What Are Medical Assistant Benefits and Challenges?
As a Medical Assistant, you could have a rewarding career in the healthcare field. You would assist physicians with administrative and clinical duties, and play a key role in the delivery of patients’ healthcare. There are many benefits to becoming a Medical Assistant—but there are also some challenges. What are they?
Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant
Did you know that Medical Assistants are in high demand right now? As the Baby Boomer generation ages, its members will need more care from doctors. In turn, doctors will need more medical assistants to help them, which could lead to more job opportunities for you. That demand and need is one important benefit of being a Medical Assistant. Here are a few more:
- Build Relationships with Patients: Are you a people person? This career could be for you! You’ll spend all day, every day, with people. You’ll be your patients’ first point of contact and the one who puts them at ease before they see the doctor. Over time, you’ll build a rapport with your patients and get to know them really well.
- You’ll Have a Variety of Duties: You’re not just in charge of one thing. As a Medical Assistant, you’ll have a variety of responsibilities, handling both clinical and administrative duties. You’ll schedule appointments, set up exam rooms, and assist with medical procedures—all in a single day!
- You’ll Have Set Hours: Many healthcare workers have crazy hours, with nights and weekends being part of their work routine. But most Medical Assistants work in physicians’ offices. That’s why if you’re a full-time Medical Assistant, you’re more likely to have a typical 8:00 to 5:00 schedule. Yes, you may need to work evenings or weekends every once and awhile, but your schedule is likely to be consistent.
- You’ll Get Benefits: Another benefit of being a Medical Assistant are the benefits –as in health insurance and paid time off. If you’re a full-time Medical Assistant, you’ll almost always receive some kind of benefits from your employer.
Challenges of Being a Medical Assistant
Every job has its challenges, and this one is no exception.
- Multitasking: You may be called on to handle a lot of different duties at one time, and the pace will quicken as more and more patients arrive. Add emergency cases in the mix, and it’s easy to see why patience and calmness are important traits Medical Assistants need. Do you have what it takes to be a Medical Assistant? Remember to keep an even work-life balance, and to engage in activities outside of work that will help you destress.
- Nervous and Scared Patients: Some patients will be a breeze to work with, and others…not so much. When patients don’t feel well or are nervous, they may take their frustrations out on people trying to help them. Don’t let it get to you and don’t take it personally. Treat everyone professionally and with positivity and you might just rub off on them!
- Rules and Regulations: There are a lot of rules and guidelines to follow, including HIPAA policies. There are also Medical Assistant rules on what you can and can’t do, such as treat and diagnose patients and give medical advice. You’ll need to be careful to not cross the line so you don’t put patients—or your job—in jeopardy.
The benefits of working in a steadily growing field that helps others can far outweigh the challenges. If you’re ready to reap the rewards of this career, contact Charter College in Alaska, California, New Mexico, Montana and Washington today. We offer a Certificate in Medical Assistant that will prepare you for entry-level employment in a medical setting. Call us at 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.