Explore Demand &Growth Opportunities For Medical Assistants

The role of a medical assistant is essential to the smooth running of medical facilities and health providers. But what is the future of medical assistance?

We aim to explore the demand for the role and growth opportunities available to those that become certified MAs.

Demand for Medical Assistants

Becoming a medical assistant can be a good choice for your career path.

The average median salary for a certified clinical medical assistant in 2021 was $37,190. There also appears to be a positive job outlook and great avenues for job progression as this article will explain.

There is a strong demand for medical assistants in healthcare facilities across the U.S.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a growth of 16% between 2021 and 2031. This is significantly faster than the national average.

The demand for certified medical assistants is spurred by the aging population in America. As healthcare improves, the number of elderly residents that require medical assistance more frequently grows.

The Role of MAs in Healtcare Industry

Certified medical assistants help with patients and administrative work in healthcare facilities.

The role of a MA will see them perform routine administrative and clinical duties. These include:

Maintaining electronic health records
Taking vital signs
Updating the patient’s medical records
Educating patients

Medical assistants work in a range of environments, including:

Physicians offices
Hospitals
Outpatient care centers
Private healthcare facilities
Clinics
Chiropractor offices
Other healthcare facilities

Job Prospects

The growth of the healthcare industry means that there is a far wider scope for medical assistants to find job opportunities.

In comparison to the job growth of registered nurses, career opportunities for medical assistants are growing significantly faster.

Registered nurse job growth is predicted to grow at the national average of just 6% between 2021 and 2031.

This makes becoming a medical assistant an appealing option. Job security is a major factor in a career change or advancement.

Job prospects for medical assistants are very good. This is because of the projected growth and demand for MAs across a broad range of healthcare disciplines. It ensures graduates from medical assistant programs have an excellent chance of finding work.

Administrative and clinical tasks prepare them for a rich and varied career with countless potential avenues for growth.

Technological Advances in Medical Assisting

Technical advances in healthcare are streamlining roles and making them more efficient. The use of electronic health records makes it easier for a certified medical administrative assistant to record valuable information.

The collection of data has been improved through technology across the board.

This includes the use of mobile apps and remote appointments made by video call.
Medical assistants are trained to take and collate the patient’s health information, and then present it to other healthcare staff. Technological demands have improved efficiency in doing this. Therefore, medical assistants must be trained and familiarized with this technology.
Inputting the patient’s medical history into electronic health records makes information more accessible, which is why learning how to use electronic systems will be essential for medical assistants. The safeguarding of patients’ privacy and data is also very important.
Telemedicine offers far greater convenience for those seeking checkups or appointments. The system grew in popularity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as virtual sessions minimized face-to-face contact. The time taken for appointments and the resulting cost was reduced as a result of this.
Virtual sessions are also convenient for patients with difficulty getting to and from medical offices. Medical assistants can collate valuable information by using this kind of technology.
The use of mobile apps to arrange and book appointments and input health updates is a great use of technology. A medical assistant will be tasked with collating the data and managing appointments or schedules.

Technology moves quickly. Therefore, it is essential that certified medical assistants maintain their education. This allows them to upskill on new developments that will make their roles more efficient.

Growth Opportunities for Medical Assistants

Becoming a medical assistant offers many opportunities for career advancement. These include, but are not limited to:

Cardiology
Geriatrics
Ophthalmology
Obstetrics
Endocrinology
Chiropractic

There are also opportunities to move into other healthcare roles. The skill set gained as a national certified MA will help you to prepare for further education. This includes roles in:

Administration
Medical Technology
Nursing

Some roles that med assistants can lead in include:

Medical and health services manager

A role as a medical and health services manager will typically require a bachelor’s degree, but master’s degree will improve your employment chances even further.

This role is typically suited to those with a background in healthcare administrative and clinical work.

These positions can usually be found in hospitals and care facilities. Job responsibilities include:

Finance management
Staff management
Budget control
Code compliance
Integrating technology
Improving healthcare efficiency

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

The role of a medical record and health information technician will require certification from an accredited program, and an associate degree may be required in some cases.

The role is most typically located in hospitals but can also be found in other healthcare settings like physicians’ offices.

The duties of this role include:

Updating patient records
Electronic health record management
Patient outcome tracking
Ensuring patient privacy
Classification software use

Surgical Technologist

A role as a surgical technologist requires additional education that can be acquired through an accredited program. These courses can take anywhere between months and years to complete. The CST and NCCT certifications are a good place to start.

The duties of a surgical technologist include:

Sterilization of medical equipment
Preparing patients for procedures
Preparing medical areas and operating rooms
Assisting during procedures
Medical supply counts
Sterile environment maintenance

Registered Nurse

Many registered nurses require a bachelor’s degree to work in hospitals. They must also be state licensed and must pass the NCLEX-RN at an accredited program.

Most registered nurses will find positions in hospitals. Responsibilities of the role include:

Patient care
Administering medication
Patient monitoring
Operating medical equipment
Monitoring medical equipment
Patient education

Conclusion

A registered medical assistant is a valued and essential role in facilities that provide medical care.

Their administrative responsibilities improve efficiency, which helps with clear communication and accurate record-keeping.

The demand for medical assistants is predicted to rise at almost three times the national average. This makes it an excellent career path for people that want job security.

The opportunity to use medical assisting as a way to enter healthcare is a good way for people to get valuable experience. This experience can be used to pursue further education or management roles.

As the healthcare sector continues to grow the need for a registered medical assistant will grow too. With great job prospects and the potential for growth, it is an excellent career choice.

FAQs

How has the role of medical assistants evolved over time?

The role of medical assistants has grown to embrace technology over time. As technology advances, so do the possibilities for ways it can help in the medical field.

Medical assistants regularly use and train in new technologies to assist in administrative tasks.

What challenges do medical assistants face in their careers?

Medical assistants face the same challenges as any medical professional. Medical emergencies and difficult patients can pose the biggest challenges.

A well-trained medical assistant will have the knowledge to deal with most challenges.

Experienced medical assistants can be essential members of healthcare teams in emergencies. They are also invaluable when dealing with patients.

What work schedules do medical assistants have?

The work schedules of medical assistants will depend on where they are based.

Medical assistants that work in hospitals will typically work shifts that cover all hours. This can include:

Nights
Evenings
Holidays
Weekends

A medical assistant that works in a physician’s office will be required during their opening times.

It is essential that you explore what shift patterns will be expected of you when applying for a job as a medical assistant.