Medical Assisting is More Appealing Than Becoming a Physician Assistant
Posted On December 8,2020
If you’re looking for a career program that will certify you in a relatively short amount of time without a significant financial commitment, then medical assisting is definitely going to be a great option. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you might be wondering what the differences are between a medical assistant and physician assistant. Other than both of them sharing the word “assistant” in the title, they’re two very different careers. Many students who are interested in healthcare chose to become medical assistants as opposed to physician assistants, and the reasons why may surprise you.
Easier Training Requirements
One of the biggest differences between how to become a medical assistant versus a physician’s assistant is the training and educational requirements. Physician’s assistant training is similar to that of a medical doctor and can take several years of college and specialized training to achieve. In order to become a PA, you must obtain a minimum of a master’s degree, taking at least 6 years to complete, and possibly more depending on the number of prerequisites required.
While becoming a medical assistant also requires some medical training and education, the time and financial commitments are significantly less. Medical assisting programs vary according to the program, but many of them can be completed in one year or less.
Jumpstart Your New Career Quickly
As mentioned above, many medical assisting programs are designed to be completed in just one year or less, making it an excellent choice for students who need to jump into their new career quickly. While some medical assisting programs may have prerequisites or special requirements that must be completed prior to enrollment, these are often fairly easy to complete, especially in comparison to the prerequisites required to get accepted into a PA program.
Exciting and Fast Paced Career
As a medical assistant, you’ll get to perform a wide variety of skills and duties on a daily basis, practically guaranteeing that you’ll never get bored in this exciting, fast paced career. Medical assistants are cross trained to handle both administrative and clinical duties, making them a valuable and versatile member of any healthcare team.
Stable Career With Plenty of Growth Potential
The job outlook for medical assistants is excellent and is expected to grow 19 percent by 2029. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all other occupations, making it a stable career choice you won’t have to stress about.
As an MA, there are also numerous opportunities to advance your career as a medical assistant, including moving into a medical specialty after gaining some experience.
Is Medical Assisting Right for You?
While the majority of healthcare careers offer many of the same rewards and benefits, medical assisting is one of the few careers in the medical field where you can get trained and start a new job relatively quickly. This is one of the many reasons why medical assisting is a top choice for students who don’t have a significant amount of time or resources to go back to school.
If you’re wondering how to become a medical assistant or would like some additional information about this exciting and rewarding career, contact Athena Career Academy to speak to our admissions team today. Our accredited program and caring faculty will set you up for success. You’ll be amazed at how soon your dream of working in healthcare can come true!
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