Is the Medical Assistant Profession Being Phased Out of Healthcare?

While some careers may struggle with stability, rest assured, medical assisting isn’t one of them. Medical assisting is one of the most in-demand jobs in the healthcare field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that positions in this field will grow by 19% between 2019 and 2029, adding 139,200 jobs nationwide. Healthcare demands are higher than ever before, and qualified support staff is vital.

The need for medical assistants is growing due to several factors, including an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, and advancements in healthcare. Now is the perfect time to become a medical assistant as this is a secure profession that isn’t going anywhere. 

Flexible and Affordable Training 

One of the best things about deciding to become a medical assistant is the path to become a medical assistant is relatively short, with many programs finished in one year or less. If you are looking to jumpstart your new career quickly, becoming a medical assistant is one of the fastest ways to enter the healthcare field. 

Medical assisting programs welcome students from all backgrounds, making it an excellent career choice for anyone seeking affordable and flexible training. Many programs offer day and evening classes to accommodate working students or those with families. 

Good Wages and Benefits 

In addition to being highly in demand and offering flexible, affordable training, the pay and benefits for medical assistants are equally impressive. For a career that doesn’t require several years of college to achieve, the salary and benefits of an MA are better than average. Many MAs receive health benefits, including dental coverage and eye care. 

Family Friendly Schedule 

For many, healthcare professionals' schedules are not family friendly. They may work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or work on call. In comparison, medical assisting can provide a family friendly schedule. MAs often work in clinics that operate during standard business hours. Medical assisting makes it possible to work in the healthcare field while still enjoying a predictable schedule. This means you are much less likely to need a last-minute babysitter or wonder when you might get called in next. 

Variety of Work Settings 

If you become a medical assistant, one perk is being able to choose from a variety of work settings. While many MAs work in physician offices and clinics, they are needed in many different healthcare settings. Medical assistants are vital to hospitals, urgent care centers, public health agencies, outpatient care facilities, nursing homes, prisons, hospices, rehabilitation centers, and more. 

Opportunities for Advancement 

Medical assistants (MAs) play a critical role in healthcare facilities. MAs work closely with patients and physicians and are considered unique healthcare professionals as they are cross trained to perform clinical and administrative duties. It is their versatile skill set that makes MAs ideal candidates to transition into other healthcare related careers. Learning how to draw blood or perform EKGs can translate to a variety of other healthcare professions. MAs can also further their medical assisting careers by stepping into leadership roles or specializing in an area of medicine. 

Making a Difference 

One of the greatest benefits of becoming a medical assistant is getting to help people. Whether it is comforting anxious patients or helping to keep the office running smoothly, medical assistants are the heart of any medical facility. Medical assistants make a difference in the lives of both patients and physicians. 

Ready to Get Started? 

Are you ready to start a career in medical assisting? The first step is enrolling in an accredited medical assisting training program. Contact Athena Career Academy today to learn more information about our comprehensive training programs and to schedule a campus tour!