4 Reasons Behind Medical Assistant Growth

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Did you know that healthcare is a multitrillion dollar industry that is one of the driving forces of the U.S. economy? And while there are plenty of opportunities in the sector, many healthcare jobs are highly specialized. But a career as a Medical Assistant would give you the chance to help others while also finding opportunity for career security and variety.

Positions such as Clinical or Healthcare Administrative Assistant, Medical Receptionist, Medical Assistant and Medical Office Assistant, could all start with career training as a Medical Assistant. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career of a Medical Assistant is expected to grow faster than average through 2026.

Here are four reasons behind medical assistant job growth.

1. Growing Populaion Means More Medical Assistant Jobs

People are living longer than ever before, and those older adults often need more medical care as they age. That’s why the Baby Boomer generation — the largest generation yet — is leading to growth in the healthcare industry. As they enter their golden years, more doctors and healthcare workers are required to meet their needs.

In hospitals, healthcare facilities, and doctor’s offices, you’ll often find Medical Assistants playing an important role, and keeping a practice running more efficiently. Doctors just can’t do everything on their own!

2. Changes in Health Insurance Result in More Patient Visits

Because of the Affordable Care Act, more Americans than ever have health insurance. People without insurance may have avoided the doctor’s office because of a visit’s cost. But now that more people are covered, they’ll not only go when something’s wrong; they’ll seek preventative healthcare. And that’s a really good thing.

Catching small ailments before they become big medical problems is in everyone’s best interest. But performing all that preventative maintenance with tasks such as checking vital signs requires lots of people—including well-trained Medical Assistants.

3. New Technology and Training Helps Medical Assistants

Technology has changed the way most of us do our jobs. If you’re a Medical Assistant, this means you wouldn’t just help out with patients. You’d also need to know how to enter data into computers, reach electronic medical records, and obey digital rules regarding patient privacy. Technology helps healthcare across a wide spectrum, and t means that medical assistants are more integral than ever – even during a healthcare crisis.

4. Patients Demand More from Medical Assistants

Patients are more demanding today. According to a PwC Health Research Institute study, millennials expect more from their healthcare providers than past generations and want more personalized care and flexibility at a medical office. They also expect faster feedback and more support with programs and processes. As a Medical Assistant, your scope of practice is broader than ever before. You would likely be the person who greets patients at the door, makes appointments, and you’d be the last person patients see on their way out. Medical Assistants are in demand because today’s patients demand so much.

If a Medical Assistant career sounds like it might be for you, check out the Charter College Medical Assistant program today. We offer this program at all our campus locations in Alaska, California, New Mexico, Montana, and Washington. You could complete it in as little as 10 months and be on your way to a rewarding career.