Despite the economic strife, there are still solid careers to choose from. Even with many jobs disappearing, Medical Assistant jobs continue to thrive. For over 60 years, Medical Assistants have proved an integral part of the medical care team. Responsible for anything from answering phones to assisting in procedures, they are crucial to the running of any medical facility.
Demand and Security
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Medical Assistants will be among the fastest of all job growth in coming years. In the decade between 2018 and 2028, it is expected that employment for Medical Assistants will grow at a 34% rate. With the increasing population of aging citizens and rising occurrence rate of medical issues, it's easy to see why the demand for Medical Assistants will remain impressive.
Ease of Entrance
Unlike many careers, you don't need 4 or more years of training or schooling before becoming a Medical Assistant. The only requirement is that you have a high school diploma or equivalent. On the job training can usually be found, but those that complete certification or a training program are more likely to score you a higher paying job. Many of the schools and accredited training programs offer job placement help as well. The Association of Medical Technologists and the American Association of Medical Assistants are both accredited organizations that offer formal certification for Medical Assistants based on a test.
Flexibility and Mobility
Since Medical Assistants are responsible for a vast array of tasks, there's little risk of becoming bored of daily drudgery. In small offices, Medical Assistants are commonly responsible for anything from scheduling appointments to assisting in procedures. Larger firms or hospitals often see Medical Assistants in more specialized roles; geared more toward administrative duties like filing insurance forms and greeting patients or taking on a more clinical role by explaining procedures and taking vital signs. Podiatrist and ophthalmologist offices regularly staff even more specialized Medical Assistants.
Medical Assistants are not tied to a specific state or region, they're needed everywhere. Just as health care is required in all parts of the country, so are Medical Assistants. This flexibility gives them the option to live anywhere.
Salary
Medical Assistants have an average income of just below $30,000 a year. Depending on what type of office you work in and where it's located, some make more and some less. The psychiatric and substance abuse industries are the highest paying, with an average Medical Assistant salary of $45,000 a year. As with all careers, experience, location and education are factors in salary determination.
Helping Your Community
As a Medical Assistant, you receive a sense of personal satisfaction knowing that you're making a difference to the quality of care people receive. The characteristics of a Medical Assistant's tasks place you in a situation to aid patients in feeling better and offer help during difficult situations. Each day you're afforded the opportunity to actively assist and care for people that need you. Each night you can go to bed with the assurance that you made a difference in someone's life.
Medical Assistant an Overview and Career Path
0 Comments