If you are interested in starting your career as a medical assistant, you must be wondering if it is a good career choice.
So, in this article, we’ll try to help you decide if a medical assistant is a good career or not.
We’ll also discuss the facts that you should know before deciding on this career.
Plus, we’ll also talk about the 3 most important things that employers seek from fresh medical assistants. If you have these 3 things, you could consider yourself job-ready.
Besides that, we’ll discuss a self-paced medical assistant training program that could make you job-ready as a medical assistant without going to college or without any student loan debt.
So, let’s get started.
Why Medical Assistant is a Good Career Choice?
Becoming a medical assistant offers many advantages, making it an appealing career option for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly.
As a medical assistant, you’ll have the chance to work alongside doctors and nurses, play a key role in patient care, and experience variety in your workday.
Here’s why choosing this career could be a smart decision:
#1 Easy Entry
One of the most appealing aspects of becoming a medical assistant is that it doesn’t require years of schooling or an expensive medical degree.
Most medical assistant programs only take 9 to 12 months to complete, with some offering even faster routes through online certifications.
Unlike other healthcare professions, you can start working in the field with just a diploma or certificate, bypassing the long and expensive education paths that many other medical careers might require.
#2 Quick Certification Process
The certification process for medical assistants is straightforward and relatively fast.
You can become certified through a reputable organization, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
This exam ensures that you are prepared to handle both clinical and administrative tasks in a healthcare setting.
Most certification programs can be completed in under a year, allowing you to start your career faster.
#3 Great Job Outlook and Security
Medical assistants are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% job growth from 2023 to 2033.
This demand is driven by an aging population and the need for healthcare facilities to operate efficiently.
As more healthcare providers open practices or expand services, the need for medical assistants increases, offering job security and plenty of opportunities.
#4 Good Pay and Benefits
While becoming a medical assistant requires less education, it still offers a decent salary.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, the median annual salary 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.
This is a decent salary and is far better than most careers in the healthcare field.
In addition to the competitive salary, medical assistants often receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans, contributing to the overall appeal of the profession.
#5 Flexible Schedule
Medical assistants often have the luxury of choosing a schedule that fits their lifestyle. Since medical facilities operate at various hours, there are opportunities for full-time, part-time, or flexible shifts.
This is particularly attractive for those who may need to balance work with family or educational commitments. Whether you want to work mornings, evenings, or weekends, there are plenty of scheduling options available.
#6 Variety of Jobs
As a medical assistant, you have the opportunity to work in different healthcare settings, from private practices and hospitals to outpatient care facilities.
You can also specialize in specific fields like cardiology, pediatrics, or dermatology, allowing you to pursue an area that aligns with your interests. This career flexibility means you’ll never be limited to just one type of job or setting.
#7 Fast-Paced Work Environment
If you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, being a medical assistant will keep you engaged.
No two days are alike in this role, as you handle a range of duties from taking vital signs and administering injections to managing patient records and appointment scheduling.
The mix of clinical and administrative responsibilities makes the job varied and exciting.
Facts To Consider Before Choosing a Medical Assistant Career
While being a medical assistant offers several advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider before entering the profession.
So, it’s essential to weigh these cons against the benefits and determine if it aligns with your long-term career goals.
Let’s explore the cons in more detail.
#1 Fewer Advancement Opportunities
The big downside with medical assistants is the lack of upward mobility in this profession. Medical assistants often hit a ceiling in terms of career growth, especially if they stay within the same field.
Unlike nurses, medical assistants do not have many structured paths for promotions or higher positions unless they pursue additional education or transition to another medical career like nursing or radiology.
#2 Stressful Work Environment
Another limitation is that the medical assistants often work in fast-paced environments that require them to juggle multiple tasks at once, from administrative duties to assisting with patient care.
The pressure to meet the needs of both patients and healthcare providers can make the job stressful. High patient loads and long hours in a busy medical office or hospital can lead to burnout for some.
#3 Intense Physical Activity
Being a medical assistant requires long hours of standing, walking, and assisting patients with physical tasks.
For instance, moving patients, organizing equipment, or restocking medical supplies can be physically demanding.
Those who are not prepared for such physical demands might find the work exhausting and may experience physical strain over time.
#4 Broad Skills and Knowledge Requirements
Medical assistants are expected to have a wide array of skills, from clinical knowledge to administrative expertise.
This means medical assistants need to be well-versed in areas like medical coding, patient care, and administrative tasks such as scheduling and billing.
The diverse skill set can be overwhelming, especially for those who prefer to focus on one specialized area of healthcare.
Read -> Top 15 Medical Assistant Skills For Your Resume
So, Is It a Good Career Choice?
Becoming a medical assistant can be a great career choice for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly and make a difference in patients’ lives.
It offers job security, flexibility, and the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings. However, individuals must also consider the challenges, such as lower pay compared to other professions and the physical demands of the job.
Ultimately, whether medical assisting is a good career depends on your personal goals, financial expectations, and interest in healthcare.
