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Is medical assistant a high demand job?

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James Holden

Published Feb 16, 2026

Is medical assistant a high demand job?

Medical assistants are in high demand across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, job growth for medical assistants is 23% through 2028, much faster than average. In fact, data suggest that there will be more than 150,000 new medical assistant jobs over the next decade or so.

Keeping this in view, why are medical assistants in high demand?

Job Outlook

The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

Similarly, can medical assistants make good money? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistants earn an average salary of $35,720 ( or an average hourly wage of $17.17). For example, MA's working in medical and diagnostic laboratories make an average salary of $40,960, while those working at junior colleges can earn an average salary of $43,400.

Likewise, people ask, is a medical assistant a good career?

3. It pays great and it's stable. Being in a high-demand industry has advantages: It's a very stable career, and the pay trends high. The average wage for a medical assistant is currently $32,946, and ranges between $30,377 and $35,570.

Is medical assistant a stressful job?

The work itself can be stressful

As a healthcare professional, being a medical assistant provides wonderful opportunities for rewarding work. Medical assistants enjoy a professional job atmosphere and can go home at the end of each day knowing they helped patients in meaningful ways.

Is medical assistant hard?

This exam tests you for the skills and knowledge you'll need to serve as a medical assistant. The test is somewhat difficult, but it should be no problem for candidates that study enough to be fully prepared. The path to a medical assistant career can be as short as a year or as long as two years.

Do hospitals hire medical assistants?

Practically every department of a hospital employs at least one medical assistant. These professionals are tasked with bridging the gap between patients and physicians/nurses. Medical assistants are typically on the forefront of patient interaction.

How do I advance my career as a medical assistant?

Timeline for Pursuing & Advancinga Medical Assistant Career
  1. Attend a medical assisting training program. Start out with a program from an accredited institution.
  2. Get certified.
  3. Get experience.
  4. Delve into specializations.
  5. Consider more education or training.
  6. Take the plunge.

Which test is harder CMA or RMA?

You will have a harder test to become a CMA (AAMA) and it will show in the job opportunities you will have. You get MUCH more respect as a CMA than a RMA. Continuing education with the AAMA will keep you up-to-date on new science, laws and technology. Go for the CMA!

What are the pros and cons of being a medical assistant?

Pros of Medical Assisting
  • Job growth. The job outlook for medical assistants is much better than the national average.
  • Short training.
  • Gaining expertise.
  • Variety in job duties.
  • Working with people.
  • Clean work environment.
  • Specializations.
  • Career advancement.

What can a medical assistant not do?

Medical assistants are not allowed to perform such invasive procedures as:
  • placing the needle or starting and disconnecting the infusion tube of an IV.
  • administering medications or injections into the IV line.
  • charting the pupillary responses.
  • inserting a urine catheter.
  • independently performing telephone triage.

What jobs can medical assistants do?

Clinical medical assistant: Primarily focused on patient care, clinical medical assistants assist physicians and RNs by executing key duties, including preparing patients for medical examinations, capturing and recording vital signs and drawing, preparing samples for testing and more.

Why do you love being a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are capable of performing many different tasks needed to keep the clinic or office open in addition to treating patients. Their versatility also ensures they will not be bored on the job because there is always something they can do. Every day on the job is different than the one before.

What is better CNA or Medical Assistant?

CNA: Job duties. Medical assistants enjoy the best of both worlds in healthcare facilities as they move between direct patient care and administrative tasks. CNAs, on the other hand, work directly with patients all the time.

How much do medical assistants make starting out?

Find out what is the average Medical Assistant salary

Entry level positions start at $25,857 per year while most experienced workers make up to $59,241 per year.

Which is better medical assistant or phlebotomist?

Where medical assistants are expected to perform a wide range of both clinical and clerical tasks, the work of phlebotomists is much more specialized. Phlebotomists have a number of responsibilities related to drawing blood from patients. These tasks can include: Physically drawing blood from patients.

Can you become a nurse after medical assistant?

The answer is yes, a medical assistant can become an RN, but it's a bit of a process. After attending nursing school, medical assistants will have to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). They must pass the exam to become licensed by their state's board of nursing.

