Medical professions may seem as intimidating as they are rewarding. If you are curious about joining this thriving industry, however, you have nothing to lose by trying. Medical assistant careers are a great way to get involved without an intensive or expensive degree program. With Prism Career Institute, find out how to become a medical assistant and why this exciting field might be right for you.
Benefits of Joining the Medical Field
“The medical field is always going to be needed,” says Jessica, Prism Career Institute student.
People will never stop needing trained healthcare providers to support their health and well-being. In fact, medical assistants are in higher demand than ever. With an aging population, technological innovations, and changes in how healthcare is provided, the industry requires medical assistants to keep the system running smoothly.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 15% growth in medical assistant employment over the next decade. This is much faster than the national average and indicates just how much these workers are needed. If you enter this field, you can look forward to finding work opportunities wherever you go. Health organizations always want a reliable medical assistant, which often means heightened job security.
A Rewarding Career
Becoming a medical assistant can be rewarding in other ways, too. The medical field offers a lot of advantages to its workers. Here are just a few working benefits that make medical assisting worthwhile:
- Flexibility: Medical assistants can be found in a wide variety of healthcare environments. This gives you the flexibility to relocate and choose the environment that suits you best.
- Variety: Medical assistants work in a fast-paced field where they balance all kinds of clinical and administrative tasks. If you enjoy variation in your workday, medical assisting may be for you.
- Predictability: Though you’ll handle a wide range of responsibilities, medical assistant hours tend to be regular. This makes it easy to plan other activities around your working schedule.
- Impact: As part of the healthcare industry, medical assistants are constantly in a position to help others. Joining this career path is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the world.
Whether you’re looking for versatility, excitement, or the chance to make a difference, medical assisting is a great career choice. In Jessica’s words: “It might be the best decision you’ll ever make.”
A Springboard Into the Industry
Not only is medical assisting rewarding on its own, but it also makes an excellent springboard into higher levels of the medical industry. Many people are content with remaining a medical assistant. If you wish to advance your career, however, you can specialize in a more focused role. You may even have the opportunity to take on a supervisory position.
In addition, the experience gained through medical assisting is valuable in other parts of the industry. For instance, if you ever decide to continue your education to explore related paths like practical nursing, the skills you’ve developed as a medical assistant will be a vital asset.
How to Become a Medical Assistant
Entering the medical industry can seem overwhelming. Your expectations may be colored with images of multi-year degree programs or the rigors of earning an MD. Costly tuition may also be a concern.
Becoming a medical assistant is a more manageable first step into the industry. Most medical assistant programs take less than a year to complete, with night and weekend scheduling options for your convenience. The best programs provide hands-on experience to prepare you well for the workforce. Once you have graduated, the waiting period before taking the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam is typically short. You’ll be ready to start working in no time.
In addition, medical assistant programs are often less expensive. With lower tuition, less time spent in school, and financial aid opportunities for those who qualify, this education is often easier to afford.
Find Out Whether Medical Assisting Is Right for You
Are you still on the fence about becoming a medical assistant? Starting a new career is a significant step that shouldn’t be taken without consideration. Here are some ways to find out whether a healthcare profession is right for you:
- Take our free healthcare career readiness quiz.
- Connect with a current or former medical assistant.
- Check out a training program syllabus.
If you’re ready to get started, take Jessica’s advice: “Just jump in; don’t be fearful. It might be the best decision you ever make.”
Prism Career Institute offers a medical assisting program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. Taught by outstanding instructors with an emphasis on hands-on learning, our program is an excellent way to kickstart your new career. Contact us today to learn more about how to become a medical assistant.