Medical Assistants in High Demand?
Whether helping in a medical crisis or handling patient check-in for well visits, Medical Assistants have become important members of the healthcare team. And demand for their services is expected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2030. If you’re interested in a career as a Medical Assistant, the chances are your skills and compassion will be needed now and into the future.
Demand for Medical Assistants Throughout the Country
The demand for Medical Assistants is high across the country, and their employment is particularly high in the west. Data show that California employs more Medical Assistants than any other state, and New Mexico and Alaska have the highest concentration of medical assistant jobs and location quotients. Alaska and Washington also offer the highest mean wages for Medical Assistants. If you are considering the profession, where you live might determine how quickly you find employment and what kind of salary and benefits you could expect.
Reasons Why Medical Assistants Are in Demand
Healthcare is expected to add millions of jobs over the next decade. While many of those jobs are workers like doctors and nurses and specialists, there is a whole support team behind them. What drives the need for Medical Assistants?
The Pandemic Changed the Scope of Practice for the Medical Assistant
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope of a Medical Assistant’s role in many states expanded to accommodate the rapid increase in patients. Medical Assistants were called to aid with nasal swab tests and screenings for patients who suspected they had COVID-19. Certain states, including Washington, also allowed some qualified Medical Assistants to administer vaccines under a registered nurse’s supervision. Since COVID-19 may continue to affect people’s health for years to come, data suggest that the increased demand for Medical Assistants is partly due to their increased scope of practice during the pandemic.
Medical Assistants Have Left the Profession
Another result of the pandemic has been a mass exodus of healthcare workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half a million healthcare workers have left their jobs since February 2020. Whether Medical Assistants retire or abruptly leave their jobs, they leave behind open positions that need to be filled.
Baby Boomers Need Medical Care
The number of Americans aged 65 and older has increased from 38.8 million to 52.4 million. That number is projected to increase to 94.7 million over the next three decades. This aging generation has consistent medical needs that can easily overwhelm hospital staff and primary care physicians. Facilities often hire Medical Assistants to take care of the more routine administrative and clinical duties for them so they can take care of their patients.
If you have a passion for helping others, a job as a Medical Assistant can put you at the heart of patient care. Demand in the field is expected to stay high through 2030. Acquire the training and skills you need to succeed in this rewarding profession. At Charter College, you can complete our Certificate in Medical Assistant program in as few as 10 months. With a blended learning format, you’ll learn hands-on skills while also experiencing the convenience of online learning. You’ll learn from professionals with years of experience who want to see you succeed. Classes are enrolling now. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form for more info.