Advanced Medical Assistant of America Newsletter -- Vol. 5 May 2004

Hello everybody!
Here now is newsletter No. 5 for medical assistants (and similar allied health professionals!)

May I begin by asking whether you knew that study after study demonstrates that misconceptions about men in the medical assistant profession still abound?
======================================================


A study held in June 2003 revealed that male students made up less than 10 percent in courses offering medical assisting training! Despite of their interest in the profession men have historically been discouraged and frequently denied access to medical assisting education and entry into the workforce.

So, where are the men?

Although when asked men agree that they would be interested in becoming a medical assistant for the same reasons their female counterparts enter the profession, it is surprising how few men actually do.


Correcting Misconceptions To Attract Men
======================================================

Opportunities abound for men in the medical assistant profession, however, the deep-rooted stereotypical misconceptions of a man's ability and suitability in this field is hindering their progress. For example, some men believe that men who display caring attitudes aren't "real men" and highly feminized pictures of medical assistants on the job enforce the idea that medical assisting is for women but not for men.

To provide men with positive role models, advertising, videos, graphics and publications should not only feature images of women but also men performing action-oriented clinical and administrative tasks. Vocational training and education programs should set enrollment goals for male students and actively recruit them.

The number of male faculty teaching clinical and administrative medical assistant curricula should be increased. Misconceptions that keep men out of the medical assistant profession should be corrected by accurate information about opportunities, challenges, lifelong learning and rewards of service to others in medial offices, and clinics.

If medical assisting is to fulfill its potential of providing quality care in a modern healthcare system, sincere efforts should be made to attract and recruit more men.


The Exception: Medical Assistants Wanted — Men Only!
======================================================
If you are hired as a medical assistant on a U.S. Navy submarine chances are you are a man. At present women cannot serve in submarines! For that to happen the Navy would have to redesign its submarines to accommodate their female recruits.

As a U.S. Navy medical assistant on a submarine your duties would involve medical skills as well as radiation safety and atmosphere control. You would receive extra training covering radiation safety, health physics and atmosphere control as well as the basic submarine training that every submariner must do, such as practicing underwater escape.

You will be part of a team of medical assistants who are responsible for the radiological and environmental safety of the crew and to provide the engineering department with technical advice on the safe operating parameters of the reactor cooling system.


PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND THOUGHTS ON THIS ISSUE!


Copyright © 2004 Danni R. - All rights reserved.

Are You Still In School? Website Admin

I think that the reason I haven't been offered a job is because I am a man. At my intern site I preformed as well if not better than my female friend who was interning with me. We went to the same school, and were hand picked by the same person to intern at a clinic. She was hired as soon as her 120 hours was done, they didn't even consider me despite the many good commits from patients. As well as getting an excellent review. I preformed all my skills very well and with confidence, a whole week before the lady that was hired.

Are You Still In School? Medical Assistant

Travis, thank you for posting your message. Another example how "preferential hiring policies" in a medical office make it impossible that the best person for the job will even be considered.

I hope that nevertheless you will soon achieve your aspirations and become a successful staff member of a caring medical facility. Without the slightest doubt, so many would benefit from your knowledge and skill!!!!

Are You Still In School? CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD

Well in response that is exactly what is happening to male Medical Assitants. We sometimes outshine our female counterparts and still get passed over. Thats exactly what has been happening to me. But I have now learned to become creative. I will list a few things that may help all male MA's
1. Become Certifed
2. Try looking outside of the box and work as a Paramedical Examiner for companies like Port-a- Medic where you get paid for doing basic exams venipunctures, recording vitals, ekg;s, urine collection and specimen collection for life insurance purposes. Pay between $18-$25 per exam!
3. Open your own clinic become your own boss and hire Dr's, LPN's Rn's and MA's. Yes MA's can own a clinic and run it!
4. Be inventive and open your own Wellness and COmpliance company. Go from home to home or community to community helping and educating people about Hypertension healthy eating etc. Help people to help themselves. You do not diagnose! Run a blood pressure station, cholesterol checks and blood sugar test for a small fee and advise those with problems to seek proffessional help. Do not misrepresent yourself or diagnose thats not your job but you can help monitor. You can even work in conjuction with a Medical Office or Doctor to facilitate these things.
5. Teach Medical Assisting

