What’s the Outlook for Medical Assistants?
Contents
- Job outlook for medical assistants
- Duties of medical assistants
- Salary of medical assistants
- Training for medical assistants
- Certification for medical assistants
- Career paths for medical assistants
- Job satisfaction for medical assistants
- Work-life balance for medical assistants
- Pros and cons of being a medical assistant
- Advice for aspiring medical assistants
The medical assistant field is expected to grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and an increased demand for preventive medical services. As a result, there will be a greater need for Medical assistants to perform administrative and clinical tasks in physicians’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
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Job outlook for medical assistants
With the expansion of healthcare facilities and the aging Baby Boomer population, Medical Assistants will continue to be in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026 – much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in 183,600 new jobs.
Duties of medical assistants
Medical assistants are multipurpose health care practitioners who work alongside physicians, nurses and other health professionals in clinics and hospitals. They perform many of the same duties as a nurse, including taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, administering medications and injections, scheduling appointments and helping with minor surgery. In addition, medical assistants often handle clerical duties such as billing and coding, insurance paperwork and patient records.
Salary of medical assistants
Medical assistants are among the lowest-paid occupations, with a median annual salary of $28,860 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners made more than $40,880 that year, while the bottom 10% earned less than $21,370 annually. Salaries for medical assistants vary by geographic location, with those in nontropical areas generally earning more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
Training for medical assistants
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate or diploma from a medical assisting program. Some states require certification or licensure, although requirements vary by state.
Employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically last 1 year and lead to a certificate or diploma.
Some community colleges offer 2-year associate degree programs in medical assisting. Although not required, these programs can give students a broader and more in-depth knowledge of the field, which may make them more attractive to employers.
After completing a medical assisting program, graduates must pass an exam to earn certification.
Certification for medical assistants
Medical assistants are in demand and the outlook for their career is very good. Certification is voluntary, but it may give you an edge in the job market. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the Certified medical assistant (CMA) credential. In order to become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the Certifying Board of the AAMA.
Career paths for medical assistants
Medical assistants are in high demand and the profession is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology, which will require more medical assistance.
There are many paths that a career in medical assisting can take. Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or obstetrics/gynecology. Additionally, some medical assistants choose to become certified and registered in order to further their career prospects.
The steps necessary to become a medical assistant vary by state but typically include completing a postsecondary education program and passing an exam. Many states also require medical assistants to be certified by a professional organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the National Healthcare Association.
Job satisfaction for medical assistants
Most medical assistants report feeling satisfied with their jobs. In a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of respondents said they were satisfied with their current position. This is good news for those considering a career in medical assisting, as job satisfaction is often seen as a key indicator of success in any field.
There are a number of reasons why medical assistants may feel satisfied with their jobs. For one, the work can be both challenging and rewarding. Medical assistants play an important role in patient care, and they often have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. In addition, medical assistants typically enjoy good working conditions and benefits. Most positions offer health insurance and many also offer paid vacation days and other perks.
Of course, job satisfaction is not the only factor to consider when choosing a career. Medical assistants also need to be sure they are prepared to handle the challenges of the job, including long hours and exposure to sickness and injury. But for those who are up for the challenge, a career as a medical assistant can be both satisfying and rewarding.
Work-life balance for medical assistants
As a medical assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. Some medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, while others work in hospitals or clinics. The hours you’ll work will depend on the type of facility you work in. For example, if you work in a hospital, you may be required to work evenings or weekends. If you work in a physician’s office, you’ll usually have regular business hours.
The good news is that medical assistants generally have a good work-life balance. This means that you’ll have time for your family and friends outside of work. You’ll also have time to pursue your own interests and hobbies.
Pros and cons of being a medical assistant
There are pros and cons associated with being a medical assistant. Among the pros are that medical assistants generally work in physician’s offices and clinics, so they have regular daytime hours. They also may have the opportunity to learn a great deal about medical procedures and the human body.MSAs also report a high degree of job satisfaction, as they feel they are helping people and playing an important role in the healthcare team.
On the downside, medical assistants may be on their feet for long periods of time and may have to deal with stressful situations, such as seeing blood or hearing upsetting news about a patient’s condition. They also may work long hours, including evenings and weekends.
Advice for aspiring medical assistants
There is a lot of advice out there for aspiring medical assistants. But what does the future really hold for medical assistants?
Here’s what we know: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in large part to an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services.
As the population ages, more people will need medical care, and as the number of people with health insurance increases, more people will have access to care. Medical assistants will be needed to perform routine tasks and support doctors and other healthcare professionals.