Why are Medical Assistants in High Demand?

When you are choosing a career path or contemplating a change, choosing a career in high demand is a smart decision. By doing so, you know that you will have good job opportunities at the end of your training and you will be on a path to a solid career. The healthcare industry is growing and the demand is high. If you choose to become a medical assistant, you can enter this high-in-demand field in under a year.

Medical Assistants are in Demand Because of Increased Patients

As the population ages, the demand for quality healthcare increases. The number of people over 65 requiring healthcare is projected to double within the next ten years. Patients are living longer, and that means the need for more healthcare over a longer period of time. In addition, more and more citizens have healthcare coverage, and this means that those who previously avoided receiving care due to lack of insurance are able to get the care they need. As the already taxed healthcare system prepares to meet this demand, they will need to increase their personnel, and medical assistants are a vital part of that system.

Medical Assistants are Needed to Help Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic illness management is the majority of the healthcare industry. Mental health conditions, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis are all among the conditions that require frequent care and management. Medical assistants are a big part of helping those patients keep their conditions under control. 

Benefits to Joining a Career That is in High Demand

When you join a career that is in high demand, there are many benefits. While it may be hard to get a job in some fields, especially right out of school, there are many opportunities as a medical assistant. You can work in many different facilities and may have the advantage of weighing several different job opportunities. Because medical assistants are in high demand, the salary is competitive, and the job you choose will be stable. As you continue on your career as a medical assistant you may discover other areas of healthcare and will have the opportunity to advance your career. 

In addition to the benefits of a stable career in high demand, becoming a medical assistant is fulfilling in other ways. You will get a broad education that will allow you to work in many different environments and you can literally work anywhere in the country. You can find jobs in hospitals, medical offices, outpatient facilities, surgical centers, long term care facilities, and more. There are both clinical and administrative responsibilities. With many different opportunities, you will never be bored. In addition, when you become a medical assistant, you will be interacting with patients, which is very fulfilling.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

When you decide to become a medical assistant, you can begin your new career quickly. Becoming a medical assistant is a fast track to a great career. Most medical assisting programs take under a year to complete, including clinical hours. When you are ready to make the switch to a career as a medical assistant, you can join a program and get started quickly. Your program will include classroom hours, clinical hours, and externship hours as you work toward your certification. 

If you are stagnating in your current career, making the move to a high demand career in medical assisting could be just the thing for you. You will have a fulfilling, stable, well-paying career with the opportunity to advance in the growing field of healthcare, and you can make the move in under a year. For more information about how to get started, contact the admissions team at Athena Career Academy. We know what it takes for a medical assistant to succeed, and we’ll help prepare you for a successful career in healthcare.