Is Becoming a Medical Assistant Worth It?

Considering a career in the medical field? Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a medical assistant from job duties to salary expectations.

Checkout this video:

Considering a career in medical assisting? Here’s what you need to know.

Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Medical Assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 With this growth comes good news for those considering a career in medical assisting: overall, medical assistants earn good wages and enjoy excellent job prospects.

However, as with any career, becoming a medical assistant has its challenges. Medical assistants must be able to handle sometimes emotional situations, work well under pressure, have strong organizational skills, and be able to effectively communicate with patients and medical staff. In addition, medical assistants must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time and have good manual dexterity.

If you are considering a career in medical assisting, it is important to do your research and make sure that it is the right fit for you. Here are some things to consider:

-Education and Training: Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification.2 Medical assistants typically complete a one-year or two-year program at a community college, vocational school, or technical school that results in a certificate or diploma. Some states require certification for certain tasks performed by medical assistants.
-Salary: The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.3 The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,280 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,540.
-Job Prospects: Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2019 to 2029 as the healthcare industry continues to grow due to technological advances and an aging population.1
-Work Schedule: Many medical assistants work full time, although about 1 in 5 worked part time in 2019. Medical assistants often work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules.
-Location: Mostmedical assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare facilities.4

The pros and cons of a career in medical assisting.

Medical assistants perform many vital functions in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They are often the first point of contact for patients, so they play an important role in customer service and patient relations. They also perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records and billing insurance companies. In some states, they may also be allowed to perform certain clinical tasks such as taking patient histories and measuring vital signs.

The job outlook for medical assistants is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is being driven by the increasing number of older Americans who need more medical care as they live longer and healthier lives.

There are several things to consider before embarking on a career in medical assisting. First, it is important to make sure you have the necessary skills and aptitude for the job. Medical assistants must be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure. They must also have good interpersonal skills since they will be dealing with patients on a daily basis. Second, you need to decide whether you want to work in a hospital or other healthcare facility or in a private doctor’s office. Each setting has its own advantages and disadvantages. Third, you need to make sure you are comfortable with the salary range for medical assistants. Although pay varies depending on experience, geographical location, and type of employer, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2016.*

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in healthcare, medical assisting may be a good option for you. Just be sure to do your research before making any decisions so that you can be sure it is the right career path for you.*Bureau of Labor Statistics

The job outlook for medical assistants.

The job outlook for medical assistants is promising. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that the demand for medical assistants will grow by 29% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing number of elderly Americans who will need more medical care, as well as the expanding role of medical assistants in providing care.

The salary potential for medical assistants.

Is becoming a medical assistant worth it? The answer may surprise you.

Medical assistants are in high demand, and the job market is expected to grow at a rapid pace in the coming years. That means there’s potential for a great salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2016. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $49,380, and the bottom 10 percent made less than $24,690.

So, if you’re looking for a career with potential for growth and a good salary, becoming a medical assistant is definitely worth considering.

The training and education required to become a medical assistant.

Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to start a rewarding career in the medical field. Medical assistants are invaluable members of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and other medical professionals. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, including taking patient medical histories and scheduling appointments.

To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete a formal education program. Most programs take about one year to complete, although some may take up to two years. You will also need to pass a certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have completed your training and passed the certification exam, you will be eligible to work as a medical assistant in most states.

The skills you’ll need to succeed as a medical assistant.

The skills you’ll need to succeed as a medical assistant.

In order to be a successful medical assistant, you’ll need to have strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients, as well as good communication skills to relay information between patients and doctors. You’ll also need to be detail-oriented in order to accurately maintain patient records, and organized in order to manage your time effectively. Finally, you should have a basic understanding of medical procedures and terminology. If you have these skills, becoming a medical assistant can be a great career choice for you!

The challenges you may face as a medical assistant.

Working as a medical assistant can be a rewarding and challenging career choice. As with any job, there are certain challenges that you may face while working as a medical assistant. Below are some of the most common challenges medical assistants face, as well as some tips on how to overcome them.

One of the biggest challenges medical assistants face is dealing with patients who are in pain or have other medical complaints. While it is important to be sympathetic to your patients, it is also important to remain professional and provide them with the best possible care. To overcome this challenge, it is important to stay calm and focused while caring for your patients.

Another challenge medical assistants may face is dealing with difficult co-workers. While it is impossible to please everyone, it is important to try to get along with your co-workers as much as possible. If you have difficulty getting along with someone, try to avoid conflict and resolve any issues calmly and professionally.

In addition to the challenges mentioned above, medical assistants may also face stress due to the nature of their job. Working in a fast-paced environment can be stressful, but there are ways to manage this stress. To help cope with stress, it is important to take breaks when possible, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

The rewards of a career in medical assisting.

A medical assistant career is a great choice for many people. It is a challenging and rewarding career that provides many opportunities for growth and advancement.

The rewards of a career in medical assisting are many. Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is good. They earn a good salary and benefits, and they have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings.

Medical assistants also enjoy job satisfaction. They help people every day and make a difference in the lives of their patients. If you are considering a career in medical assisting, weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if it is the right choice for you.

10 things you didn’t know about medical assisting.

In the medical field, medical assistants play a vital role in patient care and office operations. They are the link between patients and doctors, working alongside both to ensure smooth and efficient care. If you’re thinking about embarking on a career in medical assisting, here are 10 things you should know.

1. Medical assistants are in high demand.
With an aging population and the Affordable Care Act increasing access to health care the demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. You can get certified in as little as 8 months.
Unlike some other health care professions that require years of schooling, you can become a certified medical assistant (CMA) in as little as 8 months through a certificate or diploma program at a community college or technical school. Some employers may prefer candidates with an associate degree, which can be completed in about 2 years.

3. The median pay is nearly $16 an hour.
Medical assistants earned a median hourly wage of $15.76 in May 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—that’s $32,710 per year for full-time workers. And those with experience or advanced credentials can earn even more—the top 10% of CMAs made more than $21 per hour ($43,800 annually).

4. You can work in a variety of health care settings.
Medical assistants work primarily in physician’s offices, but they may also be found in hospitals, clinics, and other outpatient care centers such as ambulatory surgery centers and urgent care facilities. Some medical assistants may even work remotely—doing tasks such as scheduling appointments or calling patients to remind them of upcoming appointments—from home or another location outside of the health care facility where they are employed.

5. Your duties will vary depending on your employer’s needs.

working alongside both doctors and patients might include taking patient histories and vital signs; preparing patients for examinations; explaining procedures; assisting with minor office surgery; providing postoperative instructions; phlebotomy; EKGs; administering medication; sterilizing instruments; making laboratory appointments; handling correspondence; scheduling appointments; verifying insurance coverage; coding insurance forms; handling billing and collections; and performing general office duties such as answering telephones, stocking supplies, ordering supplies, filing charts, and greeting patients

Why becoming a medical assistant is worth it.

There are many reasons why becoming a medical assistant is worth it. Perhaps the most important reason is that medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare. They are the ones who interact with patients, take their vital signs, prepare them for examinations, and assist doctors and nurses in providing care.

In addition to being an important part of the healthcare team, medical assistants also enjoy several other benefits. They usually work regular hours in clean and well-lit offices, clinics, and hospitals. They also receive good pay and benefits, and there are opportunities for career advancement.

Of course, becoming a medical assistant is not for everyone. It requires hard work and dedication. But if you are interested in helping others and making a difference in the healthcare field, then becoming a medical assistant is definitely worth it.