3 Interesting Medical Assistant Career Facts

Ask yourself what you imagine a medical assistant does, and you’d be surprised how many people get it wrong. If you expect medical assistant training to teach you about changing bedpans or carrying out menial administrative tasks, your impression of this role doesn't go deep enough. A medical assistant is the backbone of a medical facility, performing a wide range of diverse clinical and administrative skills, but that’s not all.

1. Job Demand is On the Rise 

The career outlook for medical assistants is very promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 18 percent by 2030. Medical assisting is a stable career with no signs of slowing down in the future. 

2. What Medical Assistants Do 

Medical assisting is a life changing career requiring dedication and empathy. It is a meaningful and noble job providing support to a healthcare professional, like a physician or physician’s assistant, often in a clinical setting. Medical assistants work side-by-side with doctors, nurses, and the healthcare team, performing a variety of clinical and administrative responsibilities. 

The duties will vary depending on where you work and may include:

• Interviewing patients to gather medical information and measuring their vital signs. 
• Preparing and administering medications and treatments as directed by a physician. 
• Cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment. 
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients and their family members. 
• Performing general office duties such as scheduling appointments and filling out insurance forms. 

3. Medical Assisting Can Lead to Other Healthcare Careers 

It’s not typical for your first medical assistant job to be your last. While some medical assistants stay with the same doctor and practice until they retire, most use their on-the-job experience to branch out to work elsewhere. Some medical assistants further their education and become nurses, respiratory therapists, radiologists, medical assistant instructors, or evolve into a healthcare management role. The career options are limitless. 

There are several benefits of advancement opportunities, including: 

Higher Pay 

As with most careers, the more advanced your work is, the higher the pay. Medical assistants who advance their career through specialization, additional classes, and more targeted training may be more likely to get that coveted pay raise.

Better Job Security 

One of the issues of staying in an entry-level job while not increasing skills is that workers are more likely to be downsized or replaced. However, those who make a point of advancing their career through greater knowledge and skills can become quite valuable to employers, who will want to keep them on the payroll.

Broader Skill Set 

Learning new skills is more than job security and higher pay, but also patient satisfaction, which translates into praise from employers and coworkers. A broader skill set can place a medical assistant in good standing as they research other careers in healthcare. For example, someone who wants to be a nurse can learn a great deal of hands-on skills while working as a medical assistant.

More Career Options

Medical assisting careers aren't limited to physician's offices or hospitals. Individuals with significant training in a particular field can transition into more challenging careers, such as office management, or clinics that support a particular population or focus on a particular illness or medical issue.

Are You Ready to Get Started? 

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, the first step is enrolling in an accredited training program. Athena Career Academy has been helping students achieve successful, prosperous careers in the healthcare field for years. Contact us today to learn more.