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If you’re looking for a new career path, you may want to consider becoming a medical assistant. The increased demand for medical assistants makes it one of the fastest-growing professions in the industry today. According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 14% over the next seven years, much faster than the average for other occupations.

What Do Medical Assistants Do?

These highly trained, multi-skilled professionals perform clinical and administrative duties for doctors and other licensed professionals in various healthcare settings. Some of their duties range from clinical tasks, such as taking patients’ vital signs and performing laboratory procedures, to administrative tasks that include serving as receptionists, patient scheduling, and health record management.

8 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

Still unsure what it’s all about? Here are eight reasons why becoming a medical assistant may be the right career choice for you:

1. Employment Growth—With the advancements in medical science and people living a healthier lifestyle, baby boomers are living longer and requiring more medical attention. This is great news for the healthcare industry and those who are planning on becoming medical assistants—and it could be for you, too!
2. Quick Certification—Candidates can earn a medical assistant certificate in one year or less, putting them on the fast track to starting their careers sooner. Swedish Institute offers a Medical Assistant certificate program. Students who complete and graduate from this program are issued a certificate authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. This certificate not only qualifies them to work in the industry but makes them eligible to enroll in the Swedish Institute Clinical and Medical Assistant degree program if they so desire.
3. Job Stability—The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, opened the door for millions of people to obtain health insurance, thus putting a strain on the already short-staffed medical industry. Hospitals, doctors, and other medical providers are seeing an influx of new patients, which has created even more of a demand for healthcare workers, including medical assistants.
4. Job Flexibility—Whether you’re considering a fresh start in a different state or need to move for family reasons, there’s a good chance you’ll find a new position in your field anywhere in the country. Are you worried about the hours? Don’t be. Depending on the facility, some will offer both full-time and part-time positions.
5. Professionally licensed—All candidates must pass the Registered Medical Assistant Certification (RMA) Exam or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam. Upon passing the exam, which covers a broad and intensive understanding of the Medical Assisting profession, participants will earn the credential of RMA (as certified by the American Medical Technologists or AMT) or CMA certification (accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants). This credential will permanently signify them as a professional in the field.
6. Choose your work setting—If you think medical assistants only work in doctors’ offices or hospitals, think again. Employment options are expanding, and medical assistants are needed in other facilities such as clinics, private practices, and ambulatory care, among other examples. There are plenty of choices for finding the right setting for you.
7. Advance your career—A medical assistant certificate can be your license to advance your career. Depending on your interests, you may want to further your education to earn an associate degree or become a nurse. Some medical assistants are promoted to office managers, bringing more responsibility and higher wages.
8. Fulfilling Experience—Becoming a medical assistant is a blend of both industry knowledge and compassion for others. Having the right combination of integrity and nurturing qualities could make you a great candidate for becoming a medical assistant. Additionally, having a pleasant and positive attitude goes a long way when working with patients. Effective communication skills and being competent and reliable at your job go hand in hand with adapting to this ever-changing industry. If you possess these qualities, you could be on your way to a fulfilling career as a medical assistant.

Starting a new career may be only months away. Contact us today for more information on the Swedish Institute and its programs.