I am in the process of opening my own clinic now and found that these things were helping me in the intrum. Remember ; If you can't move the Mountain, Go to it"

We should start a Male MA Group and meet at a seminar somewhere to help one another so any feed back I can get on that let me know.

Hope this has been enlightning
Ramon

Are You Still In School? CMA AAMA BS Health Care Management

Ramon
as you probably know, as these message threads get older and new messages are posted, they are automatically moved lower and lower until they disappear completely from the message forum.

I am very impressed with your suggestions on how male medical assistants can take matters into their own hands and become very successful despite of the obstacles mentioned.

With your permission, I would like to copy and paste your suggestions, giving credit to you as the author, directly into the "Male or Female Occupation" web page located at http://www.medicalassistant.net/gender.htm to preserve it for all future readers interested in this topic!

Please advice!

Sincerely,
Danni R. at certmeda@yahoo.com

Are You Still In School? CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD

You have some verry cool thing for male MA's to try. I would be interested in havig a metting for male MA's myself.

Just posting to bump this threat back up to the top, before it gets buried!

Please feel free to post a new comment to this old (but never obsolete) topic.

Danni

Are You Still In School? CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD

this month at my school. One of the girls in my class pulled him over and drew blood from him in class the other day.

He was a trooper but I'm sure he felt self-conscious with all these women (discretely of course) checking him out. lol...of course, I'm old enough to be his mother so I didn't check him out at all...yeah, right.



Lorraine

Are You Still In School? student

Hi, I am a male MA, I finished my CMA class in an accredited school where I was the top of my batch (GPA=95)since I already have medical experience before taking the classes, we were only 2 males in a class of about 15 about 2 months ago. I also got a 91 on my national CMA exam (NHA) about half a month ago. I have been looking for a job for almost 2 months and no reponses whatsoever. At first I thought it was because I
am entering as an entry level position. I just found this forum this morning and just realized maybe it is because of my gender. Thanks for the advise on applying in the military my only problem is that I don't think I am physically fit and too old to be a soldier so in other words I would like to apply as a civilian, any advise on how to go about this would be appreciatted

Are You Still In School? certified clinical medical assistant

Well, i'm a man and I see the problem in the training program i am a student in a class of 16 i am the only male, However i was convinced to take a 1year certifcation program called Patient Care Technician. I am in top of class if not the top. Problem i have is the difference between the 2. any help or advice, is appreiciated

Your Professional Title/Credentials: yahoo.

Are You Still In School? graduation date november2005

pct? So this isn't an MA program? Here in PA, you can be a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and that qualifies you for most PCT positions. CNA's require only weeks of training here before testing for certification.

What exam will you take for certification when you're finished?

Lorraine

Are You Still In School? student

I know very little about the Patient Care Technician training and what else it entails. It seems to me, however, that here in Massachusetts, the assistants that work under the direct supervision of the RN's in nursing homes ("old folk's home" in layman's terms) are referred to as CNA's (Certified Nurses Assistants through the MA Board of Nursing). Their counterparts, i.e. those assistants who work under the direct supervision of RN's in hospitals are referred to as Patient Care Technicians, even though they may actully be CNA's.

I admit, it could be, that I got it all wrong, but one thing I know for sure: CNA's here in Massachusetts will have a very hard time entering into a medical office to function as a medical assistant based merely on their training and credential. Whether it's on a clinical or administrative level the two professions are just too distinct for someone to simply cross over without additional education.

Danni

Are You Still In School? CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD IWA.

Dan,
perhaps the person who persuaded and/or convinced you to go for PCT was simply looking out for your best interest, at least in their mind.

