Many positions in healthcare do not demand extensive education or hefty financial investments. Occupations such as medical assistants allow you to start working within a single year. Employment for medical assistants is currently on the rise, demonstrating quick growth in this sector. You have the ability to immediately look up top programs online, which can propel you into a stable career swiftly.

Embarking on a career as a medical assistant is fulfilling and doesn't necessitate prolonged years of education or substantial tuition fees. Luckily, numerous top-tier institutions are currently providing cost-effective online courses to assist you in commencing immediately.

What is a Medical Assistant? 

Medical assistants are basic health care providers who offer both administrative and clerical assistance in different healthcare environments. Some of them exclusively handle administrative functions, including the processing of medical invoices and arranging consultations. Conversely, others are devoted solely to clerical tasks such as obtaining patient specimens and measuring vital signs. There are also those who manage responsibilities in both domains. 

What motivates an individual to pursue a career as a medical assistant rather than undertaking the educational path to be a nurse or doctor? Numerous benefits accompany the role of a medical assistant, such as: 

• Fast training. Earning the credentials that you need to become a medical assistant typically takes less than a year versus two to four years to become registered nurse.
• Certified in all states. Unlike many medical professionals, medical assistants do not need to be licensed in individual states; upon becoming certified, they can work anywhere in the country.
• Flexible work environments. Medical assistants often work in hospitals, but they also work in settings like nursing homes, chiropractor’s offices, doctor’s offices, outpatient surgery centers and even as home health aides.
• Job security. Medical assistants are already in high demand–and demand continues to skyrocket. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics¹, or BLS, the field is expected to grow by 29 percent between 2016 and 2026 versus the average of 7 percent across all occupations.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Pursuing a career as a medical assistant might be simpler than you anticipate. Below is a straightforward overview of what you should anticipate.

Initially, completing an accredited training course is necessary. While certification isn't mandatory for all medical assistant positions, most employers require it. To get certified, you must finish a medical assistant program that has accreditation. It is essential that the program is recognized by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Additionally, pursuing a two-year associate’s degree could be beneficial if you aim to advance into higher roles in the future.

Upon finishing your educational journey, acquiring clinical experience is essential. Numerous accredited educational programs include clinical training as part of their curriculum. Others might necessitate that you secure an internship or externship on your own to fulfill the program's requirements. Regardless of whether your program mandates clinical training, it is advisable to pursue it voluntarily to apply your acquired skills in a practical setting before you make your formal entry into the job market.

Finally, it's important to think about obtaining formal certification. In order to qualify for a medical assistant certification test, individuals must either finish an accredited educational program or show sufficient related job experience. The most frequently acquired credential, known as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), is provided by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Additionally, the National Healthcare Association (NHA) grants certifications for Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

How Much Can I Earn? 

Pursuing a career as a medical assistant is highly rewarding, given the relatively short duration of training and education needed. These experts receive attractive salaries nationwide. As per the BLS² figures, as of May 2017, the average yearly salary for medical assistants stood at $32,480, translating to $15.61 hourly. The bottom 10 percent made $23,830 annually, or $11.46 hourly, whereas the top 10 percent took home $45,900 per year, or $22.07 per hour. 

Compensation for medical assistants can differ based on the setting they work in. Below are a few instances: 

• Outpatient facilities – $33,820 per year, or $16.26 per hour
• Hospitals – $33,590 per year, or $16.15 per hour
• Doctor’s offices – $32,710 per year, or $15.76 per hour

Jobs in This Field 

Previously mentioned, the field of medical assistants is projected to expand by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026. It is anticipated that this growth will generate over 183,900 new positions for medical assistants. These opportunities cover a wide range of specialties, thus entering the medical assistant profession provides a solid pathway to qualify for various healthcare roles. A few examples are: 

• Specialized Medical Assistant
• EKG Technician
• Hospital Unit or Ward Clerk
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Podiatric Medical Assistant

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Clearly, the commitment of time and money required to qualify as a certified medical assistant is minimal. Considering the excellent salary, secure employment, and prospects for career growth, you’ll likely discover that this investment pays off substantially.

Nevertheless, the United States hosts numerous educational programs, and selecting the appropriate one is critical. Similarly, multiple certifications exist for medical assistants, and it's valuable to determine which certifications suit your needs best. Hence, expect to engage in extensive research prior to embarking on this career trajectory.

As with any important decision, it is crucial to stay informed about the most recent studies. We suggest evaluating a minimum of three to four alternatives prior to finalizing your choice. An online search is generally the fastest and most comprehensive method to gather all the advantages and disadvantages to consider.