Is a Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?

Is a Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It? Learn about salary, job prospects, and more. Expert Analysis & Career Insights in this guide.

The medical profession is growing exponentially to address the demands of the growing population. The increased pace of development creates the need for specialized skills and qualified medical professionals. One such sought-after profession is being a Medical Assistant. 

Medical Assistants support the healthcare sector in clinical and administrative settings. It is a career path filled with countless opportunities for learning, growth, and success. 

Obtaining a Medical Assistant certificate may be worth your while if you are interested in working in the healthcare industry. It provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist healthcare professionals in the medical field. It makes you feel empowered at the end of each working day. 

So, is a medical assistant certificate worth it? The intrinsic value of the certificate ultimately depends on your career goals and circumstances. However, we can help you understand the profession in detail so that you can figure out if it is for you.

Who are Medical Assistants?

Medical Assistants are healthcare professionals who are involved in providing administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare professionals. Their work involves performing various tasks, such as scheduling appointments, taking vitals, preparing patients for physician examinations, and recording patients’ medical histories. 

Is a Medical Assistant Certificate Worth It?

Yes, medical assistants have plenty of options for work in the healthcare sector. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or physician's offices. To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete a formal training program or obtain certification. You can get that after getting your high school diploma or GED.

What will the medical assistant certification mean for your employability?

You will start reaping the benefits of being a Medical Assistant as soon as you get certified. Certification is the number one preference of employers all over the country, opening many job opportunities for them. This is because the certification assures your employer that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job efficiently. 

Since taking care of severely sick patients will be a part of your job, knowing that you are adept at your job appeases your employer's concerns about patient care. 

Another important benefit of the certification is related to malpractice lawsuits. If you are nationally certified, it will protect you and your employers in such legal battles.

Is Medical Assistant a Good-Paying Job?

Medical Assistants make a good living. However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of healthcare setting. The highest-paying industries for medical assistants include outpatient care centers, state governments, and educational services. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190, with an hourly average of $17.88. 

BLS also predicts favorable growth in the employment of medical assistants, with projections of a 16% growth from 2021 to 2031. That is faster than the average for all occupations put together. As many as 123,000 openings for medical assistants are projected to be available every year, on average, over the next decade. 

What skills do you need to become a Certified Medical Assistant?

Like any profession, a Medical Assistant needs a certain skill set to become a contributing member. Medical assisting requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. 

Some aspects of the job may also require physical strength, like standing for long periods of time or lifting heavy objects. Many might consider this a disadvantage of being a medical assistant. 

Medical Assistants must adhere to high standards of patient privacy and confidentiality, as well as maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records. While medical assisting can be a challenging profession, it can also be rewarding for those who enjoy helping others and working in the healthcare field. 

Are you ready to begin your career in Medical Assisting?

If yes, we are here to get you started. We offer professional training courses that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a Medical Assistant. 

Our Medical Assistant program spans a period of three weeks, with a total of 160 hours of classroom instruction and rigorous training to help you enter the medical field confidently. We also offer externships to students for better job prospects in the future.

New courses start each month. Call us at (615) 631-8440 or visit our website for more information.