For medical assistants, advancement often means leaving the occupation, for career lines are short. Clinical health occupations such as radiologic technologist or registered nurse require additional clinical education, whereas administrative and managerial jobs may not. Medical assistants who demonstrate leadership abilities may, for example, be promoted to the position of office manager. Medical assistants with computer skills are qualified for a wide variety of research and management support positions. A neat, well-groomed appearance and a courteous, pleasant manner are necessary traits for medical assistants, who have a great deal of contact with the public.
Communication skills are especially important.
Medical assistants must not only be good at putting patients at ease, but be good listeners and interpret a physician's instructions correctly the first time they are given. Conscientiousness, a sense of responsibility, and respect for the confidential nature of medical information are all necessary qualities in a medical assistant. Clinical duties require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity. Medical assistants must be able to deal with people who are under stress. Job Outlook Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2000 due to anticipated expansion of the health services industry.