The healthcare field isn’t always viewed as the easiest to get into, however, there are so many opportunities in this sector that there are positions for literally everyone. Medical assistants are in high demand right now and require much less formation than many other careers in the field. Here are some of the reasons you should consider a career as a medical assistant.
Jobs are Growing at an Above Average Pace
Medical assistant jobs and jobs across the whole of the healthcare sector are growing much faster than the national average. Medical assistant jobs are expected to grow by 29% from the year 2016 to 2026 according to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is particularly impressive when compared with the 7% national average.
Demographic pressures are mainly what is pushing this trend upwards. As more Baby Boomers move into old age, the pressure on the healthcare system is increasing. This means that jobs for health care workers on all levels will only continue to increase with time.
Relatively Short Formation
Another great advantage of a career in medical assistance is that you get into the field rather quickly. As a matter of fact, medical assistants are some of the medical professionals that require the least formation. You could start working as a medical assistant in as little as 12 months, and the best medical assistant education programs will usually involve a blend of theory and hands on laboratory work. And with the high number of jobs available, MAs can find a job right after they finish school.
Variety of Settings
Everywhere you see a physician, you will see a medical assistant. This is why the job of a medical assistant is just as diverse as the number of practices and specialties. If you’re the kind of person who loves variety or wants to work in one specific field that fits you, then a medical assistant career is a perfect choice for you.
As an MA, you can work in ambulance care, hospital settings, clinics or in private practice. You may also work with patients directly or in outpatient care centers.
It Can Be a Great Gateway to Other Healthcare Positions
A career as a medical assistant can be a great stepping stone to other positions within the industry. While it can be fulfilling enough for it to be a lifelong career, many people may see it as a way to get their feet wet and get a feel for the profession before making a jump and seeing if they have the aptitudes and character for it.
Working as a medical assistant will definitely be a plus if you’re trying to get into medical school, and it will give you a leg up over other candidates. It will also make you a more rounded professional in any healthcare career that you choose.
As you can see, the medical assistance field has tons of great opportunities and is a great career choice for those who would love to work in healthcare, minus the lengthy formation time.