You see, if you read the "Where are the Men" article on the Medicalassistant.net web site, and the comments that are left here under this thread, you quickly realize that there still are deep misconceptions about men training as medical assistants, and men being hired into medical assisting positions. Like I said, it's sad but it's true that men are not treated the same when it comes to this predominantly (and traditionally) female occupation.

However, if you were to take a walk through one of the bigger (teaching!) hospitals, (check out the cafeteria!) you will immediately notice that what once was a "woman's job", i.e. nursing, is now just as open to men. There are many, many male nurses and technicians now, than there are female counterparts.

The workforce in a hospital is much more open to men, and once you hold your PCT diploma you may find that your chances are good to land a very rewarding job with posibilities to move on and up (perhaps you will join a teaching hospital?!). With the nursing shortages everywhere, if you prove yourself, you may just find yourself back on the "schoolbench" before long, being trained as a RN, or an x-ray or nuclear technician! That would be awesome. And I wish you all the best. So stick to it!

Just my [Two cents]!

Danni R., CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD.

Are You Still In School? CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD IWA.

Here in PA, CNA's are used in both LTC and hospital settings. Usually they are called PCT's in the hospital setting although their duties are primarily the same...personal care. That includes bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding, etc. The only skill that would transfer to an office setting would be vitals.

I agree that if the training for PCT's is basically the same as CNA's, it would be very tough to move into an office situation. There simply isn't any training for it.

Lorraine

Are You Still In School? CNA, student MA

I am a male Medical Assistant, I graduated in 2000. It took me almost 3 yrs before I got a job. . Wow at last I am working for a private family practice and I really love the job. For some reason the state of NY wont let MA's give injections. And the pay is not that great.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Yahoo Messenger,4

Are You Still In School? Medical Assistant

In my experience we get quite a few men in the classrooms, usually retraining from a previous career. In the office setting though, speaking from the family practice/OB GYN stand point, a male MA working c a male provider has some problems. On a vaginal exam a male MA is generally not accepted to be a "chaperone" in the room with the pt and male provider thus making more work for the female MAs as they have to cover the Male MA's provider as well as their own.

I think that this field is really a fit with both men and women but there will always be things that men will not be accepted in doing.

Are You Still In School? MA Instructor

It has been 4 months since I graduated and over a month after I passed the national certification. I am still having a hard time getting a job.
Thank you so much Danni for coming up with this thread for male CMAs. I am also interested in keeping in touch with the other males who responded to this thread

In a recent job fair I attended, I was told the same thing, I should apply as a PCT or PCA (Patient Care Assistant), another job opening that responded was as a phlebotomist in a blood donation facility. The only problem is it is too far for me, I tried the diff. military divisions and have yet to hear from them.

Just thought I'd mention what I've experienced

PS. does anyone here have aquaintances or connections with other medical assistants in the NYC/jersey city area? none of us in our class got a job yet even if I was the only guy. The dept. of Labor emphasized having connections/networking to get a job. So it would be nice to hear from MAs in above mentioned areas.

Have a good one.

Are You Still In School? certified clinical medical assistant

Bernie,

Also come join us at

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/medical_assistant/messages

This site is also run by Danni. We have at least one other guy MA who is a regular there.

Also, does NY have an employment service in conjunction with their unemployment offices? We have one here in PA. There are alway MA jobs listed on it. Call your unemployment office and ask if they have a job listing website.

Lorraine
CNA
almost MA

Are You Still In School? CNA, student MA

Hello everybody!
I am a man from Wisconsin, who is getting into the field. I just started my program for Administrative Medical Assistant/Medical Coding. I chose this career because it cross-references into so many other areas in the medical profession. It's kind of my "foot in the door."
It's really ironic that this thread happens to be at the top of this message board. Talk about timing (he he he). I wondered about the male to female ratio in this field. As a matter of fact, we just discussed this in class a couple of days ago. I rarely see men in the medical office situations. I guess it really is a "stereotyped" profession. I'm not letting this bother me, though. I'm confident about it. More and more men are getting into the field. Times are changing. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
By the way...this is a nice website. I'll be checking back on this message board, too. I'm assuming there will be good info/advice posted here. As a new student, this will come in handy.
Have a good one!!!

