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Medical assistants are a vital force in the provision of quality healthcare services across the country. They work in a physician’s office, hospitals, specialty clinics, and other healthcare facilities, performing a range of administrative and clinical tasks.

What if you’re passionate about healthcare but don’t fancy undergoing the rigorous training it takes to become a physician or even a nurse? In this case, becoming a registered medical assistant is a smart career move.

Still undecided about whether to pursue this career?

In this article, we’re making it easy for you to reach a firm decision. Here are six benefits of becoming a registered medical assistant RMA.

1. Excellent Job Outlook

Who wants to attain the qualifications required to join a certain career only for an employment opportunity to take ages to show up?

According to the statistics, as a prospective medical assistant, you will have a good chance of finding employment. The employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 29 percent over the next decade (BLS As of February 2018). This means over 800,000 new jobs will be created. The job outlook is solid for trained individuals.

Given that the average growth for all occupations through this period is a measly seven percent, it’s obvious that medical assisting is one of today’s in-demand careers. Plus, it will certainly remain so as the boomer generation ages.

2. Get Started without a Degree

The vast majority of professions in the healthcare industry require advanced education and training and an occupational license.

To practice as a physician, for instance, you must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. You also need four years in medical school and a further two or three years in a residency program.

But to become a medical assistant, all you need to do is earn a high school diploma and receive training. Many entering the field complete a medical assisting program. You can opt to pursue a certificate or a diploma. After completion, you must take the American Medical Technologists’ Registered Medical Assistant examination to become registered.

In a country where degree seekers rack up about $30,000 in student debt, becoming an RMA opens a world of possibilities. It’s an opportunity to get an education and enter the workforce without racking up as much debt.

3. Have a Job You Love

In the first decade after college, a millennial will switch jobs four times.

There are a couple of reasons for this job-hopping. One, millennials are an adventure-loving generation. Doing the same thing over and over makes a job boring.

Two, there is the eternal hunt for that big money job. Three, many millennials have jobs they don’t love.

Sure, becoming a medical assistant may not cure your thirst for adventure or earn you six figures, but you’ll surely land a job you love or are passionate about.

You see, many people who join this career don’t do so because they only need a college certificate or diploma.

They have a passion for helping other people. Even though they don’t provide direct patient care, they know their role in helping healthcare facilities operate smoothly goes a long way in changing lives.

Another perk of being in a job you love is that you’ll enjoy a greater work-life balance.

4. You Can Work in Any State

Let’s you love your current job.

The only problem?

You’re not quite loving life in your state.

If some magical powers were to find you the same job in New York, Alaska, or any other state that tickles your fancy, your life would be perfect! But now, you are stuck in your state because relocating would mean pursuing a fresh set of training and licensing or certification requirements for your job.

The good news is that pursuing a medical assisting job gives you the flexibility to work in different states without obtaining a new license or certification.

All you need to do is earn the National Certified Medical Assistant certification, which is awarded by the National Center for Competency Testing. Once you get it, you’re good to work in any state.

5. You Can Work in Diverse Environments

Dread the thought of working in the same environment for the rest of your career?

If you do, your fears are well-founded. Over 60 percent of American workers report their current work conditions are far from their desired conditions. These employees are at a greater risk for mental health issues because of it.

This is why you need to pursue a job that gives you the freedom to work in diverse environments.

As an RMA, you can work in a doctor’s office, a large hospital, or an outpatient care center. You won’t spend the entire workday in one room.

Let’s say you work in a hospital. You could be recording patient information in a consultation room in the morning and spend your afternoon performing clinical labs.

In addition to this, medical assistants have a fairly predictable or fixed work schedule. Unless you have a different arrangement with your employer, expect to work regular hours. No more stressing about being on-call when all you want to do is catch a deep snooze.

6. Springboard to Advanced Healthcare Professions

Is your ultimate dream to become a nurse, health facility manager, or surgical technician, but you’re not able to embark on chasing the career right away?

If so, starting as a medical assistant is an ideal way to get ready for your dream job.

In medical assisting, you will gain experience working in a healthcare environment and gain vital occupational skills. By the time you’ll be ready to pursue your dream healthcare job, you will already be familiar with the work environment of healthcare.

Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant Is Worth It

As you see, you have all the reasons to follow your ambition and become a medical assistant. This is the career for you, from the excellent job outlook to the low education requirements and the flexibility to work in any state.

Why not come to InterCoast College and join our medical assistant training program now that your mind is made up?

You’re free to request more information!