Is Medical Assistant a Good Career?

Medical Assistants are healthcare workers who provide support services to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Their duties include clinical and administrative tasks, ranging from assisting physicians with bedside procedures to scheduling appointments.

But, if you’re here, you might be wondering: Is Medical Assistant a Good Career?

Medical assistance is considered to be the best career for individuals wanting to enter the healthcare industry, however, it also has some cons.

When considering pursuing a career, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of each aspect related to the profession, before starting your career.

Read on to find out all the pros and cons you would need to know about medical assistants and decide if it’s the right career for you.

Also see: What is a Medical Assistant?

Why Medical Assistant is a Good Career Choice

If you have a strong interest in the healthcare field, pursuing a career as a medical assistant can be an excellent option.

Here are some of the advantages of choosing a medical assistant career:

• Easy entry/little education required-

  Except for a few states, such as Washington, a medical assisting career does not typically require extensive education or certification.

  Also see: Medical Assistant Scope of Practice by State

  After obtaining a high school diploma or GED, you can begin applying for medical assistant positions and start working immediately. This makes it an appealing option for individuals who aspire to work in the medical field and wish to enter the workforce promptly.

  Although obtaining medical assistant certifications can enhance job prospects, there are healthcare facilities that provide on-the-job training for aspiring medical assistants, allowing them to gain the necessary skills and knowledge in a practical setting.

Also see: How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical Assistant

• Great job outlook and security-

  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of medical assisting is experiencing rapid growth and is considered one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.

  It is projected that job opportunities for medical assistants will increase by 16% by 2032. This growth rate is three times higher than the national average, indicating a strong job outlook for individuals pursuing a career in medical assisting.

• Quick certification process-

  Although certification is not mandatory, obtaining certification as a medical assistant can offer several advantages, including increased earning potential and expanded job opportunities.

  Certification programs can typically be completed in as little as four months, and there are online options available for individuals seeking more flexibility in their studies.

  By becoming certified, you can improve your qualifications, potentially earn a higher salary, and have a broader range of choices when it comes to selecting your desired workplace.

See more on: Where Can Medical Assistants Work

• Good pay and benefits-

  Medical assistants receive a competitive salary considering their educational and training requirements, with higher earnings compared to certified nursing assistants. On average, medical assistants earn approximately $7,000 more per year.

  Also, medical assistants often enjoy comprehensive benefits packages that may include paid time off, health insurance, and other valuable perks. These benefits contribute to the overall compensation and job satisfaction of medical assistants.

See: 12 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

• Can work from any location-

  Medical assistants also find employment opportunities in various locations. Whether you prefer working in bustling cities or rural communities, there is a demand for medical assistants.

  Additionally, for those seeking an adventurous career path, travel medical assisting jobs offer the opportunity to work on short contracts while exploring different parts of the country.

Also see: Medical Assistant Degree vs Certificate

• Variety of jobs-

  In addition to primary care clinics, medical assistants can be employed in a wide range of healthcare settings. Hospitals, long-term care centers, pediatric clinics, specialty clinics, and other healthcare facilities often hire medical assistants.

  This allows medical assistants to explore different areas of healthcare and find a work environment that aligns with their interests and career goals.

• Learning opportunities-

  Working as a medical assistant also provides valuable exposure to various medical conditions and procedures, making it an ideal starting point for those seeking more advanced roles in the healthcare field.

  By working closely with patients, medical assistants gain essential skills in patient care and develop a strong foundation for pursuing higher-level positions.

• Engaging work-

  As a medical assistant, you can expect a fast-paced and engaging work environment. Medical assistants stay occupied throughout their day, actively problem-solving and interacting with patients.

Read more on: Medical Assistant Benefits

Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

Even though there are many perks and benefits of being a medical assistant, there are also some cons, such as:

• Lower pay in comparison to other professions-

  Although medical assisting offers a competitive salary, it is considered an entry-level position in terms of pay. Comparable to phlebotomists, medical assistants receive a salary that reflects their level of experience and education.

  However, it’s important to note that within the healthcare field, there are opportunities for higher earning potential by pursuing further education and specialized training.

Also see: How to get Medical Assistant jobs with no experience

• Lesser advancement opportunities-

  After beginning your career as a medical assistant, advancement opportunities may be limited if you don’t pursue further education. Many medical assistants choose to work while pursuing higher education to obtain a more advanced degree and secure higher-paying positions.

  If you aspire to pursue a more advanced role within the medical assisting field, returning to school is often necessary to achieve your career goals.

See also: Medical Assistant Educational Requirements

• Stressful work-

  Working as a medical assistant involves handling people’s health and interacting with individuals who may be unwell. The clinic environment can be highly demanding and falling behind schedule can create additional challenges.

  If you do not thrive under pressure or find it difficult to manage high-stress situations, a career in medical assisting may not be the best fit for you.

• Intense physical activity-

  As a medical assistant, a significant portion of your day will be spent on your feet. Tasks such as cleaning and setting up examination rooms, delivering supplies to physicians, and escorting patients to and from rooms will require continuous physical activity.

  Being comfortable with prolonged periods of standing and engaging in various movements throughout the day is an important aspect of the job.

• Many skills and knowledge requirements-

  Medical assistants are often required to have adequate knowledge of physiology and anatomy, in addition to a variety of medical assistant skills. It is also required for them to know medical assistant terminology.

Why an Externship is Important Before Starting Your Career

Medical assistant externship provide a remarkable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the field without making a significant commitment.

During an externship, you will get the chance to shadow a medical assistant in their workplace for a shift or a few days. This will allow you to observe their daily routines, understand their responsibilities, witness the tasks they undertake, and familiarize yourself with their work environment.

One way of finding an externship is by contacting nearby doctors’ offices and clinics to inquire about the possibility of shadowing a medical assistant.

Also, you can explore the option of enrolling in a medical assistant program that offers externship opportunities, which tends to be a more convenient path.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook & Salary

The annual salary for medical assistants is approximately $37,000, equivalent to an hourly rate of $18, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, these figures can vary depending on factors such as the specific type of medical assisting pursued, geographic location, level of experience, and certification status.

Also see: Medical Assistant Job Outlook

The job outlook for medical assistants is highly promising. With a strong eagerness to learn and a diligent work ethic, you should have little difficulty securing and retaining a desirable position.

See more on: Certified Medical Assistant Salary

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREPPY’S ONLINE MEDICAL TRAINING PROGRAM HERE

Deciding if Medical Assistant is the Right Career for You

When determining whether medical assisting is a suitable choice for you, there are several factors you should consider. Take into consideration your interests, financial requirements, scheduling preferences, and long-term aspirations.

Medical assistants enjoy a decent salary, often receive favorable benefits, and benefit from strong job security. This profession offers the advantage of swift entry into the field, allowing for substantial on-the-job learning.

Medical assisting presents an excellent career path for individuals intrigued by the medical realm, regardless of whether they intend to pursue more advanced healthcare positions.

If you possess a genuine passion for continual learning, thrive in a busy environment, and derive satisfaction from aiding others, medical assisting may be an ideal fit for you.

Also read: How to Become a Medical Assistant

Conclusion

A career as a medical assistant offers a fulfilling path in healthcare. It’s a role that lets you directly impact patients’ lives while providing a mix of administrative tasks and hands-on care. With shorter training periods and promising job prospects, it’s an accessible entry into the healthcare field.

The versatility and the chance to grow make it a worthwhile choice for those passionate about helping others and seeking a rewarding healthcare career.

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