Medical assistants complete a variety of administrative and clinical tasks every day and their work can be both rewarding and stressful. The Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute gives you the tools to prepare you for your career, but nothing gives you a real idea of the pros and cons of a medical assistant career better than working hands-on with patients. Here, we share a few medical assistant challenges to be aware of as you consider starting a new career.
Long Hours
Working as a medical assistant will typically have you working hours that vary a lot and might be long. You may be assigned five eight-hour shifts, three 12-hour shifts, or some combination of the two. Many times, medical assistants will have to work on holidays, weekends, and nights or remain on-call. These long working hours can affect your social life and work-life balance, as well as cause sleep deprivation, fatigue, and muscle soreness.
Intense Environment
Most medical assistants today perform a variety of responsibilities surrounding patient care, clinical duties, and administrative duties. These responsibilities differ from job to job and can range from taking vital signs, drawing blood, maintaining patient medical records, and scheduling appointments. Having to perform many duties at once can be demanding and take a toll on employees.
Medical assistants work in chaotic and oftentimes stressful environments surrounded by patients who can be difficult to deal with. They also come into contact with a large number of patients every day, and although many times the exchanges are rewarding, they are not always pleasant. Patients might feel a variety of negative emotions when experiencing health problems, and medical assistants may be on the receiving end of a patient’s irritation, stress, or anxiety. However, medical assistants must maintain their professionalism and patience even with difficult patients. This can be a medical assistant challenge for some people if they don’t possess high levels of patience.
Restricted Scope of Working
Medical assistants do perform a variety of tasks, but they are, however, limited in decision-making and from performing certain duties. The scope of work performed by a medical assistant depends on aspects like education level, clinical training, and laws in your area. In certain states, medical assistants are restricted from operating laser equipment, interpreting test results, and administering IV medications, among other things.
Emotional Toll
A career as a medical assistant can be very rewarding when you help patients feel better and taken care of. However, you will also experience the dying and deaths of patients and grieving families. This can take an emotional toll on you and lead to sadness or hopelessness. It’s crucial that you stay professional and composed during your workday so you can help your other patients. This can be difficult for some people and be one of the medical assistant challenges, but it will get easier the longer you work as a medical assistant.
Learn More About Our Medical Assistant Program Today
If you’re still committed to a medical assistant career and don’t want to let the difficult parts deter you, consider applying to our Medical Assistant program at Prism Career Institute. Offered at our Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey campuses, you will gain classroom education and career-focused training needed to become a medical assistant. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or ask any questions.