If you want to start your career in healthcare, becoming a Medical Assistant could be an excellent choice.
In this article, we’ll give you the top 12 reasons to choose this excellent career.
However, being a medical assistant may not be the right fit for everyone. So, we’ll also discuss the top 5 reasons to avoid this career.
Moreover, we’ll discuss the medical assistants, their job duties, and the skills medical assistants need to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
So, let’s get started.
What is a Medical Assistant?
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who works alongside physicians, nurses, and other medical staff to provide patient care and perform administrative duties.
Medical assistants help ensure that healthcare facilities run smoothly by handling a variety of tasks, from clinical duties like taking vital signs to administrative responsibilities like managing patient records.
This role is crucial for the effective operation of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
Medical assistants have a diverse range of duties depending on their workplace and specialization. These duties fall into two main categories: clinical and administrative.
List of their Job Duties:
- Taking patient vitals like blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate
- Preparing patients for examinations or procedures
- Assisting doctors during medical exams or treatments
- Administering medications or injections (as per state laws)
- Managing patient records and filing medical documents
- Scheduling appointments and handling billing
- Collecting lab specimens and conducting basic lab tests
Skills of a Medical Assistant
To effectively carry out their responsibilities, medical assistants need a well-rounded skill set.
These skills include technical abilities for clinical work, organizational skills for administrative tasks, and interpersonal skills for dealing with patients.
Here are their Top Skills:
Clinical Skills
This includes – phlebotomy, administering injections, performing EKGs, and taking vitals.
Administrative Skills
This includes – data entry, medical billing, appointment scheduling, and patient record management.
Soft Skills
This includes – communication, empathy, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
Medical assistants must be adaptable, as they often juggle a wide range of tasks while maintaining patient care quality.
Top 12 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant
The Medical Assistant profession offers a balance of hands-on patient care and administrative duties, making it a dynamic and rewarding job.
With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, medical assistants are needed more than ever.
Whether you want flexibility, a fast track to entering the medical field, or a fulfilling job helping others, there are many compelling reasons to pursue this path.
Here are the top 12 reasons why you should consider becoming a medical assistant:
#1 Less Education Required/Low Entry Barrier
One of the most attractive aspects of becoming a medical assistant is the relatively low educational requirements.
According to the BLS, you can enter the field without a four-year degree, unlike many healthcare professions.
Some states may not require formal education, allowing for on-the-job training.
Unlike many healthcare professions that require years of schooling, you can typically become a medical assistant by enrolling in a certificate program, associate degree program, or online self-paced program.
These programs usually take about 6 to 12 months to complete, making it an accessible option for many individuals.
#2 Possibility of Quick Online Certification
In today’s digital age, the option to obtain certification online has made becoming a medical assistant even more accessible.
Many reputed institutions offer online medical assistant programs that can be completed in as little as 4-6 months.
This flexibility allows students to balance their education with other responsibilities, such as work or family commitments.
While online certification is convenient, it’s important to ensure that the program is accredited and recognized by potential employers in your area.
A standout option is Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program. It is receiving high recommendations from industry professionals, due to the numerous perks they offer.
It offers a flexible, online self-paced learning model, allowing you to study at your convenience, making it easier to balance your education with other commitments.
Upon completing the program, you’ll earn a University Certificate of Completion from the well-recognized Auburn University, boosting your credentials.
At a cost of just $1,599, this program is highly affordable and could be completed in as little as 4 months, so you could enter the workforce quickly.
Additionally, the program includes an externship opportunity, providing you with real-world experience, and offers 24/7 support for any academic or career-related assistance.
Most importantly, with Preppy you could become CCMA certification-ready, setting you up to succeed as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.
So, if you’re looking for a fast-track entry into the medical assistant profession, Preppy’s Self-Paced Program could be a great choice!
#3 Good Job Outlook
The job outlook for medical assistants is very promising. According to the BLS, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This translates to about 119,800 job openings each year on average over the next decade.
This growth is primarily driven by the aging baby boomer population and the increasing demand for preventive medical services.
As healthcare facilities expand, the need for medical assistants will continue to rise.
#4 Decent Pay
While medical assisting is an entry-level position in healthcare, it offers a decent salary, especially considering the relatively low educational requirements.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, the median annual wage for Medical Assistants was around $42,000, with top earners making more than $56,480 per year, and the lower earners making less than $33,500 per year.
However, their salary can vary based on various factors such as certification, location, experience, and specialization.
For instance, medical assistants working in educational or research roles tend to earn more than those in physicians’ offices.
#5 Flexible Schedule
Many medical assistants enjoy flexible work schedules. While some work full-time, others have part-time or evening shifts.
This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for those balancing work with family responsibilities or continuing education.
According to Indeed, about 29% of medical assistant jobs offer flexible scheduling options. This can include part-time work, job sharing, or compressed workweeks.
#6 Ability to Help Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a medical assistant is the opportunity to help others. They play a crucial role in patient care.
Whether drawing blood, prepping patients for exams, or simply offering a reassuring smile, the role is patient-centered and highly rewarding.
They can make a significant difference in patients’ lives by providing compassionate care, explaining procedures, and ensuring patient comfort.
This aspect of the job can lead to high job satisfaction. Many medical assistants report feeling fulfilled by their ability to positively impact patients’ health and well-being.
