The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants, also referred to as MAs, play a crucial role by offering patient care alongside administrative and clinical assistance to healthcare providers. Their diverse skill set enables even novice medical assistants to significantly contribute to patient well-being.

Are you considering a career as a medical assistant but unsure if it's the right fit for you? Like any profession, there are both advantages and disadvantages. While the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of being a medical assistant to make an informed decision.

Why Become a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants work alongside physicians in various healthcare settings like private offices, clinics, and hospitals, providing essential patient services and care. They undergo cross-training to fulfill both administrative and clinical responsibilities.

On a typical day, medical assistants handle a range of tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, updating medical records, processing insurance paperwork, arranging tests and referrals, and managing clinic finances. Additionally, they assist patients in exam rooms, take vital signs, aid during examinations, conduct basic lab tests, and educate patients on treatments and medications.

In essence, medical assistants play diverse roles and collaborate with all members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, office managers, and laboratory personnel. Their primary objective is to ensure efficient patient care under the supervision of a physician, balancing clinical duties with administrative functions.

Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant

Becoming a certified medical assistant offers numerous benefits, such as a shorter path to graduation, teamwork opportunities, a professional career path, and the fulfillment of assisting patients. Here are some advantages to keep in mind.

1. Flexibility

Medical assistants have the opportunity to work in various specialty capacities. For instance, those employed at a podiatrist clinic might assist in making foot casts, conducting X-rays, or aiding during surgical procedures. Similarly, medical assistants at optometry clinics may engage in discussing eye care with patients and instructing them on contact lens insertion and removal.

In cosmetic surgery facilities, clinical duties could involve sterilizing medical equipment, preparing surgical rooms, administering injections, assisting during surgeries, and providing post-operative care. This versatility extends beyond family or general practices, offering opportunities to develop specialty skills and pursue certification exams.

2. Job Security

The demand for medical assistants is high and expected to grow, with a projected employment growth rate of 16% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average rate. Factors contributing to this demand include extended operating hours for healthcare facilities, population growth, and the aging baby boomer generation requiring increased medical care. As a result, medical assistant positions offer stability and long-term career prospects in the healthcare industry.

3. Location

Medical assistants have the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognized certification, rather than a state-specific license. While not all employers require certification, obtaining it can lead to potential advantages such as increased pay and expanded job prospects.

Various certifications are widely accepted within the healthcare industry, and the choice of certification depends on the accreditation status of the medical assistant program attended.

4. Work/Life Balance

Many medical assistants work in physician's offices, typically adhering to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, as most offices do not operate during evenings or weekends. Although some medical assistants may work non-traditional hours, the nature of the job often allows for a manageable work-life balance compared to other healthcare support roles.

Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

Of course, no job is without its challenges. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• The typical 9-to-5 schedule may not always apply. You might find yourself working in a practice with late hours, weekend shifts, or even a 24/7 schedule.
• Working in healthcare can be inherently stressful. Dealing with patients who are unwell and navigating a high-pressure environment can take its toll.
• Medical assistants often develop close bonds with their regular patients. Consequently, it can be emotionally challenging for medical assistants when patients receive upsetting news or succumb to a long-term illness.
• Many medical assistants are employed in medical practices, which might feel limiting for those seeking more varied options. Additionally, some individuals may find medical assisting insufficiently challenging. While the role keeps you busy, there are limitations on the type of care you can provide. This restriction may feel too confining for those seeking greater diversity. For instance, certain equipment operation or triage tasks may be off-limits.
• If you're seeking patient interaction without the extensive training required to become a nurse or doctor, a career as a medical assistant offers a practical alternative.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Connecticut?

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program at AIHT Education is tailored to kick-start your journey toward a fulfilling career in medical assist. AIHT Education offers comprehensive training to equip you with the skills demanded by today's healthcare industry.

As a healthcare education institution founded by physicians, we have a legacy of over 30 years in educating healthcare professionals. Our instructors bring real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring our students receive top-notch education and support to achieve their career goals. With a range of online and blended program options, we provide flexibility for students to learn at their own pace.

Conclusion

Becoming a medical assistant presents a variety of advantages and disadvantages to consider. On one hand, the role offers opportunities for a relatively short path to graduation, the ability to work in a team environment, and the satisfaction of directly helping patients. AIHT Education offers hands-on experience opportunities through externships and provides career placement assistance to help you start your career as a medical assistant on the right foot. Our focus is on imparting the practical skills necessary for success in the field. With locations across connecticut and online, AIHT Education makes pursuing a career as a medical assistant accessible. Explore more about AIHT Education and embark on your journey to becoming a medical assistant by visiting us online or at one of our campuses today.

FAQs

1. What are the cons of a medical assistant?

The cons of being a medical assistant may include variable work schedules, stress in healthcare settings, emotional attachment to patients, and limitations in scope of practice.

2. What is a weakness as a medical assistant?

A weakness as a medical assistant may involve the inability to perform certain medical procedures due to limitations in scope of practice or lack of specialized training.

3. What is the most challenging experience as a medical assistant?

The most challenging experience as a medical assistant can vary but may include dealing with difficult patients, coping with high-stress situations, or facing emotional difficulties when patients receive bad news.

4. What's better than a medical assistant?

Career paths that may offer different opportunities or higher levels of responsibility than a medical assistant include registered nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or physician.

5. What is the life of a medical assistant?

The life of a medical assistant typically involves working in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, or physician offices. They assist healthcare professionals, perform administrative tasks, interact with patients, and may work varying schedules depending on the facility's operating hours.