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Career and School Info for Medical Assistants

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  School and Career Overview

Degrees and Schools

Many community colleges and vocational schools offer medical assistant programs. Some offer one-year programs for a diploma or certificate, while others offer two-year associate's degrees. Good programs include a requirement for an internship or externship at a local doctor's office, clinic or hospital.

Employers frequently prefer graduates of schools that are accredited by organizations such as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Classes

Postsecondary education programs for medical assistants usually include coursework in the following areas:

  • medical terminology
  • anatomy and physiology
  • typing and transcription
  • accounting and bookkeeping
  • medical record keeping and patient privacy policy
  • insurance processing
  • lab testing, techniques and procedures
  • pharmaceuticals and medication administration
  • diagnostic and clinical procedures
  • medical law and ethics
  • technology and office practices
  • patient relations

In addition to coursework, hands-on experience through an internship or externship is often required.

Online Classes and Programs

Medical assistant certification and degree programs are well-suited to online education, offering convenience and flexibility. These programs might not provide the local internship, externship and job-placement assistance that many on-campus programs offer.

Employment Requirements

Many employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited postsecondary programs. However, although formal training can help a medical assistant get hired, it's not always necessary. Many medical assistants are trained on the job, especially if they have previous work experience in an office or volunteer experience in the health care field. A high school diploma is considered the minimum requirement.

Medical assistants can obtain certification through various associations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) to bolster their employability.

How to Evaluate Schools

Asking the following questions can help in choosing a medical assisting educational program:

  • School and class size - How many students are in an average course? Does the school offer a large variety of desirable amenities, such as specialized services or facilities?
  • Tuition and financial assistance - What resources are available to students to help them take advantage of financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, loans, work study, etc.?
  • Accreditation - Has the ABHES, CAAHEP or other organization accredited the program? If the program is offered online, has it been accredited by an organization for distance learning?
  • Practical experience - Does the program facilitate hands-on experience? Are internships or externships coordinated? Are there plenty of desirable positions from which to choose?
  • Graduate success - How many graduates get certified by the AAMA, AMT or other organizations? What is the program's success rate for graduate job placement?

Medical Assistant Job Description

Doctors and other healthcare practitioners rely on medical assistants to take care of a variety of office and patient-care related tasks. Medical assistants may work in a small office handling many tasks, or a large office filling a specific role within a team. Their responsibilities differ from physician assistants, who are trained to diagnose and treat patients.

Administrative Tasks

  • Updating and filing patients' medical records
  • Processing insurance forms
  • Scheduling hospital admissions
  • Arranging laboratory services
  • Acting as receptionist
  • Processing mail and writing letters
  • Bookkeeping and billing
  • Arranging and maintaining exam room equipment and instruments
  • Purchasing supplies
  • Keeping waiting areas and exam rooms clean

Clinical Tasks (vary by state law)

  • Taking a patient's medical history and recording his or her vital signs
  • Getting a patient ready for an exam and explaining treatments
  • Assisting the physician during an exam
  • Following a physician's instructions for authorizing and administering medications
  • Preparing a patient for x-rays and performing electrocardiograms
  • Changing bandages and removing sutures
  • Providing instructions to a patient about special diets and medications
  • Drawing blood, processing lab specimens, and performing basic laboratory tests
  • Disposing of contaminated supplies and sterilizing medical instruments
  • Submitting authorized prescription orders to pharmacies

Areas of specialty include podiatry (foot-related care), ophthalmology (eye-health related care) and optometry (vision-related care).

 

Career Profiles

To help career searchers evaluate their options, BrainTrack has asked hundreds of workers to profile their jobs with a review and ratings. See below for a summary of this career compared to all rated careers and for detailed reviews.

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Opportunity for Promotion
Career Flexibility
How Cool Is The Career
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Earnings Potential
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Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Everest University • Jacksonville, FL
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/20/2012

"I am mainly stuck in the front office. Not really what I wanted to do."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5It had good potential, but the instructor I had wasn't usually much help. Some of the other instructors seemed better.
Opportunity for Promotion3It appears as though everyone is permanently set in their positions and one probably won't open up until someone leaves.
Job Security8There's no way they are going to be letting anyone go anytime soon. We stay busy. There are always sick and hurting people, and people who think they are sick.
Earnings Potential8Earnings potential to me means the pay. It's pretty good to me.
How Stressful9Mainly the doctors are the cause of stress. Sometimes the patients will put up a fight when you tell them you have to take a message for them because they cannot talk to the doctor personally without an appointment.
Task Variety5It depends on which doctors are in. It also depends on the patients that come in, and what they come in with. Overall, it can be repetitive.
How Cool Is The Career3The health field turns out to not be that great. It's mainly just sick people and broken bones. I am usually in the front anyway. The doctors always think they are better than you and make you feel bad sometimes.
Career Flexibility10I have been searching for a new job. There are lots of different schedules, facilities, and work from home listings located all over my area.
Social Orientation10Being up front, the phones are always ringing, new patients are always coming in, and old patients are trying to converse with you while all the other stuff is going on. There are people talking to you all day long.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Columbus State • Columbus, OH
Studied Medical Assisting Technology (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: (Satisfaction rating not available) • Submitted: 1/22/2012