#7 Fast-Paced Work Environment
For those who thrive in dynamic environments, medical assisting offers a fast-paced and varied workday.
No two days are exactly alike, as medical assistants handle a range of responsibilities from administrative tasks to clinical duties.
This fast pace can make the workday fly by and keep the job interesting and engaging.
#8 Variety of Work Environments
Medical assistants can work in a wide variety of settings. Each environment offers unique challenges and experiences, allowing you to find a setting that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
While many work in physicians’ offices, others find employment in hospitals, outpatient care centers, chiropractors’ offices, and other healthcare facilities.
According to the BLS, as of 2023:
- 56% of medical assistants worked in physicians’ offices
- 16% worked in hospitals
- 9% worked in outpatient care centers
- 8% in Offices of other health practitioners
#9 Working in Many Specialties
Medical assistants have the opportunity to work in various medical specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics, cardiology to dermatology.
This allows for continuous learning and the ability to find a niche that aligns with personal interests.
Specializing in a particular field can also lead to higher pay and more advanced career opportunities.
#10 Perform a Variety of Tasks
The role of a medical assistant is multifaceted, combining both administrative and clinical duties.
On any given day, a medical assistant might:
- Schedule appointments and handle billing
- Prepare patients for examinations or procedures
- Assist physicians during procedures
- Perform basic laboratory tests
- Administer medications as directed by physicians
This variety of tasks keeps the job interesting and allows medical assistants to develop a broad skill set.
#11 Good Experience for Advanced Healthcare Careers
Many individuals use medical assisting as a stepping stone to more advanced healthcare careers.
The experience gained as a medical assistant can be invaluable for those pursuing careers as nurses, physician assistants, or other healthcare professionals.
It provides a solid foundation in patient care, medical terminology, and healthcare operations.
#12 Become a Medical Assistant Instructor
Becoming a medical assistant can also pave the way for a career in education. If you’re passionate about teaching and helping others achieve their career goals, transitioning into a medical assistant instructor role can be a fulfilling option.
In the U.S., there are many training programs for aspiring medical assistants, available in formats like in-person or online learning.
With the growing need for qualified healthcare professionals, experienced medical assistants are highly valued for their expertise in training future professionals and shaping the next generation in the field.
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Becoming a Medical Assistant
Medical assistant can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for many but it is certainly not the right career for everyone.
Despite the advantages, there are several potential downsides to consider before committing to this profession.
Here are the top 5 reasons why some may want to avoid becoming a medical assistant:
#1 Few Advancement Opportunities
One of the primary drawbacks of a medical assistant career is the limited opportunities for advancement.
While medical assistants can gain valuable experience, their career paths often plateau unless they pursue further education.
Unlike other healthcare roles like registered nurses or physician assistants, becoming a medical assistant doesn’t naturally lead to higher-level positions without additional schooling or certifications.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants often need to return to school for programs like nursing or specialized healthcare training to move up the career ladder.
#2 Can be Stressful
Stress is another major factor to consider in this career. Medical assistants work in fast-paced environments like hospitals and clinics, where patient needs can be urgent and high-volume.
Dealing with sick or distressed patients, managing multiple tasks at once, and adhering to tight schedules can make the job mentally and physically exhausting.
According to data from Indeed, many medical assistants report high levels of job stress, especially when handling critical medical situations or working in understaffed facilities.
The pressure to meet deadlines while maintaining patient care standards adds to this stress.
#3 May Need to Draw Blood
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of performing clinical tasks like drawing blood or handling bodily fluids, both of which are often part of a medical assistant’s job.
In many clinics and hospitals, medical assistants are expected to perform phlebotomy, take blood samples, and prepare them for laboratory testing.
While not all positions require this skill, it’s important to know that it may be a requirement in many workplaces.
This task can be particularly daunting for individuals with a fear of needles or those who feel uneasy dealing with such procedures.
#4 May Need to Be on Your Feet a Lot
Medical assistants are often required to be on their feet for long periods, moving between patient rooms, assisting doctors, and completing clinical tasks.
This constant activity can be physically demanding, especially in busy settings like hospitals or outpatient clinics.
Standing for extended periods can lead to discomfort and even health issues like back pain or foot problems over time.
While some medical assistants enjoy the fast pace and movement, it’s something to consider if you’re someone who prefers a more sedentary work environment.
#5 May Have to Work Longer Hours
Lastly, depending on where you work, medical assistants may have to work long or irregular hours.
Many hospitals and urgent care facilities require their staff to be available during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
These long or unpredictable hours can make it challenging to maintain a work-life balance, particularly for those with families or other responsibilities.
While clinics and private practices often offer more standard hours, those in hospital settings may face shifts that extend beyond the typical 8-hour workday.
According to the BLS, about 30% of medical assistants work part-time, but full-time assistants may have to work longer shifts to meet patient needs.
In Conclusion
While there are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant, such as entering the workforce quickly and working in a healthcare environment, the job does come with its challenges.
If these aspects of the job don’t align with your career goals or personal preferences, it may be worth exploring other options in the healthcare field.
Ultimately, medical assisting is an excellent choice for those looking to start or change their career in the healthcare field.
If you’re looking for an online, self-paced program, then check out Preppy’s Medical Assistant Program.
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