What is the highest salary for a medical assistant?

Medical Assistants made a median salary of $33,610 in 2018. The best-paid 25 percent made $39,190 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $28,400.

Do medical assistants have flexible hours?

Flexible schedule

Most medical assistants work on a full-time, 40 hour week basis. However, medical facilities such as hospitals and emergency clinics often serve the needs of patients by remaining open during evenings, holidays and weekends.

What career can I get in 1 year?

8 Healthcare Certificates in 1 Year or Less
  • Phlebotomy Technician. Certification: Approximately 2-6 months.
  • Pharmacy Technician. Certification: Approximately 9 months.
  • Certified Cardiac Monitor Technician.
  • Medical Billing and Coding Specialist.
  • Surgical Technologist.
  • Medical Assistant.
  • Neurodiagnostic Technologist (NDT)
  • Dental Assistant.

Which medical assistant certification is best?

For students who want to perform both clinical and administrative skills, the CMA certification could better prepare them for a well-rounded career. For students interested in focusing specifically on clinical procedures, the CCMA certification is the better option.

Can you become a medical assistant without school?

A certification as a medical assistant is not required, which could potentially make this career choice optimal for those who aren't interested in more medical assistant schooling. Requirement: You need at least a high school diploma or GED. Pro: You can potentially find a job quickly without a few years of school.

Who makes more money medical assistant or medical billing?

The average salary of a medical billing and coding specialist is around $32,350 per year, a bit higher than that of medical assistants. However, within this range, the salaries can reach as low as $22,000 a year.

Do medical assistants get paid more than CNA?

Average salary

Medical assistants earn an average of $14.77 per hour. Typical salaries range from $7.25 to $27.70 per hour, depending on location, experience and qualifications. Nursing assistants earn an average of $13.65 per hour.

What comes after medical assistant?

Medical assistants can advance to a career in nursing by completing an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. In fact, students who complete an associate in medical assisting program online can earn a bachelor's in healthcare management in as little as 16 months.

What to know before becoming a medical assistant?

Becoming a Medical Assistant: Everything You Need to Know
  • Visit Some Campuses. Photo by Buro Millennial from Pexels.
  • Determine Financial Aid Requirements and Benefits.
  • Enroll in a Medical Assistant Program.
  • Attend Your Orientation.
  • Start Your Medical Assistant Program.
  • Complete Your Clinical Internship.
  • Pass Your Medical Assistant Certification Exam.

What is the difference between medical assistant and medical office assistant?

What's the difference between a medical assistant and a medical office assistant? But in general, a medical office assistant is an exclusively administrative specialist while a medical assistant is cross trained to tackle both clerical and clinical tasks. Each has a vital, but different role.

What skills do medical assistants need?

To be a medical assistant, you have to be detail-oriented, committed to accuracy, empathic, and adaptable. Good interpersonal skills are a must. You must also be able to multitask. You should be well-organized, capable of prioritizing and problem-solving, and able to collaborate with teammates.

Is a medical assistant a career?

Medical assisting is one of the nation's fastest growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical assistants have both administrative and clinical duties.

Are there male medical assistants?

Provide Support for Male Patients

Receiving care from a male medical assistant can improve the patient experience. Both general and specialist practices have a need for highly trained, male medical assistants, such as primary care, endocrinology, oncology, urology and cardiology, to name a few.

How long do medical assistants work?

Medical Assistant Career Path
StepsDescriptionDuration
Step 1GED or High School Diploma3 Months to 4 Years
Step 2Post-Secondary Medical Assistant Training9 Months to 2 Years
Step 3Medical Assistant CertificationLess than 1 Year for AAMA Certified Medical Assistant

How can I be the best medical assistant?

Try these tips for getting a strong start in your new career field.
  1. Be an early bird. Plan to arrive at work 10 to 15 minutes early every day.
  2. Stay positive. Work is called “work” for a reason — it's hard work!
  3. Carry your own weight.
  4. Be respectful to anyone and everyone.
  5. Keep up your education.

How much does a medical assistant technician make?

The average salary for a Medical Assistant is $21.51 per hour in Alberta, which is 21% above the national average.

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Is medical assistant a high demand job?