10 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

So, whether you've long wanted to establish a career in the medical field or you simply love helping people and feel a career in healthcare may be right for you, we're here to help. Here are 10 reasons why you may benefit from becoming a medical assistant in your community:

1. The Need for Medical Assistants Is Growing

The demand for medical assistants continues to rise as the healthcare industry expands and adapts to an aging population. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to about 112,300 job openings each year over the decade, driven largely by the continued healthcare needs of aging Baby Boomers and the increasing emphasis on preventive medical care.

2. Medical Assisting Offers an Accessible Path to Launch Your Career in Healthcare

Not everyone with aspirations to start a career in the medical field has a background or an educational history most would describe as "traditional." Nor does everyone have the time or finances available to commit toward the type of education and training required to become a nurse or physician.

Fortunately, training to become a medical assistant (as we will discuss below) is generally a quicker and easier process, allowing you to place your foot in the door to gain career experience that could lead to greater opportunities in the healthcare field. And, because medical assistants perform a wide variety of tasks, they gain experience that can lead their careers in many different directions.

3. Medical Assistant Education & Training Takes Months, Not Years

Unlike doctors and nurses, who take years to become fully trained and job-ready in their fields, those interested in medical assistant careers can be trained and job-ready in a matter of months. For example, students who enroll in the Medical Assistant Program at  UEI College have the opportunity to complete their education, earn a diploma, and receive hands-on training while also earning real-world experience in the field in as few as 10 months. Visit our program page for more information.

It should be noted that in a number of states, a formal education isn't even required in order to become a medical assistant. However, few employers are likely to hire medical assistants with no prior education, training and/or experience on their resumes. Programs like the one offered at UEI have worked with prospective employers to establish a curriculum that provides students with the education, skills, and hands-on experience these employers are looking for.

4. Career in Medical Assisting Offers Daily Variety

As mentioned above, medical assistants juggle a lot of responsibilities each day, which leads them to perform a variety of different tasks. One minute they may be greeting new patients and following up on insurance claim forms. The next, they might take patient vitals, give injections, and answer patient questions about treatments, procedures, and course of care. This is to say, every day - every hour - is different from the last, making a career in medical assisting one that's big on variety and small on monotony.

5. Medical Assisting Can Lead to Numerous Opportunities

While medical assistants are not required to be licensed and/or certified in most states, some employers may prefer to hire those who are. Even when it isn't required, earning a certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market and show employers you're dedicated to becoming a skilled, reliable medical assistant.

After completing your coursework and externship, you may be eligible to take a nationally recognized certification exam such as the CMA, RMA, or NCMA.

6. Medical Assistants Can Work in a Variety of Healthcare Environments

The need for medical assistants within the healthcare community isn't just limited to clinics and private practices. Medical assistants can be found working in hospitals, outpatient operations, residential care facilities, medical research centers, labs, and so on.

Medical assistants also have an opportunity to specialize in the type of patients and care they provide. Many can establish fulfilling careers working in clinics and facilities that specialize in such care as pediatrics, geriatrics, OB-GYN, chiropractic, psychiatric, cardiology, and so on.

7. Medical Assistants Can Work Almost Anywhere

Cities, rural areas, by the mountains, along the coast, back home where you grew up, near your favorite sports team … if people live there, there's a need for healthcare services. And, where there are hospitals, medical clinics, private practices, and care facilities, you'll usually find a need for medical assistants.

8. Schedules Can be Predictable & Consistent … If That's What You Want

Those interested in seeking a medical assistant career and have worked in such industries as service, retail, customer service, etc., may enjoy the fact that discerning medical assistant professionals can often find career positions that offer predictable and consistent hours. It just depends on where you look for jobs.

For instance, if you earn a medical assisting career in a hospital or a residential care facility, it's possible your hours may run the gamut of days, evenings, nights, and weekends. But if you desire a career with more stable daytime and weekday hours, that's possible, too. Many medical clinics and private practices operate based on such hours while also seeking medical assistants to help with clinic management and patient care.

9. Medical Assisting Makes a Difference in People's Lives

We've established that medical assistants wear a lot of hats, but one of their most important roles is helping patients. Medical assistants serve as true patient advocates, from scheduling appointments and greeting them as they come for their appointments to explaining treatments and educating them about how to manage and improve their lives.

10. Medical Assistants Interact with All Kinds of People

Speaking of people, medical assistants have the opportunity to impact the lives of people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. From children to the elderly, the capable to the disabled, the poor to the well-to-do, and so on, medical assistants become well-versed in the human condition, regardless of background. For some, this makes the job more fulfilling. As such, a medical assisting career is ideal for those who like people and wish to make a difference in their lives.