Have you thought about getting into the medical field, but hesitated due to the cost and time commitment required to become a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse? If so, there’s another path you may want to get on your radar. Becoming a medical assistant allows you to be at the center of patient care and provide crucial support in everyday procedures and more. If this sounds like a route you may be interested in, check out these top reasons to pursue this career and what you can do to get started.
1. You May Be Able To Complete an Online Program Quickly
If you’ve previously shied away from the idea of becoming a medical assistant because you’re afraid you’ll have to spend years in school and drain your bank account, think again. Depending on which school and certification you choose, you may be able to complete your program in less than a year. For instance, some medical assistant programs only run for a matter of weeks or months! This may allow you to:
- Avoid student debt
- Get to work faster
- Gain essential credentials quickly
2. Your Work Will Consist of Helping Others and Learning About Medical Care
If you love helping others, becoming a medical assistant could be your ideal job. Every day, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics of medical care and lend a helping hand to those in need.
3. It Could Be the Perfect Stepping Stone to Advancing in Your Career
If you’re hoping to climb the ladder in the medical profession or in administration, working as a medical assistant could give you a strong foundation and crucial background. With your experience as a medical assistant, you could gain the perfect stepping stone for then advancing your career. For instance, you’ll sharpen your skills in:
- Patient interaction and bedside manner
- Administrative work and record-keeping
- Knowledge of medical terminology
4. The Field Is Growing and You Could Land a Well-Paying Position
One benefit of entering the medical assistance field is that the profession is growing, as populations age and demand for medical care continues to rise. This means that you could leverage that demand to land a well-paying position. The average salary for a medical assistant working in the United States is around $37,000 a year, but you may be able to earn more, depending on:
- Your skillset
- Your years of experience
- Your certifications
- Your specialized expertise
5. You Could Enjoy the Stability of a Highly In-Demand Area of Work
Lastly, being a medical assistant comes with a certain amount of stability, thanks to the high demand for the specialty. This means you may be able to choose from a number of job openings, increase your odds of getting a job in the field, and lower your chances of losing your job or getting a pay cut.
If you’re interested in pursuing a medical career but you don’t want to become a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant, you may want to look into the medical assistance route. Now that you know about the top reasons to invest in this career and how you can get started, consider whether you could see yourself as a medical assistant and begin making moves towards that path today.
