Considering a Medical Assistant Career? Here’s What You Need to Know

Considering a career in medical assisting? Here’s what you need to know about job outlook, salary, and training requirements.

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Considering a medical assistant Career?

It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you commit to a career as a medical assistant Here’s what you need to know.

What You Need to Know

Medical assistants perform many different administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of Medical Assistants vary from office to office, but there are some common tasks that most medical assistants perform.

If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, here is what you need to know:

-Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some have completed postsecondary education programs.
-Most states do not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified.
-Medical assistants typically complete a one-year or two-year postsecondary education program.
-Most medical assistants work in physician’s offices, but they also work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
-Medical assistants typically work full time, but some may work part time.
-Medical assistants generally work during regular business hours, but they may occasionally work evenings or weekends.

The Pros and Cons of a Medical Assistant Career

A medical assistant career can be a great option for those interested in working in the medical field. Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks, including administrative duties, patient care, and lab work. They work closely with doctors and other medical staff to provide quality care to patients.

There are many benefits to pursuing a career as a medical assistant. First, it is a very stable profession. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between now and 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This projected growth is due in part to an aging population that will need more medical care as they live longer.

In addition, medical assistant jobs offer good pay and benefits. The median salary for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2015, according to the BLS. And most medical assistants have access to health insurance and other benefits through their employer.

However, there are also some challenges associated with being a medical assistant. The job can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Medical assistants often have to deal with sick or injured patients, which can be stressful. They also may have to work long hours or overtime on occasion.

The Education and Training Required for a Medical Assistant Career

In order to pursue a career as a medical assistant, you will need to complete a formal education and training program. There are many different medical assistant programs available, so it is important that you choose one that is accredited and offers the courses that you need.

Most medical assistant programs will take between one and two years to complete. During your program, you will take courses on topics such as Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, and patient care. You will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through an externship or internship.

Once you have completed your medical assistant program, you will need to pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam in order to become certified. Once you are certified, you will be able to find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, such as doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals.

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

The job outlook for medical assistants is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely due to an aging population and the resulting increase in the number of medical procedures and office visits.

Medical assistants perform many routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but they generally include taking and recording patient medical histories, measuring patients’ vital signs, preparing blood tests and X-rays, explaining treatment procedures to patients, scheduling patient appointments, handling correspondence, billing, transcribing physicians’ orders, and preparing patients for examination.

Becoming a medical assistant usually requires completing an accredited educational program; however, some states allow graduates of non-accredited programs to sit for certification exams. Although not required in all states, certification can demonstrate competence in the field and may provide a jobseeker with a competitive advantage.

The Salary for Medical Assistants

One of the most common questions people have when considering a career as a medical assistant is, “How much can I expect to earn?” The salary for medical assistants can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, location, and the type of facility they work in.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,480 in 2016. The lowest 10% earned less than $23,860, and the highest 10% earned more than $46,680.

Salaries also vary by location. Medical assistants in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas. For example, medical assistants in New York City earn a median salary of $39,520, while those in Montgomery, Alabama earn a median salary of $28,700.

The type of facility you work in can also affect your salary. Medical assistants who work in hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in doctor’s offices or clinics. For example, medical assistants who work in hospitals in New York City earn a median salary of $41,710, while those who work in doctor’s offices earn a median salary of $35,430.

Experience is another factor that can affect your salary as a medical assistant. Medical assistants with more experience tend to earn more than those with less experience. In general, salaries increase with experience until you reach about 10 years of experience. After that point, salaries tend to level off.

So how much can you expect to earn as a medical assistant? The answer depends on a number of factors including experience, location, and the type of facility you work in. With so many variables at play, it’s impossible to say for sure how much you’ll make – but the median annual salary for medical assistants was $32

The Best States for Medical Assistants

The best states for medical assistants, according to our research, are Nevada, Washington, and Alaska.

These are the states where medical assistants have the highest average salaries, the most job opportunities, and the best working conditions.

Nevada:
In Nevada, medical assistants earn an average salary of $37,710 per year. There are 1,650 medical assistant jobs in the state, which is a 7.6% increase from 2019. The cost of living in Nevada is 3.4% below the national average.

Washington:
In Washington state, medical assistants earn an average salary of $38,370 per year. There are 8,070 medical assistant jobs in Washington state, which is a 13% increase from 2019. The cost of living in Washington is 4% below the national average.

Alaska:
In Alaska, medical assistants earn an average salary of $41,560 per year. There are 1,040 medical assistant jobs in Alaska state, which is a 5% increase from 2019. The cost of living in Alaska is 14% above the national average.

The Worst States for Medical Assistants

The medical assisting profession is projected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. in fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 29% increase in jobs for medical assistants between 2016 and 2026. that’s nearly double the average growth rate for all occupations!

With such strong job prospects, you might be considering a career as a medical assistant. But where you live can make a big difference in your career prospects and earnings potential. So, which states are the best—and worst—for medical assistants?

To find out, we looked at data on job growth, median salaries, and cost of living for medical assistants in all 50 states. Here’s what we found:

The Top Cities for Medical Assistants

There are many great reasons to pursue a career in medical assisting, and one of them is that it offers the opportunity to work in a variety of locations. If you’re interested in exploring different parts of the country or even the world, a medical assistant career may be perfect for you.

There are many different factors to consider when choosing a location for your medical assistant career. Some people prefer to be in a large city, while others prefer a smaller community. Some people want to live in an area with a lot of cultural attractions, while others prefer an area with more natural beauty. Regardless of your preferences, there are sure to be some great options for you.

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top cities for medical assistants. Each of these cities has its own unique benefits, so be sure to do your research and find the one that’s right for you.

Atlanta, GA
Boston, MA
Chicago, IL
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
Miami, FL
New York, NY
Philadelphia PA

The Bottom Cities for Medical Assistants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population and their increasing demand for health care services will create more opportunities for Center.

With an agingBaby Boomer population and an increasingly complex health care system, the demand for medical assistants is expected to be higher than ever in the coming years. If you’re considering a career in this field, now is the time to start your research. Here are a few things you should know about medical assistant salaries, job outlook, and working conditions in different parts of the country.

According to the BLS, the metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels for medical assistants as of May 2017 were:
-New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA: 38,610
-Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: 36,460
-Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI: 25,980
-Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX: 23,980
-“Minneapolis-St. Paul throw Roseville or Bloomington” MN : 21 890