Medical personnel are relied upon to provide high-quality care to patients and make doctor’s office or hospital visits go smoothly. One profession that takes on many different roles throughout a workday is a medical assistant. Medical assistants are well-trained and highly knowledgeable, allowing them to work alongside doctors and nurses in a variety of different healthcare settings. Here, Prism Career Institute helps assess the challenges of being a medical assistant and what you can expect from this profession.
1) You’ll Need Medical Assistant Training in Many Areas
As a medical assistant, you will be asked to perform a wide variety of different tasks throughout a workday. From greeting patients and updating their medical histories to taking vitals and assisting doctors during physical exams, there are many medical assistant responsibilities you’ll need to master. You can expect to handle both clinical and administrative duties regularly, allowing you to develop key skills in different areas.
A potential downside is that, depending on your position, education level, and the state you work in, your job may restrict you from performing certain actions, which can be frustrating for those looking to hone all their abilities. However, considering the position is one that is needed in a multitude of work environments, you can generally find a setting that best utilizes your skill set.
2) Medical Assistants Work Long Hours
Working in healthcare environments requires you to take on long shifts. Even more, your hours may vary from shift to shift, resulting in an unconventional work schedule. You may be given five 8-hour shifts, three 12-hour shifts, or a combination of the two. This can be confusing for those new to the profession, so it will take some time to get used to it.
You may also need to work nights or weekends or on holidays, making it difficult to maintain your social life. Some positions may involve on-call shifts, which can prevent you from making plans. While these long hours can lead to fatigue, muscle soreness, and an erratic sleep cycle, they may help you gain more knowledge and a deeper understanding of the job while working alongside other medical professionals, which can help you realize your full potential.
3) Medical Assistant Jobs Are Typically Intense Environments
Careers in the medical industry aren’t for everyone. Hospitals and medical offices require great attention to detail and prompt action to help patients get the care they deserve. Because these patients may be suffering from injury or illness, they can be difficult to deal with, which is another challenge medical assistants must manage on a given day. Staying professional and ensuring each patient feels seen and heard is critical to ensuring each visit goes smoothly.
Because these work settings can sometimes be overwhelming, medical assistants must be quick to act but also exhibit patience, something that might be difficult for some. Fortunately, working in busy environments can help you get invaluable experience that will not only help you day-to-day but throughout your career.
4) These Jobs Take an Emotional Toll
Dealing with sick and injured patients means not every day will be cheerful. You may witness the death of patients and how this can cause pain and suffering for their loved ones. This may make it hard to get through the day if you’re not prepared for it. You may need help coping after long days to avoid a sense of hopelessness.
These work settings may lead to increased stress and sadness, but as a healthcare professional, you will always be able to head home feeling proud about the work you do and how you’ve made a positive impact in the world. Many hospitals and clinics also provide resources to help you manage the emotional impact of the role.
Take On the Challenges of Being a Medical Assistant
Whether you simply want to help patients and their families feel better about the future or are excited about thriving in a busy work environment, the challenges of being a medical assistant will seem well worth it to motivated individuals. At Prism Career Institute, we provide in-depth medical assistant programs taught by experienced and passionate instructors at our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, campuses. Our medical assistant program even includes an externship, providing real-life training.
Our dedication to our students doesn’t stop at education. We offer a financial aid office that helps eligible students afford our programs. We also feature a career services department that helps students and alumni make good use of their education by providing interview training, resume and cover letter writing assistance, and more. This helps you feel confident when applying for open positions. If you are interested in enrolling in our program or have any questions, contact us today.