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When you study to become a medical assistant, you know that you will be making a difference in the lives of patients every day, playing a vital role in the health care industry, and assisting physicians, podiatrists, pediatricians, or other health practitioners in essential work. The job involves a wide variety of tasks, ranging from clerical to clinical. Clerical duties include office administration, filing, scheduling and Microsoft Office knowledge whereas clinical skills would encompass direct patient care such as specimen collection, drawing blood and taking vitals. This is just a sampling of the duties a medical assistant might encounter in a typical day. Job satisfaction is often the most critical factor to consider when deciding your career, but also pay, advancement opportunities and job growth should also be explored.
The median annual wage for medical assistants in May of 2018 was $33,610, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. This means that half of all medical assistants earned more than this and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned under $24,790, but the top 10 percent earned more than $47,250.
The disparity in pay is due to several factors. For example, certification. A certified medical assistant could have a higher chance of finding work to begin with and often commands a higher wage. There are several options to become certified, including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified EKG Technician (CET), and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA). These certifications are awarded through the National Healthcareer Association.
Additionally, where you chose to work can have an effect on salary. For example, the highest salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, are found in outpatient care centers. Employment in a hospital setting is the second highest average salaries in the industry. Medical assistants can also find employment of physician or chiropractic offices.
A few of the other factors to consider with regards to salary are experience and geography. Experience also factors highly in determining salary. With more experience and additional certifications, you could reasonably expect to see salaries increase. Geography also impacts salaries as state and area can have an influence over median salaries. Career One Stop has a salary tool that can be beneficial in examining this data.
Employment for medical assistants is predicted to grow by 23 percent between 2018 and 2028 — from 686,600 positions in 2018 to 841,500 in 2028, or an increase of 154,900 jobs. This is much faster than the average for all occupations due to the aging population requiring preventive medical services. Physician’s and other health care professionals are needing more assistants to carry out routine clinical duties and for support with administrative tasks while doctors attend to patients.
Choosing a new career is a very personal decision and several factors should be considered before making a decision. Researching job duties and responsibilities and comparing those to your interests is a great place to start. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding career helping people in the growing medical field, Medical Assisting would be a great option. The admissions representatives at Southern Careers Institute can discuss your career goals, walk you through class schedules, help you apply, and provide guidance and support on preparing for a medical assistant training program.
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What SCI Students Are Saying
"Just finished school for welding. Had the best experience with Southern Careers Institute, and had a lot of fun with my buddies. Already working at SpaceX. SCI is the place to be guys! Don't wait any longer, sign up!”
Enrique H.
Welding
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Juan L.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator
“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”
Denise S.
Medical Assistant
“I am extremely grateful for the assistance I received from SCI’s Career Services team. I enjoy where I work and what I do. SCI has helped me succeed in life by getting me the necessary education and by making me a stronger and more confident person.”
Raquel S.
“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”
Annette D.
Business Accounting
“When my youngest child graduated from high school, I told my husband that it was my time. I went back to school to change careers after spending 37 years in the business field. At SCI, the instructors are professional, and they care about what they are teaching you, as well as expect you to give 100% in return. I had problems understanding how to draw in syringes and give injections. I requested extra help from a knowledgeable instructor, and I was able to receive one-on-one training. Today, I draw injections for approximately 100 patients each week. I am very confident in what I’ve learned. SCI has given me the chance to do what I always wanted to do. Thank you for my education. I am doing wonderful.”
Bonnie M
Medical Assistant
“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”
Sidney B
Medical Assistant
“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”
Andrea Garcia
“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”
Olga C.
“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”
Valerie D.
* Past students’ outcomes, starting salaries, or job prospects are not indictive of the possible job outcomes for future and current students. SCI does not guarantee employment or a starting salary upon graduation, completion, or withdrawal from SCI.
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