Categories: Medical Assisting Careers

Why Medical Assisting Is a Good Career

Workplaces are evolving. Jobs of the past are fading away, replaced with advanced technology. Students are choosing careers in dynamic industries where what they learn today will be relevant tomorrow. Demand for medical assistants is projected to rise nearly 19-percent in the coming decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it both a rewarding profession and a good career.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants manage a wide variety of administrative and clinical tasks in medical offices. Working closely with doctors and nurses, they bridge the gap between the health and business sides of healthcare, ensuring that patients have the positive experience they deserve. Responsibilities may include:

Overseeing the schedule

Triaging phone calls

Welcoming patients

Taking vital signs

Reviewing health histories

Assisting with examinations

Phlebotomy

Collecting lab specimens

Administering vaccinations

Performing diagnostic tests

Completing insurance claims

Ordering supplies

Sterilizing instruments

Patient education

Managing medical records

Where Does a Medical Assistant Work?

Roles for medical assistants are expanding quickly. Healthcare is fast-paced, and their unique blend of clerical and clinical expertise is ideal for a busy office, employers recognize the value of their skills. While most medical assistants are employed in private practices, they also work in hospitals, clinics and laboratories.

Why Choose a Career as a Medical Assistant?

A job pays the bills, but a medical assistant’s career is both exciting and personally gratifying. It’s a perfect fit for students who love medicine but aren’t comfortable providing direct care or who also like to dabble in administration. No two shifts are ever alike, and the work is challenging and never boring. And at the end of the day, you’ll go home having made a difference in the lives of the people you serve. Nothing feels better than knowing what you do matters.

The Benefits of a Career as a Medical Assistant

Careers in medical assisting have a wealth of practical benefits, such as short training programs, a positive work-life balance, opportunity for advancement, flexibility, professional respect, and a supportive environment.

Short Training Programs

Some careers in healthcare can take years to prepare for, many require spending four, six, or even eight years in college before earning a fulfilling job role. Students attending a vocational medical assisting program full-time can graduate in less than a year with a diploma. It’s an excellent way for students with other responsibilities to further their education.

If full-time classes aren’t feasible, many schools offer part-time or hybrid programs that can be partially completed online. You can study and stay home or earn while you learn with a job part-time to pay tuition or help defray expenses.

A Positive Work-Life Balance

It’s no secret that some jobs in healthcare are stressful. Burnout among staff with on-call responsibilities is frequent. More than half of doctors, nurses and nursing assistants have considered changing occupations because they’re asked to sacrifice too much personal time for work.

Opportunity for Advancement

Medical assisting is an entry-level position, but it offers a front-row view of the many occupational roles in the healthcare field. With experience, staff can grow into more responsible positions. A medical assistant with an aptitude for administration could become an office manager or human resource specialist, while someone who’s a whiz with a test tube could be a full-time lab technician.

Medical assistants who enjoy a broad range of responsibilities may seek certification as aCertifired Medical Assistant. Credentials like these demonstrate proven skills and pave the way for promotions.

Flexibility

A full-time job isn’t for everyone. Parents with children or seniors to care for want meaningful work, but flexible jobs aren’t always easy to come by. Because of high demand, employers are responding to the needs of a diverse workforce by offering lifestyle-friendly part-time or job-sharing positions.

Professional Respect

Medical assisting has been recognized as a unique occupation since 1955. It’s supported by the American Association of Medical Assistants, an organization committed to advancing the profession. Working in healthcare, both patients and peers will respect your training, skills and dedication. You’ll be a respected and valued member of the healthcare team.

A Supportive Environment

It can feel like you’re on your own in some jobs, just a small fish in a large pond without the support of peers. But providing quality healthcare is a team effort. Each member has a specific role, yet they all work together toward a common goal and sustain each other through day-to-day challenges. As a medical assistant, you’ll never feel alone. Professionals are available for advice and colleagues will have your back.

Final Thoughts

The healthcare sector will create many jobs in the coming decade. Students can choose specialties from radiology to nursing, but few have as many advantages as a career in medical assisting. Now is the time to secure your future with a vocational school diploma that will serve you now and in the years to come.

Are you looking for a good career in healthcare? Ready for an exciting career in the medical assisting field? PCI Health Training Center’s Medical Assistant program prepares a graduate to work as an entry-level Medical Assistant. Within this general career category there are several specialty areas, including Medical Administrative Office Assistant, Clinic Assistant, Clinic Tech, Medical Office Manager, Phlebotomist and Physical Therapy Aide in a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital out-patient clinic. Contact PCI Health Training Center for more information on how to become a medical assistant and start a rewarding career today.

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For more information about our graduation rates and other important information, please visit our website at www.pcihealth.edu/consumer-information.