5 Reasons to Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant

Considering a career as a medical assistant? Here are 5 reasons to get on board! From job satisfaction to a solid salary, find out why a medical assistant career might be the right fit for you.

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Reasons to Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand and play a vital role in the healthcare industry. If you are considering a career in healthcare, here are five reasons to consider becoming a medical assistant

1. Medical assistants are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

2. Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that keep medical offices and clinics running smoothly.

3. Medical assistants can earn a good salary. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019.

4. Medical assistants have good job prospects. In addition to the overall growth of the healthcare industry, many medical assistants will be needed to replace those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

5. Medical assisting is a rewarding career. Medical assistants make a difference in the lives of patients and their families every day. If you are interested in helping people and making a difference in the healthcare industry, then becoming a medical assistant may be the right career choice for you!

The Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant

Are you thinking about a career in the medical field? If so, you may want to consider becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants perform many important tasks, such as taking vital signs, administering shots, and helping patients understand their treatment options.

Becoming a medical assistant has many benefits. Here are five reasons to consider a career as a medical assistant:

1. Medical assistants are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026—much faster than the average for all occupations. This increase in demand is due to a number of factors, such as an aging population and an increase in the number of physician’s offices and outpatient care facilities.

2. Medical assistants can earn a good salary. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2016. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $45,710, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $22,540.

3. Medical assistants don’t need a degree . Although some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program , many do not require it . This means that you can start working as a medical assistant without incurring the expense of completing a degree program .

4 . Medical assisting is a versatile career . Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings , such as hospitals , physician’s offices , clinics , and long-term care facilities . This means that you can find a job that fits your lifestyle and preferences .

5 . You can make a difference as a medical assistant . As a medical assistant , you will have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others by providing quality care and customer service . If you are looking for a career that is both rewarding and practical , then becoming a medical assistant may be right for you !

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age and begin to need more medical care, the job outlook for medical assistants is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of medical assistant jobs will grow by 29% between 2016 and 2026 — much faster than the average for all occupations.1

Here are five reasons why a career as a medical assistant may be a good fit for you:

1. You Can Have a Positive Impact on People’s Lives
As a medical assistant, you will be working directly with patients and helping them to receive the care they need. This can be a very rewarding experience, knowing that you are making a difference in people’s lives.

2. You Will Work as Part of a Healthcare Team
In most medical offices, clinics, and hospitals, you will be working as part of a team of healthcare professionals. This team could include doctors, nurses, receptionists, and billing specialists. Working as part of a team can provide you with support and allow you to collaborate with others to provide the best possible care for patients.

3. You Will Have the Opportunity to Learn New Skills
Medical assistants perform many different tasks, from taking patient vital signs to scheduling appointments. As technology advances, there are always new skills to learn — which can keep your job interesting and help you to advance your career.

4. You Can Work in Many Different Settings
Medical assistants can find employment in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and even cruise ships! This means that you have many options when it comes to finding a job that suits your lifestyle.

5. The Job Outlook is Excellent
As mentioned above, the job outlook for medical assistants is excellent — meaning that now is a great time to enter this growing field!

The Salary of a Medical Assistant

The salary of a medical assistant is one of the most important considerations when thinking about a career in this field. Here are five reasons why:

1) Medical assistants are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026, driven by the growth of the aging baby-boom population and their increasing demand for healthcare services.

2) Medical assistants are paid relatively well. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $31,540 in 2016, which is higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.

3) Medical assistants have good job prospects. In addition to being in high demand, medical assistants also have good job prospects. The vast majority of medical assistants (88 percent) were employed full time in 2016, and most worked in doctors’ offices or hospitals.

4) Medical assistants can advance their careers. Many medical assistants take on additional responsibilities over time, such as office manager or medical billing specialist. With experience, medical assistants may also be able to find jobs in other healthcare settings, such as nursing homes or outpatient care centers. Additionally, some medical assistants go on to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.

5) Medical assisting is a growing field. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the need for medical assistants. This is due to an aging population and an increase in chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

The Education and Training Required to Become a Medical Assistant

In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many medical assistants also have some postsecondary education, although it is not always required. Some community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals offer programs that lead to a certificate or diploma in medical assisting. These programs usually take about one year to complete and include coursework in Medical Terminology anatomy, physiology, and other topics related to the healthcare field. Some programs also include an externship component that allows students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

After completing an accredited program, you will then need to obtain certification from a professional organization such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association. Although certification is not always required, it may give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Once you have obtained your certification, you will need to renew it every few years by completing continuing education courses or passing an exam.