Medical assisting is a rapidly growing job, with a projected 15% job growth rate between 2023 and 2033 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. But what are the real reasons for people choosing to become a medical assistant? As it turns out, there are many different motivations that people have for entering this field. For transparency in research the following reasons were all given by real medical assistants on social media forums.
Let’s look at the reasons different individuals choose to become medical assistants.
It's a Great Way to Join the Medical Industry
Some people say that becoming a medical assistant is a great way to get a job in the healthcare industry. There are even people who have been thinking about learning a new trade, and they choose to get a medical assisting certification.
Easier Path into Medical Job Than Nursing School
There are people who have relatives who are healthcare professionals, or nurses, but they realize that nursing school takes several years, and medical assistant school usually takes less than a year.
Many Medical Offices Offer Benefits
When people are searching for a new career, they see retail jobs that may or may not offer health benefits. Most medical assistant jobs offer medical benefits and other benefits, so that’s one reason people choose that career path.
You Can Get a Job in Different Cities
Many medical assistants say it is relatively easy to a job in a new city when they move, compared to other jobs. One person in an online forum reported, “I’ve never had to worry about being unemployed.” Other people posted that once you are certified, “it’s a great fall back and a fun job you can do anywhere.”
Lots of Places at Which to Work / Job Security
There are plenty of types of medical facilities where medical assistants can work: doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care, urgent care, and ambulatory services.
The types of physicians you can work with are also incredibly varied: general practice, primary care, dermatology, optometry / ophthalmology, orthopedics, ENT, urgent care, podiatry, cardiology and more.
For well-trained medical assistants, there will always be viable jobs options in different doctor’s offices.
It's an Indoor Job
When people are looking at a career change, or picking a career, they might choose many different things: to work outdoors, to work with their hands, or their thinking power, or to work indoors. Compared to careers that require a lot of demanding physical labor, medical assisting can seem like a very reasonable job that someone can do unencumbered for many years.
Consistent Schedule
About 56% of medical assistants work in a physician’s office, and the hours there are usually Monday – Friday, usually 8am to 5pm or similar hours. About 16 percent of medical assistants work in hospitals, where the shifts may be long. For example, if you work in an urgent care facility, you may have 12 hours shifts. That said, these are regularly scheduled hours, and some people value the ability to have a consistent predictable schedule.
It’s a Personal Calling
For some medical assistants, the most rewarding aspect of the job is making a difference in the local community. As one comment in a MA forum said, “It may not seem like it, but you really do make a difference for the patients.” Other people may have had an interest in working in the medical field for a long time. Sometimes people want to do the job because they are passionate about working with patients.
First Step in Career Advancement
There are people who want to get into the medical profession quickly and later move to other positions in the healthcare industry. Career development does not end when you are a medical assistant, and many people just want a foot in the door so they are familiar with medical terminology and procedures as they pursue longer-term career goals.
Certification Programs Are Quicker than Other Training Programs
Medical assisting certification programs can be under one year, while degree programs can be two years. If your goal is to work as a medical assistant, pursuing the certification makes more sense. Be strategic with your vocational education so you can begin your career quickly.
Want to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in California?
If you’re looking to start your medical assistant career, Campus Sacramento, formerly MTI College, has a medical assisting training program that help you earn your certification. Over the course of 36 weeks, you’ll learn all the skills you need to begin your career as a medical assistant. For students interested in earning your CPT I certificate, we also have a combined Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy program that is 48 weeks long. For more information, contact our friendly Admissions team or give us a call at 888-675-2460.