But for those looking to gain experience and possibly advance into more specialized healthcare roles, it can serve as an excellent stepping stone.
3 Things You Need to Become Job-Ready as a Medical Assistant
Becoming a medical assistant is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the healthcare industry quickly while gaining a versatile skill set.
Medical assistants are vital in clinical and administrative roles, helping doctors and nurses manage patient care efficiently.
With a growing demand in healthcare, this career offers stable job opportunities and growth potential.
However, to be truly job-ready and competitive in this field, you must focus on three critical areas: education, experience, and certification.
Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring you are well-prepared for a successful career in the healthcare field.
#1 Education
The first step in becoming a medical assistant is acquiring the right education. There are several program options to choose from, including diplomas, associate degrees, and certificate programs.
These programs typically cover essential subjects like medical terminology, anatomy, clinical procedures, and administrative duties.
While traditional classroom-based programs are available, online programs are gaining popularity due to their many advantages.
Industry veterans often recommend online programs for their flexibility, affordability, and faster completion times.
Unlike in-person programs that require set schedules, online medical assistant courses allow you to learn at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those who need to balance education with other responsibilities like work or family.
Additionally, online programs are often more affordable, making it easier to complete your training without accumulating significant debt.
Completing an online medical assistant program can also fast-track your career, as many students finish within six months, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner.
In the next section, we’ll discuss one online, self-paced program that could make you job-ready in as little as 6 months.
#2 Experience
While education is crucial, gaining practical experience is equally important for becoming job-ready.
Employers look for candidates who have hands-on experience in a clinical setting, as it demonstrates readiness to handle the everyday challenges of a medical assistant role.
Experience helps you apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios, whether it’s taking patient vitals, handling medical records, or assisting in minor surgical procedures.
Some online programs now offer externship opportunities, which give students the chance to work in a healthcare setting while still in school.
These externships provide invaluable experience and help build your resume before you even graduate.
Additionally, participating in volunteer work or seeking out internships can further strengthen your practical skills and make you more attractive to potential employers.
The more experience you have, the more confident and competent you will be in your role.
Read -> Medical Assistant Externship
#3 Certification
Finally, obtaining certification is a critical step in becoming a job-ready medical assistant.
While not all states require certification, having credentials like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can significantly boost your employability.
Certification serves as proof that you possess the skills and knowledge necessary to perform effectively in the medical assistant role.
Many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants as it assures them that the candidate has met industry standards. Furthermore, certified medical assistants tend to earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.
Online programs that prepare students for certification exams are especially beneficial because they allow you to revisit course materials as needed, helping you feel confident and prepared for the exam.
Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program
If you’re looking for a flexible and efficient way to become a certified medical assistant, Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program could be a standout choice.
Here are the top features of Preppy –
Online and Self-paced
One of the biggest benefits of this program is its flexibility. Since it’s fully online and self-paced, you could go through the material at a speed that works best for you.
This makes it easier to manage your time and fit your education around your personal life, balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.
University Certificate
Upon completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of course completion from Auburn University, an accredited institution.
Having this certification not only adds credibility to your qualifications but also enhances your resume, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Externship Opportunity
Preppy offers an externship opportunity at a local medical facility, allowing you to gain real-world experience while applying the skills you’ve learned during the course.
This practical experience is invaluable, giving you a taste of the day-to-day responsibilities of a medical assistant.
You Could Become CCMA Ready
Preppy’s curriculum is meticulously designed to meet industry standards, so you could become ready for the NHA’s CCMA certification exam.
Being certified could significantly boost your career prospects, as employers often prefer or require certification. It proves that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in your role.
Faster Completion
Unlike traditional programs that can take over a year, Preppy’s course could be completed in as little as six months.
This could allow you to enter the workforce quickly and start gaining experience and income faster than other training options.
Affordable Pricing
At just $1,599, this program is incredibly affordable compared to other medical assistant training programs.
This price helps minimize the financial burden while still providing top-quality education and training.
24*7 Support
Preppy offers 24/7 support for both technical and course-related queries.
Whether you need help with course materials or advice on job placement, the support team is available to assist you throughout your journey.
Big Bonus
Right now, Preppy is offering an exciting bonus when you enroll in our Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program—you have the chance to receive a free laptop!
This laptop is yours to keep even after you complete the course. It’s a great perk that not only supports you in your studies but also provides a long-term resource for your future career.
In addition to their flexible learning structure, accredited certification, and externship opportunities, this bonus makes Preppy’s program even more valuable for anyone looking to kickstart their medical assistant career.
In Conclusion
So, becoming a medical assistant is an excellent career choice for those seeking a rewarding healthcare role without years of expensive schooling.
With a quick certification process, strong job outlook, and competitive pay, it becomes an exciting option for those who enjoy helping others while thriving in dynamic workspaces.
Ultimately, if you are really interested in starting this career and wish to become job-ready as a medical assistant in as little as 6 months, then you should check out Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Assistant Training Program.
Also Read:
-> If I Was Starting Over as a Medical Assistant, Here’s What I’d Do!
-> How To Become a Medical Assistant in 2025
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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