The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical assistants play a crucial role in medical facilities by handling administrative and clinical duties.

In the healthcare industry, medical assistants provide assistance both to doctors and to patients. Among the basic medical tasks these individuals can perform are taking vital signs, administering medications as directed by a physician, or taking medical histories. In addition to scheduling appointments, billing insurance companies, and completing paperwork, they assist clinic office staff as well.

The path to becoming a medical assistant is much faster than pursuing a medical degree or nursing degree. A nurse usually completes four years of postsecondary education, while a doctor must complete 12 years of study. For medical assistants to become certified medical assistants (CMAs), all they need is a high school diploma and a medical assistant training program. On-the-job training is a major part of becoming a medical assistant.

This field offers rapid career growth. Between 2019 and 2029, 139,200 jobs are expected to be added to this field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021). There are various salaries in this field based on your location, your experience, your schooling, and your certification. An average medical assistant earns $42,000 per year in the US, according to the BLS May 2021.

A medical assistant’s career is generally extremely rewarding. Medical assistants should be familiar with all aspects of their role before considering a career in this field. At Career College of the Pacific, you’ll learn about the job scope, specializations, common employers, work environment, and certification and licensure requirements for medical assistants.

Learn more about our Career College of the Pacific Hawai’i Clinical Medical Assistant Program.

A CompTIA® certification is the industry standard for establishing a career in I.T. and is the preferred credential for technical support and I.T. operations positions. For I.T. support specialist, I.T. field service technician, desktop support analyst, and help desk tier 2 support positions, companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and HP hire CompTIA certified employees.

You will make a great first impression when you apply for jobs if you have I.T. certifications. As a hiring tool, 96 percent of human resource managers rely on I.T. certifications, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).

Your CompTIA® certification can help you either start a career in I.T. or get promoted. As the industry standard for establishing a career in I.T., technical support and I.T. operational roles prefer this certification. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer User Support Specialists in Hawai’i average $61,000 as a starting salary.

Medical billing and coding in Hawai’i are two distinct processes, but both are essential. Billing uses the codes extracted from medical records and clinical documentation to create insurance claims and bills for patients. Coding medical records and clinical documentation involves accurately extracting pertinent information for billing purposes. A billing and coding specialist who is multi-skilled and knowledgeable in both fields is an asset to any medical practice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), medical billers and coders work in a variety of medical environments. As medical billing and coding are computer-based professions, many professionals work from home. The training they receive can be obtained online from various medical billing and coding programs across the country. Patient privacy must be protected regardless of where these professionals work. The average starting salary for someone certified in billing and coding can be around $43,000 a year.

Health record specialists manage and maintain a patient’s electronic health record, ensuring that the information is accurate and current. They interact with patients, physicians, and insurance professionals to provide the best medical care. Medical coding is also used to submit reimbursement claims. Learn more about Career College of the Pacific’s Billing and Coding program or check out medical billing and coding on our YouTube channel.

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and health of patients by working closely with pharmacists. They package, label, and check prescribed medications for accuracy with a pharmacist before they are given to a patient. Additionally, they assist pharmacists with administrative tasks, such as processing insurance claims, tracking inventory, and filing paperwork.

Pharmacy technicians commonly work in retail outlets, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Their working hours may include nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on their workplace. During the day, they fill and package prescriptions while collaborating with pharmacists and other healthcare providers.

Pharmacy technicians can practice in academic, community, and government settings, as well as specialized fields like critical care, oncology, and pediatrics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that pharmacy technicians in Hawai’i earn a median annual salary of $40,960. Learn more about Career College of the Pacific’s Pharmacy Technician program and start your journey towards a rewarding career.