Are You Still In School? Student

also visit:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/medical_assistant/messages

It's another of Danni's sites.

Are You Still In School? CNA, student MA

After being discharged from the military, I was hired as an NA and became cna. I went to work at a hospital, were I worked as a PCT for 3 years. It sounds like it is the safest place for Male MA'S. If I don't find a job as an MA when I graduate, I will get my cna, and become a PCT again. Hospital's love male anything.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: ,3

Are You Still In School? Returning student

I was a medic in the Army, and had more knoweledge then civilian RN's did. But it was usless in the civi world. I started an MA program, but was told my chances of getting a job were slim to none. So I quit the program, quit my job as a CNA, and got a "man job". Now all the schools say that has changed, so I am once again enrolled in an MA program. Once again I am thinking about droping the program, before I spend a lot of money for nothing. I have heard the pros and cons here.
I am now 43 years old and have an AAS in Organizational Leadership. Do you think I have a future as an MA, or am I wasting my time? You can also send answers to my email. I would like any and all opinions on this.
Thanks.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: ,3

Are You Still In School? CNA, EMT, MA, Student

Tim, fist of all thank you for posting such helpful
feedback into the Medical Assistant Message board
under "Where are the Men".

Now to your question:
I worked in many different medical offices, and taught
medical assisting classes, where almost all medical
assistants were female. Although I saw a slightly
increased interest in men joining the medical
assistant classes (but often because they were sent
through Job Corps, or Future Works, Unemployment/Work
Force Programs) they seemed to have a harder time than
women to stick with the program, and upon graduation,
had a harder time landing a permanent medical
assisting job after their externship. I have, however,
witnessed one real nice story about a male medical
assistant who worked for a medical doctor (allergy and
asthma specialist). I had the pleasure to work with
this male medical assistant in the back
office/clinical areas, and he was excellent at what he
did, well respected, and well liked. Many patients
sometimes wondered, if he was the doctor's son, but he
wasn't. I guess, these patients, too, were a bit
baffled at seeing a male medical assistant, that was
so well liked, that they figured, it must be the
doctor's son.

He was lucky, because he found a doctor who was
willing to give him a chance, and he thanked him for
it by proving himself as a worthy, and well respected
member of the health care team. I have lost touch with
this medical assistant, but it probaly safe to say,
that he will never will be without a job.

It is my experience, that men still have a hard time
to land positions in certain specialties (especially
gynocology, and perhaps pediatrics - duh!!!) but that
there are other areas where they are very much needed,
and appreciated. In my opinion, male medical
assistants still have to work harder to be accepted
into positions, and those who make it function as
pioneers, paving the way for the future medical
assistants that come after them -- just as it once was
in nursing (as you already mentioned yourself).

I would say, if you BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, and ARE
CONVINCED, and ready to fight the battle, if you are
going to graduate with high honors, and plan on
sitting for the certification exam, you should be able
to find a postion that's right for you, especially
because the latest trend is that more and more medical
assistants are also being accepted into hospitals,
rather than small single practice physicians, where
male nurses, x-ray techs, and nuclear thechnoloigst
are already common sight.

Beside, if you land a position in one of the larger
teaching hospitals, and you prove yourself there, you
might just be offered a chance to crosstrain into
x-ray technician, or nuclear technology, or nursing. I
know two medical assistants (males) who did this here
at the New England BayState Hospital.

My advice is for you to follow your instinct, and your
dreams, and by all means, make sure the school you
sign up for is approved and accredited, and prepares
you for the CMA exam, through AAMA!!!!!

