Medical assistants are allied healthcare professionals assigned with administrative and clinical duties. These individuals are highly organized and are responsible for striking a fine balance in their respective workplaces. The masses are opting for this profession because of its beneficial aspects, easy access, and the job satisfaction it provides. The job outlook for medical assistants is favorable due to higher employment and salary rates.

The statistics show that because of factors like the aging of the baby-boom population and a new wave of health concerns and different health risks & diseases, the healthcare industry is flourishing and are employing professionals like medical assistants to maintain the workflow by carrying out clinical as well as front desk duties.

Job Demand for MAs is Mounting

According to the BLS, the employment of medical assistants is speculated to increase by 16% from 2021 to 2031. As employment rates are growing, the demand for this occupation is also increasing. Healthcare industries are having a growing demand for preventive medical services, which will require physicians to hire medical assisting professionals to handle administrative and clinical duties in their respective work settings. Medical assistants may choose to work in different specialized medical offices as per their convenience and interest. However, medical assistants with substantial educational qualifications and work experiences and certifications are more likely to get employed with better job prospects.

Source: BLS (as of May 2021)

The statistics mentioned in the above table show the expected increase in employment rate from 2021 to 2031 for medical assistants. Employment for professional MAs as of the year 2021 is 743,500 and is projected to increase by 861,300 in 2031. The change in employment rate is 16% and 117,800 in numerical terms.

Medical Assistant Salary and Employment Benefits

An average wage received by a medical assistant is influenced by years of work experience, educational qualifications, geographical location, practice specialties, and industries. Medical assistants are likely to get higher salaries if they have more than 2-3 years of work experience. A medical assistant with a highly recognized certification like CMA may receive a higher compensation package.

MA Employment Outlook

Aspects like geographical locations and industries factor in and change the employment and salary dynamics for the medical assistant profession. The below-mentioned statistics cover employment rates for medical assistants in the United States.

Factors that Impact Medical Assistant Job Growth

The United States is diverse, and it provides career opportunities to various individuals at different levels. Job growth of a specific profession can be limited in a particular area and can be wholly exhilarating and open at a different location. There is always an uncertainty towards what will work and what will not, so it’s rational to take a peek at the statistics to acquire a subtle understanding of the job prospects of your career.
Here are some factors that influence or impact medical assistant job growth:

1. Educational Qualification: Although a proper medical assistant training is not required as alternatives like ‘work experience’ or ‘US Armed Forces Medical Services’ exist, yet there is a certain gravitas towards individuals who have been trained professionally to become a medical assistant, which makes them a more employable option.
2. Certifications: Potential medical assistants are encouraged to get certified as it provides higher chances of employment. You must opt for a nationally recognized certification as it may broaden your horizon and open you to work at different states and healthcare facilities.
3. Geographical Locations: The job prospects of a medical assistant can vary with respect to different states, cities, and areas. Certain states may offer higher employment rates as well as salary rates compared to others.
4. Industries: Medical assistants primarily work in hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, etc. MAs working in this healthcare industry are assigned duties and responsibilities based on their respective work settings. For example, an employer may want you to only attend to patients and perform clinical tasks, whereas a different employer may wish you to perform both clinical and administrative duties.

Reasons Why Medical Assistant Career has Great Future Potentials

The healthcare industry is at its peak; it is a thriving and growing industry that employs various professionals and provides medical services to the population. There is always a prestige attached to individuals who work in the healthcare industry. A career as a medical assistant has excellent future potential. The following are some points to justify the same:

1. Transferable Credits: Credits earned in a medical assisting training program can be transferred to a more advanced (4-year college) degree program. Thus, it may lead you upwards in your career ladder and give you many career opportunities. A career in medical assisting can be a stepping stone to a higher designation with greater responsibilities.
2. High Demand Occupation: Due to the rise of new technologies, medicines, and health issues, the demand for medical assistants is expected to increase 19% in the coming years, making this profession a highly sought after career option. The increase in employment rates creates a tremendous future potential for this allied healthcare profession.
3. Affordable Education: With modest prerequisites and flexible medical assisting training program options, the investments you make financially and otherwise are minimal compared to the outcomes you get as a working medical assistant. People are experiencing student debts, and unemployment makes medical assisting a safer and convenient career option with great potential in the future.