Medical Assistants Are In Demand

One reason why people are looking into this career: Healthcare employers desperately need workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow by 15 percent by 2029, adding 2.4 million jobs. The Bureau notes that this is a much faster rate than other occupational groups.

So, why is the industry growing so quickly? Most of the growth can be attributed to the aging population — as Baby Boomers reach their golden years, they require more medical care, and they’re accustomed to a higher quality of medical care than older generations.

The healthcare industry will need plenty of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, but not all medical jobs require postsecondary degrees or years of training. A typical medical assistant course takes a year or less.

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) play an important role in healthcare, taking on tasks like:

• Performing basic medical tasks like measuring vital signs
• Scheduling appointments
• Helping physicians as they examine patients
• Perform injections or dispense medications (as permitted by local laws)
• Writing down patient information or typing it into a medical record system
• Preparing blood samples for testing

The exact responsibilities of the job vary; medical assistants in hospitals have very different day-to-day tasks than CMAs at private clinics. However, thanks to the unprecedented demand for skilled workers, qualified CMAs can easily find jobs that fit their preferences and skill sets.

Salaries and Benefits

According to the BLS, the 2019 median pay for medical assistants was $34,800. Salaries vary greatly by region; a CNA working in Alaska, for instance, can expect to make around $45,490, while a CNA in Central Oregon might make around $36,000.

Experienced medical assistants can make more, and as demand continues to grow, people who take this career path can expect salaries to stay competitive — and possibly improve.

It’s worth noting that requirements for the job vary from state to state. Some medical assistants have no formal training whatsoever; they simply start work at a doctor’s office or other healthcare facility, receiving all of their training on the job. However, people who undergo some training to receive a certification have a better chance of landing higher-paying work. Many employers insist on hiring staff who can start working right away.

If you’re considering this career path, you should understand the requirements of your state. Research training programs carefully to make sure that they’ll help you land a job soon after you’re certified.

Advantages of a Career as a Medical Assistant

If you love working with people and you want a career that makes a difference, becoming a medical assistant could start you down that path. The career has numerous perks including:

• Fast training
• Great job stability
• Ability to work in any state
• Fast-paced work with plenty of team interaction
• Regular hours
• Opportunities for advancement to other healthcare careers

Many employers offer excellent health insurance plans, paid time off, and other benefits for medical assistants. Best of all, certified medical assistants can find work almost anywhere — the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industriesin the United States right now, and experienced workers have no shortage of options.

Training for a Medical Assistant Career

As mentioned above, many employers require medical assistants to be certified, especially if they’ll help with tasks like giving patients medication. Most accredited training programs can be completed within a year, and some are even quicker — but if you’re interested in this career path, make sure to research carefully.

Online medical assistant programs can make certification easier, as you’ll be able to complete the coursework on a flexible schedule. However, always evaluate 3-4 options at minimum before making a commitment to a specific program. Make sure that the coursework is manageable and find out all of the costs upfront. Comparing options may save you thousands of dollars, and while the goal is to earn a high-quality certification that will support your career, there’s no reason to overpay.

By searching online and knowing your options, you can take advantage of the unprecedented need for skilled healthcare workers. Medical assistants make great money while performing necessary, satisfying work — and a little research can help you get started the right way.