A Career in Medical Assisting

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

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What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are important members of the healthcare team. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks in physicians’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Medical assistants must be able to work well under pressure, as they often have to juggle many tasks at once. They must also be able to work well with others, as they often interact with patients, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.

While most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, some have completed postsecondary education programs that award a certificate or diploma. Some states have certification programs for medical assistants.

Duties of a medical assistant

A medical assistant is a person who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in a clinic setting. They perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, including taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, collecting and processing laboratory specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, administering medications and injections, scheduling appointments, assisting with minor surgical procedures, providing patient education and instruction on wound care and other medical treatments.

In order to perform their duties effectively, medical assistants must have a strong understanding of Medical Terminology administrative procedures and clinical techniques. They must be able to work well under pressure and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. They must also be able to effectively communicate with patients, families and other members of the healthcare team.

Education and training requirements

Education and training requirements for medical assistants vary by state and employer. Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate, diploma or associate degree from an accredited program. Some states have certification programs for medical assistants.

There are many accredited medical assistant programs that can be completed in as little as one year. These programs typically include classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. Classroom instruction covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, transcription, office procedures and insurance billing. Clinical instruction provides students with the opportunity to work with patients under the supervision of a licensed health care provider.

Some employers prefer to hire medical assistants who have earned professional certification, which can demonstrate competence and commitment to the profession. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is awarded by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To qualify for the CMA examination, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assistant program and complete an internship or externship. Candidates must also pass a criminal background check and meet other eligibility requirements.

Certification

Medical assistants can become certified through an accredited program. Some states require certification, while others do not. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers a voluntary certification exam for medical assistants. To be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and completed an internship or externship. Candidates who have not completed a medical assisting program but have worked as a medical assistant for five years or more may also be eligible to sit for the exam.

Salary and job outlook

Medical assistants are among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations, which is 4%.

As the demand for medical services grows, so does the need for medical assistants. These workers will be needed to perform administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals and clinics.

The median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019. The BLS notes that the top 10% of earners made more than $50,410, while the bottom 10% earned less than $24,280.

Job satisfaction

Job satisfaction is often described as how content an individual is with his or her job. The Medical Assisting profession has frequently been ranked as one of the most satisfying careers. A medical assistant career offers a great deal of satisfaction because it allows the practitioner to have a direct hand in improving patients’ lives and providing them with quality health care.

Pros and cons

Those interested in a career in medical assisting should be aware of the Pros and Cons associated with the job.

On the plus side, medical assistants are in high demand, with employment opportunities expected to grow by 29% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 In addition, medical assistants make a comfortable living, with a median annual salary of $31,540 in 2017.2 And many medical assistants have generous benefits packages, including health insurance and paid vacation days.

On the downside, medical assisting can be a demanding job, both physically and emotionally. Medical assistants may have to lift or turn disabled patients, for example, and they must be able to handle the stress of seeing sick and injured people on a daily basis. Some medical assistants work long hours, including evenings and weekends.

Work-life balance

Medical assisting is a popular and growing career choice, and it’s not hard to see why. Medical assistants enjoy many benefits, including a good work-life balance.

Medical assistants typically work regular hours in well-lit and clean medical offices, clinics, or hospitals. They may work evenings or weekends on occasion, but for the most part, their hours are very reasonable. This makes it possible to have a good work-life balance.

In addition to having reasonable hours, medical assistants also have the potential to earn a good wage. Medical assistants typically earn more than the national average wage for all occupations, and they often receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation days.

Advancement opportunities

Advancement opportunities for medical assistants are limited. Most medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks under the direct supervision of an physician or other health care professional. With experience, some medical assistants may become office managers, medical transcriptionists or insurance billing and coding specialists. Some states allow medical assistants to perform more advanced procedures, such as giving injections or removing sutures; however state law varies regarding the extent of these expanded duties.

Why choose a career in medical assisting?

There are many reasons to choose a career in medical assisting. The job outlook for medical assistants is positive, with an expected growth of 29% from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means that there will be an estimated 176,600 new jobs added during that time frame.

In addition to the strong job growth, medical assistants earn a median annual salary of $31,540. And, as the healthcare industry continues to grow and change, medical assistants will be needed to perform a variety of tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

If you’re interested in a career in healthcare but don’t want to commit to years of schooling, becoming a medical assistant may be the perfect option for you. Medical assistants must complete a formal education program, but many programs can be completed in as little as one year.

So why not start your career in medical assisting today? With strong job growth and a median salary that’s higher than the national average, there are many reasons to choose this growing field.