Current Job Market for Clinical Medical Assistant Professionals

New high school graduates or anyone else interested in switching to a medical career path should consider starting with a medical assistant certification to begin with. Becoming a medical assistant can be used as a first step towards a bachelors in nursing or other medical degree. The job outlook for medical assistant is positive according to data from the national Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pay
According to the BLS, candidates holding at least a CMA certification are making an average of $29,960 per year. Self reported statistics on sites like Glass Door put the average even higher at $32,000 per year, with some major healthcare networks paying up to $22 an hour for qualified medical assistants. The biggest determinants of pay are the physical location and the type of care facility that you are applying for. Specialized care providers such as emergency rooms and pediatric offices tend to pay slightly more than generalized care providers, but also tend to be more competitive for applicants. 

Job Growth
Currently, there are estimated just over 600,000 medical assisting jobs in the United States. Over the next ten years, it is expected that there will be job growth of roughly 23% or 140,000 more jobs added to the field. This is significantly higher job growth than the average based on all available career fields. This job growth is driven by the aging baby boomer generation as they are now living longer through medical advancements, but requiring more care for a longer period of time. Many healthcare facilities are already being taxed or are understaffed and need medical assistants to help them keep up with basic patient care tasks. 

Job Options
At this point in time, most medical assistant professionals are employed in physician's offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities. However, there is also a high demand for CMAs in nursing and assisted care facilities, pediatric offices and other specialized care facilities. 

Education
The most common requirement for medical assistants is completion of an accredited post secondary education program. Employers are looking for students graduating from local CMA programs to add to their ranks as their facilities grow and they need more help. 

Currently, medical assisting a rapidly growing field that needs qualified candidates for a wide range of medical care facilities. A CMA certification shows employers that you have the basic skills and knowledge to be a successful member of their team. With a 23% expected job growth over the next ten years and a median income between $29-32,000 per year, graduates can be well on their way to a much more lucrative career in the medical field. 

To learn more about a career as a Clinical Medical Assistant, and whether it’s the right fit for you, schedule an appointment with Athena Career Academy today. One meeting with our Admissions counselors could help put you on the path to a successful new career that could change your life for the better. Call 419-329-4075 today.

Athena Career Academy is located at:
5203 Airport Highway
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
Phone: (419) 329-4075