assisting enjoy an excellent job outlook, with the projected demand for medical assistants projected to grow 15 percent between 2023 and 2033. For phlebotomists, the demand is estimated to grow 8 percent in the same timeframe. A diploma program that blends medical assistant and phlebotomy training can open doors to versatile roles in both clinical and administrative settings.
Finding Employment Opportunities
Being certified as a medical assistant and phlebotomist may make it easier to find employment opportunities. You might consider checking with the school where you earned your diploma program to see if they offer any kind of career services to help match you up with a job after graduation. These resources can be extremely valuable in your job search, from help with your resume to practice interviews and more.
Continuing Education and Advancement Opportunities
Even once you’ve earned your medical assisting and phlebotomy certifications, following all requirements to keep your certifications active is essential. In most cases, this means completing a certain number of continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee for your certifications every few years. The National Healthcare Association, for example, requires individuals to earn at least 10 continuing education credits every two years to maintain their active credentials.
With enough experience in the field, medical assistants can explore advancement and career pathway opportunities into roles such as office manager, billing manager, and medical records manager. With additional training and education, you might even consider pursuing specializations or becoming a registered nurse (RN).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Discover answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about medical assisting and phlebotomy careers below.
What is the average time required to become certified in both fields?
This will depend on your degree program and the certification option you choose. However, a Medical Assisting Diploma program at Florida Technical College is designed to be completed in about nine months. This program includes phlebotomy training that can prepare students for their certification exams.
Can I pursue both certifications simultaneously?
Yes, as long as you have met the requirements to take your certification exam (which usually involves earning a diploma in medical assisting or a related discipline), most organizations will allow you to pursue your medical assisting certification simultaneously with your phlebotomy certification.
What are the typical work environments for these roles?
Both roles involve working in a clinical setting and interacting directly with patients. However, phlebotomists are focused explicitly on venipuncture duties, whereas the responsibilities of a medical assistant tend to be broader and include general patient care. Both medical assistants and phlebotomists may be employed by doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other medical facilities. In some cases, colleges/universities may hire phlebotomists for research in laboratory settings.
How do continuing education requirements differ for each certification?
Both medical assisting and phlebotomy certifications require continuing education to maintain these designations. Still, the number of continuing education credits and renewal periods can vary depending on where you earned your certification. For example, phlebotomists certified through the NHA are required to complete 10 credits every two years to renew their certification. Meanwhile, medical assistants certified through the AAMA must only renew their credentials once every five years with 60 continuing education credits.
What are tips for balancing work and study while pursuing dual certifications?
Pursuing dual certifications in medical assisting and phlebotomy can be a lot of work, especially when studying for both exams simultaneously and working a part-time- or full-time job. Developing strong time management skills can really pay off here, as these will help you better juggle your responsibilities and block dedicated time to prepare for your exams. Leaning on support from your family/loved ones and taking advantage of resources offered through your school can also help you better balance your responsibilities during this busy time of your life.
Get Started in a Medical Assistant Technician Diploma Program
Knowing how to draw blood can be an extremely valuable skill for medical assistants. Being certified in both medical assisting and phlebotomy is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates in the competitive job market.
Looking for a diploma program that includes dedicated phlebotomy training? NUC University – Florida Technical College’s Medical Assistant Technician Diploma Program prepares students for various technical examinations, including EKGs and phlebotomy, all with a career-centered curriculum that’s designed to be completed in as little as nine months.
Learn more about this diploma program by reaching out.
This article provides a general overview of the field of Medical Assisting, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular NUC University- Florida Technical College program. NUC University- Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://www.ftccollege.edu/healthcare-blog/what-is-the-medical-assistants-role-in-phlebotomy/
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/medical-assistant-technician-diploma/
https://ftccollege.edu/why-ftc/career-services/
https://www.nhanow.com/stay-certified
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574569/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
