Medical Assisting: A Vital Profession in High Demand

Are you interested in a rewarding career helping others? If so, consider becoming a medical assistant (MA). The healthcare industry is booming and with an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services, MAs are needed now more than ever. Medical assistants often work in physicians’ offices, but can also be found in hospitals, clinics, labs, long-term care facilities and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, at a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant? 

A career as a medical assistant is more than a paycheck; it is a rewarding profession. Below are just a few of the many benefits associated with becoming an MA. 

Fast and Affordable Training 

Not everyone who desires to work in the healthcare field has the resources to commit to several years of a costly college education. Unlike the process of becoming a doctor or nurse, the path to becoming a medical assistant is short in comparison. Many programs offer flexible class options and are designed to be completed in one year or less, so you can jumpstart your new career quickly, without having excessive student loans to pay back. 

Family Friendly Schedules 

Another benefit of becoming a medical assistant is working on a family friendly schedule. Many MAs work in mediacl offices or clinics that operate during standard business hours. If you choose to work in a facility that operates 24/7, such as a hospital or long-term care facility, your hours may differ. For MAs with families, having a predictable Monday-Friday schedule is a plus, as it is easier to find childcare arrangements during normal business hours, and you don’t have to worry about being called in after hours. 

Opportunity for Advancement 

Medical assisting is an excellent standalone career, but it can also be a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue other healthcare occupations like nursing. With additional training and experience, MAs have plenty of opportunities for advancement. After gaining experience on the job, you can become a specialty medical assistant in an area of medicine that interests you most, like cardiology or pediatrics. 

What Does a Medical Assistant Do? 

A medical assistant performs a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks, depending on the type of medical facility they work in and what their employer’s needs are. Some typical duties may include answering and responding to phone calls and ensuring that the office remains clean and tidy. MAs are also responsible for preparing, maintaining, and updating patient records. 

In small practices, MAs might be responsible for running the front and back office, which includes taking messages, greeting patients on arrival, and preparing them for medical examinations. They will review medical histories and ask patients to fill out insurance and consent forms. Often, they will also explain medical procedures and treatments to patients and their families. 

As part of their clinical duties, MAs clean and prepare exam rooms and sterilize medical tools and equipment. They also measure and record patients’ vital signs and may stand next to the physician to assist them in examining or treating the patient. Their duties may include handing the doctor tools or supplies, wound care, suture removal, applying bandages, giving injections, and more. They may also collect blood and urine samples for laboratory testing. 

If becoming a medical assistant sounds like the right fit for you, contact Athena Career Academy for more information about our accredited medical assisting program. We offer day and evening classes and there’s no wait list to enroll. Let’s schedule a campus tour today!