Read: http://www.medicalassistant.net/learning.htm
and other articles at medicalassistant.net.


Danni R.

Are You Still In School? CMA, CCMA, CMAA, FLWD

http://www.airambulance.net
Strangely, there are actually more men than women that like to be flight paramedics

Are You Still In School? RN, EMT-P, CRT

I have to agree. I have been an MA since 1993, and unemployed at this time. it keeps getting harder to retain gainful employment. I believe the market is becoming flooded and the salaries are starting to drop. I was offered employment at the same wage that I started over 10 years ago and I have become a well rounded MA in Orthopaedics, Internal medicine, Occupational medicine and that does not mean a thing anymore. This is a women dominated field. I wish I would have known this long ago, therefore by know I would be a Physician with all the knowledge and understanding I've retained in the past decade. For those that are just becoming an MA, SORYY but you got SCREWED!!!!!

Are You Still In School? CMA

There are no men because of the low pay and long hours. They can work construction and get twice the pay.

Are You Still In School? MA

We are alive and kicking butt. I have never had a problem with low pay or long hours, in fact it is hard to find a medical facility that would allow me 40+ hours a week. I enjoy my good pay and long hours.
And in regards to working construction, the only construction I like to do is building my sandwiches. I honestly cannot recolect anyone leaving the cool a/c filled halls, professional atmosphere for a scorching day with a thirty pound belt of nails around their waist.I have not found one yet who was a traitor. From sunny California to your state.

Are You Still In School? CMA

This has nothing to do with the topic, and forgive me if I seem vapid....but what does CCMA, CMAA, and FLWD stand for? Thanks.....

Are You Still In School? Certified Mommy- soon to be MA student

hi i am a man and i just singhed up for medical assistant classes. and i started classes last week .the college i am going to wants me to take genral ed classes withc i am doing and tehn the next sesmester ill start in wil medical assistanting

Your Professional Title/Credentials: nursedave907,2

I attend franklin institute school where its mostly females and every now and then we get a male student some times they stay and some times they dont but I feel that it is neccessary to have males in the MA field they are of good help and on many occasions perform better then femal MA's I would encourage any male that would want to start a career in the MA to do so.

Are You Still In School? MA

When I asked Chris, AKA ChiefWms, instructor for CMA's and SST's told me on Mar 16th, 2006

(Quote)
Ratio? Hmmm lets see. Last term I had 1:20 ratio men to women. This term I have 0:40 in my class. The term prior to those two I had a 1:30 ratio. Needless to say it's not very good. We have more men in our massage therapy and Surgical Scrub Tech programs then we do in the entire MA program. We will graduate 3 male MA's this year and I believe there is only ONE left for next years graduation.

Most of our men are in the various business, office management and information management programs we offer here.

Chris

(End Quote)

I can only confirm. I have seen exact same numbers here at two differnend well-knowns medical assistant training institutions in Western Massachusetts.

Thank you Chris for this valuable feedback.

Danni

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Website Owner/Admin

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes

I do appreicate all the input. So Now I am a certified PCT and MA. I just learned that everyone but me and another Guyfrom my graduating Class are working.. What upsets me most is 3 of the major healthcare systems have openings, but I am being told "We are lookin for a more expereinced individual at this time. We will keep your applicqation active for 6months." "Have you thought of volenteering, we have many openings". The LTC centers here are restricted in as much only CNA's get hired. their insurance liability mandates. So I'm Still looking... I am from Michigan the Detroit area.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: PCT/ MA

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? nope

Just a thought, I have yet to be interveiwed by a man who had the authority to hire. I have threw ingenious ways got around the mail-in or web site applications twice a charge nurse or floor manager was a man. they stated as we all have heard men are in demand. but they alos stated that they can only recommend. It might be my age to I'm a construction worker who has decided to persue a medical career.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: certifiedMA and PCT

Are You Still In School? graduated 11/05

Are You Working? nope

Dan,

The CNA thing in nursing homes is due to federal legislation so it's not just a regional thing (OBRA 87). It was enacted in 1987 to prevent nursing home abuse. Have you applied for "Tech" positions in the hospital setting? Check hospital network websites employment online with the keyword of "technical". That will bring up phlebotomy, EKG, ER tech, etc. Many of these positions you can apply for with your MA education. They're just not listed as MA jobs. Hope that helps some.

