Medical assistants support doctors and other healthcare professionals in providing patients with high-quality treatment. While working as a medical assistant has many benefits, like a promising job outlook and the chance to improve people's health, there are also some problematic aspects of the position. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of the medical assistant job can help you decide whether or not to pursue this career if you are interested in it. But before this, let us understand the position of a medical assistant.

What is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a medical practitioner with the training to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in various healthcare settings. Suppose you decide to pursue this career path in Los Angeles. In that case, you will receive Medical Assistant Training in Los Angeles that will help you to carry out clinical tasks such as checking vital signs, taking blood samples and administrative functions such as billing and bookkeeping.  

Advantages of Becoming a Medical Assistant

The following reasons are why you should become a medical assistant.

Short Training

You have two choices for medical assistant training. An associate's or bachelor's degree program can prepare you to work as a medical assistant. You'll need six to nine months to finish this trip. An associate degree program is the second path to becoming a medical assistant. If you want to complete your education this way, it will take roughly two years to earn your degree. One advantage of becoming a medical assistant is its various entry points into the profession.

Work/Life Balance

Because most doctor's offices don't stay open late or on weekends, medical assistants frequently work in medical offices, which means that most of them in the US have a standard 9-to-5 schedule. Of course, some medical assistants work nights, weekends, and other non-standard hours. Still, their work is frequently less taxing than other health support professions, and they often manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Positive outlook on the job

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2019 and 2029, the employment of medical assistants will increase by 19%. One main benefit of becoming a medical assistant is having a good employment outlook because this growth is significantly faster than other professions. You should feel confident in your professional choice, given the possibility of such advancement.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Medical Assistant

Here are some disadvantages of working as a medical assistant:

Work Hours

Medical assistant employment hours can vary, posing scheduling challenges for some people. Due to the constant need, patients may need treatment at strange times. Some medical assistants must work on the weekends and in the evenings. Additionally, specific shifts may go longer than usual. However, the majority of medical assistants adhere to set schedules.

Multiple Job Responsibilities

Medical assistants carry out a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. Throughout the day, you will often be working on various projects. You might schedule patient appointments, take vital signs, set up the exam room for the doctor, draw and prepare blood samples for the lab, and update medical records on a typical day. Organization and multitasking skills are essential for a skilled medical assistant.

The Bottom Line

Being a medical assistant has become popular due to the benefits it offers. Therefore, many people choose this career path. If you are considering to become a medical assistant in Los Angeles, contact us for flexible programs at affordable prices.