So you've been researching medical assistant programs and you're thinking about becoming a medical assistant. But training for a healthcare career is a big decision and you're looking for some big reasons to train for medical assistant right now. Well, here you go.
1. Medical assistant job growth is projected to continue to increase.
Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the BLS also explains that the aging baby-boom population will continue to require preventive medical services. As a result, physicians' practices may expand and therefore require more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties. How many additional jobs are projected to be created from 2014 to 2024? More than 730,200 positions for medical assistants (who earn certification).
2. It’s possible to train and graduate in 14 months.
As you look into various programs, you'll discover the completion time for each program varies too. It is possible to train for a diploma in as little as 14 months. After you graduate, you can immediately take the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam for certification. That leads us to the next big question. Is it worth spending the next 14 months training to become a medical assistant?
3. Wide range of work environments and responsibilities.
Think about how many doctors' offices, hospitals, emergency care facilities, pediatricians and other medical providers you see in the area where you live. Most, if not all, of those companies need someone on staff to perform the tasks that a medical assistant performs.
Want to learn more about hands-on training, externships, certification exam preparation and more? Check out our on-campus medical assistant programs. Click around and learn about our Ultimate Student Services which includes Career Services that will help you look for a job when you graduate.
Originally posted: January 6, 2016
Last updated: January 6, 2017