The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants Today

Lots of people would enjoy careers in the medical field, but they may not have the ability to spend many years in school in order to become a doctor or nurse. The good news is that students can earn a medical assistant degree in Fort Collins in several months. Dedicated students can finish these kinds of programs in as little as 15 to 19 months, and they will enjoy classroom training and hands-on experience during that time.

The Job Outlook for Medical Assistants Today

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for medical assistants is expected to grow by almost 30 percent in the next decade. This is much faster than the average expected growth for all kinds of jobs. As health care costs rise, doctors are expected to rely upon assistants to perform routine tasks around the office. Also, the baby boomer generation is aging and expected to need more care in future years. All of these factors may contribute to the positive job outlook for this kind of job.

In 2012, the median salary for this job was just under $30,000 a year. However, as demand for this profession grows, average pay might rise. Also, medical assistants may be able to demand larger salaries as they gain experience and skills.

What Do Medical Assistants Do?

Of course, the exact work will vary by the position. In typical clinics, these medical professionals might help record patient histories, take vital signs, and perform similar routine tasks. These days, doctor’s offices and hospitals are becoming a lot more computerized. Medical assistants of the future will need to develop skills to use common medical software too.

While most medical assistants work in primary patient care, the demands of the future may change this somewhat. More assistants may become involved in the administration of running clinics, hospitals, and doctor’s offices too. Good candidates for this kind of job are those people with excellent analytical and interpersonal skills. While most of these professionals spend time working with patients, they may also spend part of their day using software or solving problems.

For those who would like to work with people but are not interested in a medical career, attending a cosmetology college in Fort Collins might be a good alternative to a degree as a medical assistant. People in the beauty industry also work with people, but they usually work in a commercial setting and not a medical one.