If you like caring for others, starting a career in the medical field can offer personal fulfillment. Medical assistants are an important part of a healthcare team, helping to provide quality patient care. While there are many reasons a medical assistant role can be rewarding, here are six factors that may make it a good fit for you.
- Regular, Flexible Hours
Medical assistants can find full-time opportunities in a variety of locations, including physician offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers and clinics. Some medical facilities are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which means you may be able to find positions with traditional weekday schedules or more flexible hours, such as evenings, weekends, or holidays, to fit your personal needs. - Professional Setting
Medical facilities large and small provide professional settings that appeal to many employees. As a licensed professional, you will work alongside other educated, knowledgeable individuals, such as doctors, nurses, and medical and lab technicians. In addition, the field of medicine is rapidly changing with new technological innovations and treatments. As a result, you may find opportunities for job growth and new skill development. - Rewarding Career
As a medical assistant you will frequently interact with patients by greeting them, confirming their appointment details, recording their information, measuring vital signs and assisting physicians with examinations. Your role can play an important part in a patient’s health and wellbeing journey. - A Faster Future
Medical assistant training can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Students typically enroll in and complete a medical assistant program from an accredited school and are eligible for certification in one to two years. As well, many programs offer on-the-job training to help you gain real-world experience and confidence in the field. - Opportunities for Advancement
Upon completing your medical assistant program and passing any required certification in your state, you are prepared to enter the healthcare field. Working in a hospital or physician’s office will expose you to a variety of roles that may change or enrich your career path. When physicians recognize an MA’s professional dedication and achievement, they may promote a good worker to become a team leader or supervisor. This happens regularly in offices or clinics where there are many medical assistants employed. Advancement can also come in other forms. For example, you might decide to pursue additional training and growth opportunities and become a nurse or medical technician. Alternatively, you may enjoy the administrative part of the job and decide to become a medical office administrator.
- Positive Job Outlook
The combination of an aging population and innovation in medicine is increasing the demand for healthcare services. This is creating a positive job outlook for medical assistants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent in the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. And, healthcare facilities across the country hire medical assistants, which means you have the potential to find opportunities anywhere you choose to live.
If the fast-paced and rewarding job of medical assistant sounds like a good fit for you, Fortis offers programs that will put you on the right path. Click here for more information or call us today at 855-436-7847 and speak to one of our career counselors.