7 Intriguing Things You May Not Know About a Medical Assisting Career

You may not realize it, but you’ve likely had many interactions with medical assistants (MAs) throughout the years. Medical assistants work alongside physicians and nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. They play a vital role in ensuring healthcare facilities run smoothly, and the demand for them has never been greater.

Here are 7 things you may not know about working as a medical assistant: 

1. Medical Assistants are in Demand 

Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers today. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates employment for medical assistants will increase 29 percent through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. These numbers are expected to grow even more in the coming years due to an aging population. Physicians will need more help in carrying out clinical and administrative work to serve more patients. 

2. It Doesn’t Take Long to Become a Medical Assistant 

Unlike other healthcare professions, it doesn’t take long to become a medical assistant. Medical assisting programs vary in length, but some can be completed in less than one year. Medical assisting is ideal for those looking to jumpstart their new career quickly, or those who lack the resources to commit to several years of schooling. 

3. Schedules are Predictable and Family Friendly 

While many healthcare careers may require long, irregular hours, that isn’t the case for medical assistants. Most medical assistants work in medical clinics which typically operate during standard business hours. For those seeking a predictable, family-friendly schedule, medical assisting is a great option. 

4. Medical Assistants Wear Many Hats 

Medical assistants are among the most versatile healthcare workers, as they perform both clinical and administrative duties. As a medical assistant, you can expect to wear many hats throughout the day. For example, you may be asked to record a patient’s medical history, vitals and draw blood, in addition to scheduling appointments and processing insurance forms.

5. Medical Assistants Run the Office 

Although the front office staff may have some control of how things run, it’s ultimately the medical assistants that control patient flow from the waiting room to the examination room. They keep communication flowing between the front and back offices and are responsible for orchestrating patients through both. Depending on the size of the practice, medical assistants may run the front and back office entirely. 

6. Medical Assistants Play a Vital Role in Patient Care 

Medical assistants have the most contact with patients. In many offices, the medical assistant is the face of healthcare for most patients and they set the tone for the entire office. MAs are usually the first and last person a patient sees, so your calm presence and people skills can help put anxious patients at ease. 

7. Certification and Education Matters 

Certification is an important part of becoming a medical assistant. While some states don’t require certification to gain employment as an MA, it can give you a competitive edge over other candidates. Plus, taking the extra step to become certified demonstrates your commitment and dedication to the profession of medical assisting. Certification leads to higher pay, better shift choices, greater opportunities for advancement, higher marketability and more. 

At Athena Career Academy we’re fully committed to ensuring our students become the best medical assistants possible. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, contact us today for more information about how to enroll or to schedule a campus tour!