Medical Assistant Specializations in High Demand

Medical assistants are in high demand, with an impressive projected job growth of 23 percent from 2019 to 2029, making it an excellent career choice to pursue. Medical assistants work in both clinical and administrative roles, and typically work in physicians’ offices. However, there is plenty of room for advancement and for those who take the extra step to become a certified medical assistant upon successfully completing their training program, they have the option of exploring numerous career opportunities, including a nearly unlimited list of medical specialties.

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant here are 7 medical assistant specializations to consider: 

1. Pediatrics 

Pediatrics is a popular medical specialty involving the care of children up to age 18. A pediatric medical assistant must like working with children. Medical assistants work with the pediatrician to monitor a child’s growth and development by documenting the pediatric exam, recording the medical history of childhood diseases, immunizations, and nutritional status. The medical assistant records the patient’s height and weight along with other growth and development milestones at each appointment. 

2. Dermatology

Dermatology includes the medical specialty associated with the diagnosis and treatment of the skin. Medical assistants specializing in dermatology are primarily responsible for assembling, cleaning, and disinfecting medical instruments used by the physician to perform diagnostic procedures. Diagnostic procedures include physical examinations, wound cultures and skin biopsies, and performing a urine melanin test. The medical assistant is responsible for collecting, scheduling, and delivering specimens to the appropriate laboratories. 

3. Cardiology 

Cardiology is the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats patients with abnormalities and diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. Medical assistants specializing in cardiology assist with tests and procedures, including phlebotomy, cardiac imaging, electrocardiography (EKG), and cardiac stress tests, under the supervision of a physician. 

To help the patient prepare to see the cardiologist, the medical assistant records vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, temperature, height, and weight and gathers information about their cardiovascular history, including risk factors and what medications they’re currently taking. 

4. Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Obstetrics and gynecology is a specialty that focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, the post-partum period, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. Medical assistants working in OB/GYN are primarily responsible for assisting the physician with sexual health and reproductive care examinations, dilation and curettage, colposcopies, hysterosalpingographies and more. 

5. Oncology 

Oncology is a medical specialty for patients with cancer. Medical assistants are needed to assist oncologists and registered nurses with patient check-ins, scheduling appointments, medical billing and claim processing, vital sign measurement, chemotherapy, phlebotomy, and radiation treatments. 

6. Urology 

Urology is a medical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases and disorders of the male and female urinary tracts and male reproductive organs. Medical assistants working in urology may perform diagnostic testing including urinalysis, phlebotomy, cystoscopies, pyelography, ultrasound, and vasectomies. 

7. Podiatry  

Podiatry is the medical specialty pertaining to the diagnosis and treatment of the foot and ankle. Medical assistants assist podiatrists with patient examinations, record management, scheduling appointments, medical billing and claims, and performing minor surgery. 

Is Medical Assisting Right for You? 

The possibilities are nearly endless with this incredibly fast-growing, highly in-demand career field, giving you the advantage to select a specialty or choose a work setting that fits you best. Unlike other healthcare careers, training to become a medical assistant is relatively short, allowing you to get a jump start on your new career.  If you’re ready to become a medical assistant and are excited to tackle all the incredible opportunities this versatile healthcare career has to offer, contact Athena Career Academy today.