Can You Get a Good Job as a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree?

Medical assistants are in high demand and the job outlook is very positive. With an associate degree, you should have no problem finding a good job as a medical assistant In fact, many employers prefer to hire Medical Assistants with an associate degree over those with just a high school diploma.

The Pros and Cons of an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting

An associate degree in medical assisting is a popular choice for those interested in beginning a career in the medical field. But what are the pros and cons of this type of degree?

PROS
-An associate degree in medical assisting can be completed in as little as two years.
-The cost of an associate degree is typically lower than the cost of a bachelor’s degree.
-Medical assistants with an associate degree often have an opportunity to earn more money than those with just a high school diploma.

CONS
-An associate degree may not be sufficient for some positions, such as those that require certification or registration.
-In some states, employers may prefer to hire medical assistants with a bachelor’s degree.

The Job Market for Medical Assistants with an Associate Degree

There is a lot of demand for medical assistants with an associate degree. Most hospitals and clinics are willing to hire them, and the pay is pretty good. However, there are some downsides to this job market. For one thing, the hours can be long, and the work can be very stressful. You also have to be able to handle a lot of paperwork and keep track of medical records

The Salary of a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

The average salary of a medical assistant with an associate degree is $32,500. The median salary is $31,540, and the top 10% of earners make more than $39,560. With an associate degree, you can expect to start out earning in the lower half of this range and earn more as you gain experience. The top earners in this field tend to have years of experience and may hold a certified medical assistant (CMA) designation.

The Career Path of a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

Medical assistants with an associate degree can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. They perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other medical professionals.

With an associate degree in medical assisting, you will be prepared to take on a variety of responsibilities, such as greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and collecting and preparing laboratory specimens. You may also be responsible for taking medical histories and recording vital signs, as well as assisting with examinations and routine procedures.

The Training Required for a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

In order to become a medical assistant, you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete an accredited medical assistant program, which typically takes about two years to finish. After completing your medical assistant program, you will need to take a certification exam in order to be fully certified and licensed to work as a medical assistant.

The Certification Required for a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

In most states, medical assistants are not required to have a certification or license. However, many employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, and some states have certification programs for medical assistants. If you have an associate degree in medical assisting, you may be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and completed a minimum of five years of work experience as a medical assistant.

The Skills Required for a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

There are three main types of medical assistant programs: diploma, certificate, and associate degree. Although a medical assistant with an associate degree may have more career options open to them, all medical assistants need to possess certain skills in order to be successful in the field.

First and foremost, medical assistants must be excellent communicators. They will be working with patients on a daily basis and need to be able to explain procedures, give instructions, and answer any questions the patient may have. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

In addition to being good communicators, medical assistants must also have strong organizational skills. They will be responsible for keeping track of patients’ Medical records and scheduling appointments. If they do not have good organizational skills, it could result in them forgetting important information or making errors that could jeopardize the care the patient receives.

Lastly, medical assistants need to have good people skills. They will be dealing with patients who are often feeling anxious or scared. It is important that they are able to put the patients at ease and make them feel comfortable. If they are not able to do this, it could negatively impact the care the patient receives.

The Personality Traits of a Successful Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

There are certain personality traits that are common in successful medical assistants with associate degrees. If you are thinking of pursuing this career, it is important to see if you have these qualities.

First and foremost, successful medical assistants with associate degrees tend to be compassionate. They understand the importance of providing quality care to patients and families. They also have a strong desire to help others.

In addition, successful medical assistants with associate degrees tend to be detail-oriented. They understand the importance of being accurate in their work. They also have excellent organizational skills.

Finally, successful medical assistants with associate degrees tend to be good communicators. They understand the importance of being able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

How to Succeed as a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree

Medical assistants with an associate degree can find work in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. They perform many administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, taking medical histories, and assisting with examinations.

To succeed as a medical assistant with an associate degree, it is important to have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work well under pressure. It is also important to be detail-oriented and have good organizational skills. Although not required, certification may give applicants an edge when competing for jobs.

Can You Get a Good Job as a Medical Assistant with an Associate Degree?