Lorraine

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA, CNA

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes

I am a male and a Medical Assistant. I graduated in 1992 and found employment immediately. I also have 6 medical speciality certifications, which have been a major backing of my being offered employment without seeking it out. My recommendation for male MAs to get a great clinical experience is apply at urological groups. The practice was excited to bring a male on board, since many of the patients are male. This was a great clinical experience for me. I have been in clinical research for the past 12 years as an auditor, project manager and now a director of a facility. I also speak at local MA meetings and schools. I am proud to be an MA and want everyone (especially other males) to know it is a wonderful career, but the key to success in the field is more than just the MA credential ... obtain some certifications (phlebotomy, emergency response, etc.) and be proactive in gaining hands on as well as additional book knowledge. Many of the places I have worked, my physicians had me training the nursing (RN) staff. I am proud to say I am a male MA and my income is higher than my friends who are RNs. You can do it ... be determined and be proud!

Your Professional Title/Credentials: BA, CPT, CCRA

yip yip yipee I finally have an Interview, at a major hospital... It is a contingent basis position... I graduated in Novemeber of 2005.
hold a good thought for me.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA and PCT

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? no

Good for you! Keep us posted!

Lorraine
CMA, CNA

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA, CNA

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes

LOL-Lorraine!!! I was JUST going to say the exact same thing. You beat me to it.

Dan: Good for you! Keep us posted! We really want to see you succeed and show the rest of the world that men ARE great medical assistants and related health care professionals.

Still wondering till this day what's keeping them out or away.

Good luck.
Danni

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Website Owner/Site Admin

Thank you, Guy for such an uplifting and positive post for your fellow male medical assistants. Nothing speaks louder than words from somebody who understands and has been there. Your positive outlook and realistic tips will serve the next "guy" looking for guidance and encouragement, I am sure.

Danni

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Website Owner/Site Admin

Guy brought up a good point in looking into certain specialty areas - urology makes total sense. I have also heard that male RNs tend to gravitate towards things like ER, critical care, flight nursing,... Perhaps male MAs would have an easier time finding work in an area such as urgent care, tech positions at ambulatory surgery centers, emergency dept tech, etc....Some of these tech positions may require additional certs like IV certification/EMT-I cert, but that would be well worth it IMO. I honestly have to say the only physician office I have seen male MAs in is in a military facility, where they are called medtechs, but basically do the same thing. Even then, the females outnumber the males 3 to 1.

I just wanted to say that I am a man and have found it easy to find a job here in the San Antonio area. I guess because we have such a large medical center area and a lot of new technology in our area. I found it hard to go to school and be the only guy in class out of 24 females. It was hard but I made it through. Guys do not get discouraged if you are the only guy in your MA class. I had it good, because the MA instructor was a male so he was able to help me out quite a great deal. I just want to let all you guys know out there that we are just as important as the females when it comes to the "medical field". Sometimes we just need to step up to the plate when we are treated wrong or unjust. We need to say that we are professionals too even though we are guys. I thought I would put my two cents in. It may not mean much, but I know how it feels to be a guy in a female dominated profession.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes

Thank you Dwayne, for communicating to everyone that hiring a man into the medical office as a medical assistant is a positive move for the program and the employer's business.

Danni

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Web Site Owner/Admin

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? yes

I am an MA and I will be graduating in 2006.
I am the only male in my class. We have about
15 women including the teacher,and one male,
thats me. The feminist demand fairness , but
what is fair about all this, with schooling,
and jobs? Women hate it when they can't find
a job in a mostly male setting, and did I mention
pay? Calling ALL MEN ,RISE UP AND LET YOUR VOICE
BE HEARD LOAD AND CLEAR!!!!!!!! WE DEMAND FAIRNESS
TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO MEN & FATHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Medical Assistant

Are You Still In School? Yes

Are You Working? NO!!!

