7 Reasons to Consider a Career as a Medical Assistant

If you enjoy caring for others, starting a career in the medical field can offer personal fulfillment. Medical assistants (MAs) are an essential part of any healthcare team, helping to provide quality patient care. While there are many significant reasons becoming a medical assistant is rewarding, here are some additional attributes to consider.

1. Fast Flexible Training 

One of the most significant benefits of becoming a medical assistant is having access to fast, flexible, and affordable training. Unlike other healthcare careers requiring multiple years of higher education and hefty tuition costs, many medical assistant programs are designed to be completed in one year or less. This means you can jumpstart your new career quickly, without excess student loans like so many who attend a traditional four-year college will have. Another advantage to medical assistant training programs is flexible class schedules as many schools offer day and evening classes to accommodate working students or those with families. 

2. In Demand Career 

The demand for medical assistants is high. The combination of an aging population and innovation in medicine is increasing the demand for healthcare services, creating a positive job outlook for those interested in becoming a medical assistant. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for MAs is projected to grow by 23% in the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

3. Good Pay and Benefits 

Working as a medical assistant provides you with a stable income. Imagine the weight that’s lifted by knowing that after a short training program, you’ll be earning a steady paycheck with potentially excellent benefits. Many medical assistants receive additional perks in addition to their salary, including medical and dental benefits for themselves and their families. 

4. Predictable Work Schedule 

As a medical assistant, it’s possible to find a position with a predictable work schedule. Many MAs work for physicians or in clinics that only operate during standard business hours. Compared to other healthcare careers where workers are always on-call or frequently work evenings and weekends, many MAs enjoy a standard 40-hour work week.

5. Extensive Skill Set Training 

Another significant benefit of becoming a medical assistant is the versatile training you will receive. Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform a wide variety of administrative and clinical tasks to ensure both the front and back offices in any healthcare facility run smoothly. This unique blend of administrative and clinical roles is one of the many reasons the demand for MAs is so high. 

6. Versatile Work Settings 

Some healthcare careers are limited to hospitals but that’s not the case for medical assistants. As an MA, you may find yourself working in a clinic, hospital, nursing home, prison, specialty clinic and more. The possibilities for work settings are nearly endless, giving you ample options to explore your own career path. 

7. Rewarding Career 

While medical assistants wear many hats, their most essential role is helping people. Often patients will tell MAs things they don’t feel comfortable confiding in a physician. MAs serve as true patient advocates, from scheduling appointments to explaining treatments, making it a rewarding, fulfilling career. 

Does Becoming a Medical Assistant Sound Exciting? 

If reading about the benefits of this fast-paced and rewarding career sounds exciting, it’s worth it to consider a career in medical assisting. Athena Career Academy can help you get started on your journey faster than you ever imagined, so you can jumpstart your new career quickly. Why delay your dreams any longer? Contact us today so you can start reaping the benefits of this incredible career.