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3 Pros and Cons of Work as a Medical Assistant
Are you trying to decide if a career as a medical assistant is right for you? Here are three pros and cons of the industry to inform your decision.
There are plenty of people who work in medical offices apart from doctors and nurses. One of the most in-demand jobs in a clinic is a medical assistant (MA). MAs provide doctors with the resources to help medical offices run efficiently, including organizing appointments and assisting patients with their day-to-day questions. They need to know the ins and outs of the field and be able to keep an office space running smoothly.
Pro #1: Education, Flexibility, and Job Security
A Medical Assistant career requires proper education and hard work, but the opportunities are worth it. As a bonus, demand for MAs is growing nationwide. According to US News & World Report, the need for medical assistants is growing substantially, with an estimated 15% rise in positions over the next few years!
Another benefit is flexibility. MAs can work in several locations and situations, ranging from small offices to large hospital settings. With so many MAs needed across the United States, it’s a fantastic career choice.
Pro #2: a Gateway to Nursing and Other Healthcare Careers
If you are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but are concerned about the time commitment for nursing education, starting as a medical assistant can be an excellent entry point. Assisting in offices with doctors and staff can teach you what it’s like to work in medical setting.
An MA role allows you to learn the trade while maintaining a set schedule and income. And, if you’re interested in taking on a career in nursing, you can always come back and enroll in Swedish Institute’s nursing program!
Pro #3: Ability to Work Directly with Patients and Doctors
Another pro of working as an MA is interacting with everyone who walks through the door. A medical assistant’s responsibilities can include communicating with patients, managing the office, coordinating appointments, taking vitals, supporting physicians, and much more.
That means be working with everyone who comes into the office. It’s a lot of responsibility, but the rewards are excellent. With an average salary in the mid-$40,000 for New York City, it’s a personal and financially fulfilling career.
Some Cons to Consider
The work isn’t always perfect. Here are some potential downsides of the job.
Working in a Medical Practice Takes Dedication
Medical work is not a walk in the park. Being an MA will require dedication, hard work, and a good education. One of the benefits of medical assistant training from Swedish Institute is that we will help you prepare for your career. Our hands-on training, small class size, and clinical externships are all fantastic ways to prove your skills and get experience even before you graduate.
Desk Work Lets You Help Patients, but Not Always One-On-One
Unlike nurses, doctors, or other medical professionals, medical assistants can perform only specific procedures and basic tests. That said, an MA still works directly with patients, taking vitals and being an office’s primary point of contact in addition to administrative work and organization. They carry out tasks in all aspects of a practice except for the more invasive procedures.
Bonding with Patients Can Have Downsides
MAs are often the first and last person a patient sees in an office, and they are the people who most often speak to patients outside the office. It’s easy to form connections with patients, but this can be challenging depending on their condition and the workplace environment. These relationships can be great, but sometimes they are bittersweet if their health changes over time.
Like all careers, there are pros and cons to being a medical assistant. You need to know what fits your personality and skill set. If you are still interested, read more articles about the program or contact one of our specialists today!
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