The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Medical Assistant

Every career has both challenges and rewards. In the case of medical assisting, the rewards are great and the challenges, while real, are far outweighed by the benefits. Before you begin a program to become a medical assistant, it’s a good idea to take a look at what your career will involve – both the highs and the lows.

Reward: Become a Medical Assistant Without a Large Investment

If you want a career that you can get started with quickly without incurring a large amount of debt, medical assisting is a great career. You can become a medical assistant in as little as a few months, and the training programs are very affordable. Many adults are able to balance their current work and family life with a medical assisting training program. You will have excellent career opportunities and job security after a relatively small investment, making medical assistant training a smart choice.

Challenge: Medical Assistants Need to Multitask

You will have a lot on your plate as a medical assistant. Multitasking isn’t just nice to have – it’s a requirement to be successful in this position. However, many medical assistants find that having a busy work schedule is one of the best parts of their job. If you are an organized and flexible person, you will excel in this field.

Reward: Medical Assistants Have a Variety of Duties

As a medical assistant, you won’t feel the tedium of performing only one task over and over. Depending on the facility, you’ll likely have both administrative and clinical duties, and you’ll find yourself greeting patients, scheduling appointments, setting up exam rooms, taking patient information, and assisting with procedures, all in one shift. You will never be bored as a medical assistant.

Challenge: Medical Assistants May Need to Handle Nervous Patients

You won’t always be dealing with patients at their best. Many people are nervous in a medical setting, and you will be the first person they see. Sometimes patients who are scared take out their frustrations on the people who are trying to help them. If you are an empathetic person, you may find yourself emotionally exhausted after interacting with patients who are feeling vulnerable. However, those with strong interpersonal skills will find that helping nervous patients feel better is a rewarding part of the job.

Reward: Medical Assistants Make a Real Difference to their Patients

If you are looking for a career where you can make a real difference in a patient’s life, medical assisting is an excellent choice. In some positions you will see the same patients and can build a rapport with them, and in others you may only see patients once. Knowing that you have helped make a difference can be incredibly rewarding.

Challenge: Medical Assistants Need to Have a Sharp Eye for Detail

If you make a mistake in some jobs, the worst you may face is a supervisor who is irritated with you. If you make a mistake in the medical field, the stakes are much higher. Healthcare can be stressful and there are high-pressure situations. You will need to have a sharp eye for detail and be able to follow procedures exactly. While this can be stressful, many medical assistants enjoy knowing that their performance matters and they are making a real difference. If you are a detail-oriented person, medical assisting can be a great career choice.

Reward: Medical Assistants Have a Secure, Stable, Career with Room for Growth

If you are hoping for a recession-proof, stable career, consider becoming a medical assistant. The medical field continues to grow as the population ages, and you will always be able to find a job as a medical assistant. There are many opportunities to advance in the medical field as well. With additional training and experience, you can advance to a role that is perfect for you.

Challenge: Medical Assistants May Need to Work a Variety of Hours

In the medical field, a 9-5, Monday-Friday schedule isn’t a guarantee. While you may find a home in a practice or clinic that keeps regular hours, not all medical assistant roles will have a consistent schedule. However, pursuing a career with a wide variety of hours can be perfect for many people who are trying to balance work and family life. There are so many options that you can find the schedule that works best for you.

Every career has its challenges, but when you become a medical assistant, you will find that the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Becoming a medical assistant is an excellent career option if you are looking for a career with job security and opportunities to advance. To learn more about our medical assistant training program, contact Athena Career Academy to schedule a campus tour or talk to our admissions team about the steps you can take to enroll.