6 Pros and Cons of Going Into a Career as a Medical Assistant

If you have always been interested in helping others and making a difference in people’s lives, healthcare has probably been an industry of interest for you. However, for many parents, the time commitment and significant entry barriers to these professions represent an insurmountable obstacle.

Luckily, some careers in the medical field can be the compromise you have been looking for – such as becoming a Medical Assistant.

Unsure what to expect from this profession? Discover a few critical advantages and drawbacks in the guide below.

Pro: MAs Benefit From Stable Salaries and Job Security

According to estimations by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for skilled MAs is growing, and the employment of medical assistants is projected to continue growing at a rate of 16% through 2031. With over 123,000 openings in the field available each year, medical assistants can benefit from job security and plenty of employment opportunities.

Additionally, MAs rarely have roles in emergency care, making their schedule easy to manage and forecast. In turn, this career might be a better option than becoming a nurse for parents.

Con: Long Shifts Can Be Tiring and Stressful

While you might not be asked to work in emergency care and you might benefit from regular schedules, there is no denying that medical assistants work long, hard, and physically tiring shifts.

So, whether you are coming from another role in healthcare or you are looking to start a career as MA while working in a different industry, be sure to protect yourself against burnout, have a support system in place, and set your expectations correctly.

Pro: It Only Takes Six Months to Train as a Medical Assistant

If the many years of studying and the long education journey are what is putting you off a career in healthcare, you’ll be glad to know that you only need six months to become a certified MA!

For example, the right medical assistant program in New Jersey can help you gain all the administrative and clinical skills you need to kickstart your career and enter the workforce in less than a year!

Con: You Might Deal With Occupational Hazards

As a medical assistant, you might become exposed to a range of occupational hazards, including pathogens, diseases, and infections. Other hazards to be aware of include fatigue and burnout.

While these risks can be managed by following protocols and health standards, it is important to take all the necessary measures to keep yourself and your young kids safe.

Pro: Plenty of Career Advancement and Specialization Opportunities

One of the greatest advantages of becoming a medical assistant is that it allows you to put your foot in the door of the healthcare field without dealing with high entry barriers. However, once you have gained the necessary experience and knowledge as a medical assistant, your career advancement and specialization opportunities are nearly endless.

For example, if you are more interested in the administrative aspects of your job, you might choose to become a clinical administrator or even a hospital manager. Alternatively, you might focus on the clinical side of things and become a specialist healthcare professional (i.e.: phlebotomist) or registered nurse.

Con: You Might Find Yourself Face-to-Face With Death and Dying

As a parent, it is normal to be compassionate and empathetic. However, these traits can make your life at work harder, especially because as a medical assistant you’ll deal with disease, death, dying, pain, and suffering on a daily basis.

Keeping your personal life separate, finding a way to cope with these feelings, and partnering with a healthcare professional are key strategies to safeguard your physical, emotional, and psychological health.

Is Becoming a Medical Assistant The Right Choice For You? What You Need To Know

Ultimately, the choice of becoming a medical assistant is yours. While this occupation isn’t for everyone, it can be a great entry point for those parents of young kids who have always wanted to work in healthcare but have been put off by the significant entry barriers common to most medical professions.

If in doubt, working with a career advisor can help you make the right choice for your current and future career goals. And, don’t forget to seek first-hand experience by speaking to medical assistants in your area!