So far I am the only male schedualed for classes this fall but it's OK. I grew up with 5 sisters and I was the only male on that end also---

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Laid off from Sony Electronics.

Are You Still In School? Just starting in the fall.

Are You Working? no

I have worked in a Family Practice/OB clinic with male MAs. The problem I see is that when the provider with a male MA has to have a chaperone one of the female MAs would have to stop what she was doing for her provider to be in the room.

This was a problem on several occasions and I personally fell behind trying to do my job for my provider and also cover all the exams for the male MA that did not chaperone.

We tried to solve the problem by asking each pt individually if she felt comfortable with a male MA chaperoning. It was about 50/50 on positive responses.

Men definitely have a place in the workforce for MAs but can have a hard time in certain specialities.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA/Former MA instructor

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? yes

Hey chuck, we havent heard from you. please contact clara, boo, or hope by phone or email. boos email is lewjrjr@ yahoo.com P.s. iam now staying in atlanta

I work for a teaching hospital and it's great to see the opportunities both men and women have here. I don't see many men MA's though. I'm currently in the MA program at the local tech school and haven't seen many guys in the program. Too bad. There is a lot of opportunity out there if you find the chance.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Administrative Secretary

Are You Still In School? yes

Are You Working? yes

Well--6 weeks completed in the MA program and so far so good. Turned out I am the only male among 16 females in both my 1st and 2nd mode and life is good! The pace is very demanding and the test keep coming at me from all sides.Brains cells needed ---PLEASE lol.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: MA Student

Are You Still In School? Yes

Are You Working? No

When I started to school (return in midlife) I started in the MA program. It was dominated by women. I could not get much information about what I needed etc... however the girls who would ask got all they needed. I was having the girls to get the info for me. It was not the classmates; it was the instructors and administrators. I changed to the Surgical Technology program and less of it there.

I am currently trying to get into another program and finding the same thing. So I am now applying to online programs where my gender should not factor in.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Certified Surgical Technologist

Are You Still In School? No

Are You Working? Yes

I really believe one of the biggest barriers to male MAs is the chaperone thing. If a male doctor is going to be in the room with an unclothed female patient, especially during pelvic exam - he better have a female chaperone!!!

I worked for a family practice with 1 female doctor, 1 female ARNP, and one female PA. If any of these 3 had to perform a hernia exam on a male, I had to chaperone, but had to turn and face the wall so as not to see the male patient's gential area.

As a female I would not feel comfortable with a male doctor AND a male medical assistant. Yes, I know all are professionals, but inappropriateness can be miscontrusted by a female who is examined by a male.

Hence, I think this is why there are so few male MAs being hired. I have only encountered 1 male MA - when I visited a dermatologist. I have back to this same doc every 6 months for a skin check and have seen only female MAs. What happened to the guy??

Your Professional Title/Credentials: BSE; RMA(AMT)

Are You Still In School? no

"I worked for a family practice with 1 female doctor, 1 female ARNP, and one female PA. If any of these 3 had to perform a hernia exam on a male, I had to chaperone, but had to turn and face the wall so as not to see the male patient's gential area."

I find that bizarre. You're supposed to be in there as a "witness" and you have to face the wall so you can't witness anything?

I find that men typically could care less. They're usually more than happy to take their shirt off when you ask if they can pull their sleeve up for a BP. I've also been asked if I wanted to give them their flu shot in the butt....lol. No thanks, the arm is fine.



I think the biggest hurdle for men entering this field is the payscale! A lot of men are going into RN programs but it wouldn't be easy for a man to support a family on a MA pay in many areas.

Lorraine

Lorraine

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? yes