The US healthcare system has transformed significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A reduction in new medical professionals and emerging hiring trends has created a massive need for millions of qualified Medical Assistants across the nation. While many individuals are interested in these careers, they have a limited understanding of how to become a Medical Assistant and recognize this position’s potential to transition into more advanced healthcare careers. Clinical Skills Institute, a leading healthcare training provider, is shining light on this promising role by providing self-paced training programs to become a Medical Assistant. These courses create new opportunities for millions of people to enter the healthcare sector with less financial burden and more flexibility compared to conventional educational providers.
From 2023 to 2033, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that Medical Assistant employment will grow by 15%, a much higher rate than that of some other occupations. Additionally, it projects that more than a million new Medical Assistant job openings will be created by 2033. This massive growth fuels the healthcare sector’s need for more professionals knowledgeable in administrative and clinical tasks such as appointment scheduling and taking vital signs.
Medical Assistant staffing shortages have become a major issue for the US healthcare industry. Additionally, the healthcare system is aging and needs young, qualified people to drive it into the modern era. For upcoming professionals, or those looking to enter the medical field, pursuing a career as a Medical Assistant is a rewarding and achievable place to start. Only requiring a certificate to obtain work, becoming a Medical Assistant can take as little as 3 months, and cost a fraction of what a university or community college degree would be.
According to the co-founders of Clinical Skills Institute, a nationally accredited healthcare training provider, many people lack knowledge about this opportunity. Young people and those transitioning from one field to another commonly assume Medical Assistants require two to four years of education from a community college or university. This misconception negatively impacts the number of individuals exploring Medical Assistant work considering the financial burden and inconvenience of degree programs in America.
“At a fraction of the cost and time it takes to complete a two-year degree program, someone can begin a career in healthcare,” says co-founder Elnaz Sarabchian, Doctorate of Education. “Short-term training programs, like Clinical Skills Institute, equip students with applicable knowledge, hands-on training, and the ability to apply their clinical hours to other healthcare positions in the future if they would like to work in a different capacity.”
Depending on the state, Medical Assistants in the US can make up to $50,000 annually and access an abundance of opportunities. Since they are responsible for clinical and administrative tasks, Medical Assistants can easily work in multiple settings including but not limited to physician offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, laboratories, and specialty clinics.
Clinical Skills Institute is a well-known provider of healthcare training programs. It offers specific programs in English and Spanish tailored to training next-generation Medical Assistants. Clinical Skills Institute is nationally accredited by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the Department of Education.
Compared to community colleges that also offer short-term healthcare training, Clinical Skills Institute provides a shorter, more personalized learning experience. The institute’s programs last an average of 12 weeks, are completely online, and provide a job placement money-back guarantee. Clinical Skills Institute further supports student success by including resume building, one-on-one coaching, and exam preparation and learning materials within its tuition fees. University or Community College programs often lack this comprehensive structure, heightening the likelihood that a student never achieves their academic goals.
“Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities are urgently searching for knowledgeable Medical Assistants, but they’re struggling to recruit and retain talent,” says co-founder Behzad Jazayeri, MD. “This problem creates major opportunities for people of all ages to build a well-paying, fulfilling career in healthcare that supports society’s well-being.”