Have you considered a career in the allied health field but don’t know where to get started? If so, a medical assistant career might be your calling. Whether you are a new high school graduate or are ready for a career change, there are many compelling reasons why you should consider a career in medical assisting.
You Can Begin a Medical Assistant Career In a Short Time
A medical assistant career is one that you can begin quickly, especially when compared to other fields within the healthcare industry. Diploma and Associate degree programs in Medical Assisting are both available and regardless of which option you choose, you will likely complete your training in as little as two years. This education is fundamental to providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. Plus, many programs offer externships, allowing you to get real-life training in a medical setting. That will provide for a seamless transition into a career as a medical assistant.
Medical Assistants are Challenged Daily
When you work as a medical assistant, no two days will ever be the same. You’ll meet with new patients on a daily basis, interviewing them to record their medical history and the purpose of their visit. You may take blood pressure readings and review other vital signs and discuss symptoms. There is also an administrative component to this job, so you might find yourself filing insurance forms, scheduling appointments, and conducting arrangements for hospital admissions. This fast-paced job will be a consistent challenge.
You Can Work Where You Want
As a medical assistant, you won’t be boxed into one particular employment setting. The field is varied, so there are many different settings in which you can find a job. Hospitals and clinics are arguably the most common, but specialty practices also need trained medical assistants. Retirement communities, chiropractic clinics, and medical labs are all examples of the varied environments in which you can work.
Medical Assistants Have Great Job Security
In the past, the U.S. has gone through tough economic times. These are times when many people lost their jobs, and unemployment rates soared. Fortunately, this is not an anticipated concern with a medical assistant career. The healthcare industry is only expected to grow, and aging Baby Boomers will need highly qualified medical professionals in the future. Specifically, medical assistant employment is estimated to grow around 18%, which is much faster than most occupations through 2030.
Medical Assistants Earn a Decent Salary
If you want an exciting job that also allows you to support your family, a medical assisting career may be the one for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the U.S. earned a median annual wage of $35,850 in 2020. From there, you will have the opportunity to grow and advance professionally. Many medical assistants continue to feel inspired to continue their education in either a clinical or administrative capacity, which will further increase your earning potential.
Enjoy Personal Rewards and Fulfillment
As a medical assistant, you’ll work with patients each day, some of whom are quite ill. These patients need a kind, caring, and knowledgeable medical professional on their side, and you can be that person. At each appointment, you’ll likely be the first medical professional that your patients see. As such, you can make a world of difference in their lives. Many professions don’t share this kind of personal fulfillment, but you’ll enjoy a rewarding career as a medical assistant where you know that you’ve made a difference.
Medical Assistant Schools
If you want to become a Medical Assistant, you will need to complete specialized training in this field.
If you want to work with people in the medical field, there are many avenues from which to choose. By further exploring the field of medical assisting with an academic advisor or career counselor, you can decide if this path is right for you. Here are some of our top picks.
- Pima Medical Institute – On-Campus
- Suny Corning – Online
- Penn Foster – Online