Working in pediatrics gives you a chance to experience the cute, gushy feelings you get around babies daily. Pediatrics involves the care of infants, children, and teens, but you don’t have to be a pediatrician to work.
You can work as a medical assistant in pediatrics, as most pediatric clinics require this. However, you must know if there are specific qualifications and experience you need before applying for specific jobs, as they differ.
While it sounds overwhelming, fret not! We’ve examined most of these aspects, summarized what we’ve found, and gladly shared our findings with you so you can determine if a pediatrics job is right for you.
Job Description
A pediatric medical assistant must be able to communicate with patients, pay attention to even the smallest detail, and follow specific directions. The job can be either front-office or back-office.
Front-Office
The front-office pediatric medical assistant is often the first person patients and parents or guardians come in contact with when visiting the pediatrician.
The assistant receives the patients and ensures that all the personal information that the pediatrician will need is on the patient’s card or the computer system.
On request by the pediatrician, the assistant schedules laboratory tests and appointments and follow-up appointments. The assistant also collects and processes laboratory reports and prepares them for the pediatrician.
Other administrative duties include answering phone calls, collecting co-payments, and handling other forms of payment. In short, the assistant is responsible for most of the practice’s paperwork.
Back-Office
A back-office pediatric medical assistant works with the patients and assists the pediatrician. The assistant takes the patient’s vitals, like blood pressure, weight, length, and height, and asks for a urine sample if necessary.
The next responsibility is to escort the patient into an examination room where the details as received from the front office are checked, and the assistant completes the brief medical history.
To help the doctor, the assistant asks about the reason for the visit and the symptoms. She then fills it in on the patient’s card or saves it on the computer system for the pediatrician to use.
If the doctor prescribes specific vaccinations, the assistant gives it to the patient and records the details on the patient’s vaccination record. Before the next patient is sent in, the assistant cleans, disinfects, and prepares the rooms for the next patient.
Specialized Duties
Generally, pediatric medical assistants work with pediatricians. Specialists such as pediatric allergists, cardiologists, and urologists also have pediatric medical assistants.
Pediatric medical assistants who work with specialists might be required to perform area-specific duties.
Also Read: Job Description – Pediatric Dermatologist
Average Pay
Many factors are considered when a new pediatric medical assistant’s salary is discussed. The assistant’s skill level and the extent of what will be expected from the assistant are some of the determining factors.
On average, medical assistants with only clerical duties make less than those who work with patients in front or back-office situations. The rule of thumb is that the greater the responsibilities, the greater the salary.
Pediatric medical assistants earn between $29,000 and $36,000 per year. Every employer determines the salary upon hire.
Experience also plays a role in determining salary. The following list indicates what experience might affect the salary for the same job.
- Less than 1 year: $29,000
- 1-4 years $30,000
- 5-9 years: $32,000
- 10-19 years: $34,000
- 20-plus years: $36,000
Location can also affect salary determination. Areas with a high demand for pediatric medical assistants might pay more than other areas.
Experience/Education
Pediatric medical assistants must become certified and licensed to practice. To get certified, they must complete an accredited medical training program and pass the state licensing examination.
The medical assistant’s license expires after a time set by the state. To maintain it, the medical assistant must continuously participate in applicable courses.
Conclusion
If you have an innate desire to help children, then this healthcare field could be for you.