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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8Everything was great for the most part. Helpful teachers and staff. The students were not very helpful though. It wasn't overly difficult and the schedule was very flexible. I would recommend it to people.
Opportunity for Promotion5I am not really sure as of yet. I am still kind of new.
Job Security10The medical field is always growing. People with degrees are in high demand.
Earnings Potential5Down the line I think it will improve, but as for now I feel like I am scraping by.
How Stressful10I have to deal with a lot of stressful situations, and see a lot of death. This can be be very emotionally taxing.
Task Variety10You never know what's going to walk through the door and you have to be prepared for everything. Variety is good, though.
How Cool Is The Career5It's decently cool. I don't know how to really relate to the cool factor.
Career Flexibility3I have to work a decent amount of off hours and it can be taxing on my family. With more time in the field, though, this should improve.
Social Orientation10I have a very social job. My co-workers and I hang out after work all the time. We are very close knit.

Job Title: Medical Assistant - Surgical

Attended: Akron Institute (Now Herzig) • Akron, OH
Studied Medical Assistant Clinical (completion in 1979)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/21/2012

"At one time I was afraid I had made the wrong choice, however, there has recently been an increased demand for MA's. MA's are replacing LPN's, at least in Ohio. Being an MA allows me to work in a variety of functions and settings."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10Although it was some years ago, the program gave me a good variety of training in both clerical and clinical functions. It provided a great deal of hands on experience and learning outside the classroom. I felt very prepared when I graduated.
Opportunity for Promotion5While I may be able to specialize (such as my current surgical position), there is still only so far I can advance without furthering my education. Unfortunately, to advance significantly would require obtaining another degree.
Job Security9While I may not be secure with any one employer, the job openings for MA's in my area are plentiful and I feel secure that I could find another position rather quickly. Within my current organization there are frequent job postings for MA's.
Earnings Potential8There are certainly other medical careers that would earn more, but because of the rising trend to hire MA's over LPN's, I think the potential for higher earnings continues to improve. It is possible to earn an excellent wage depending on one's choice of employers.
How Stressful5The stress level generally depends on which doctor I am working with. Some are easy to work with and work with us as a team. Some are "prima donnas" who behave as if we are in the way. Beyond that, the stress level is proportionate to each patient and the outcome of the case. Some are easy, some not.
Task Variety10Some daily tasks never change, such as paperwork. Fortunately, this is only a small part of being an MA, and patient care is the primary task. Every patient is different, which makes every day different.
How Cool Is The Career9Since MA's are in demand right now, this seems to be the job everyone wants. I am frequently questioned by entry level staff as to how to get a job like mine. People seem to be fascinated by this type of work.
Career Flexibility7MA positions are available in hospitals, doctor's offices, etc. There is little, if any opportunity to work from home, although providing insurance physicals is a possibility. There seem to be both part time and full time positions available and a variety of shifts.
Social Orientation10It is a rare situation that I would be working alone, i.e. paperwork. There is constant interaction with others, whether that be with staff or patients. It is a team process and can't be done without interaction.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Thompson Institute • Harrisburg, PA
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/22/2012

"I found out how political this field ended up being. If I could go back I probably would have gone for Medical Billing."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating4I felt rushed through this program. Although I am a quick learner and was able to pick up on things at the course speed, my classmates were not and yet they still got hired right out of school even though they were, for the lack of a better word, incompetent.
Opportunity for Promotion1In order to get promoted, I need more schooling. If I do get laid off, that is what I plan on doing.
Job Security1My first position was working for a certain company, and when I questioned a manager on their policies, I was fired. I now work for a company who is being bought out by that company and I have been told they may not be able to keep me because of my termination.
Earnings Potential6This career has proven to not pay very much. I do, however, make more than I did working any retail job.
How Stressful8This is a very fast paced and high stress job. You deal with strict time frames and people who you most likely will need to call 911 for at some point during your career.
Task Variety9You never know what you will be doing from day to day. Some days I am running my doctor, others I am running a flu clinic, and I have even been put on phones when the schedulers are out.
How Cool Is The Career1No one actually knows what a medical assistant is. They ask if you are a nurse and when you tell them no and attempt to explain what you do, they have already mentally turned off and are not listening to you.
Career Flexibility1I must work when the doctors require me to. You go out of your way to make sure you keep the doctors happy as they are the reason you are even employed.
Social Orientation9You almost never have time to yourself. You are either with the doctor, with the patient, talking with the schedulers, or waiting back at the nurses station likely making calls or taking messages.

Job Title: Medical Technical Assistant

Attended: Cuesta College • San Luis Obispo, CA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2001)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/21/2012

"I work in the corrections system for the higher pay. I prefer to help other people, but the money is not there. It's not very satisfying helping criminals."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8Dedicated staff are there to help you succeed. Program kept to a reasonable number of students.
Opportunity for Promotion8The public sector has a huge amount of opportunity for growth. There are several levels of management available.
Job Security9The corrections dept. is a necessity. There will always be a need to provide medical services in prison.
Earnings Potential8Relative to private practice, the pay is excellent. There are also very good benefits.
How Stressful9The average medical assistant doesn't have clientele made up of murderers and such. It makes for a high stress environment.
Task Variety3Mostly the same thing day after day. Some variation, but not much.
How Cool Is The Career5You get to see all walks of life at my job. Plus, you are inside a place most people will never see.
Career Flexibility5There is some flexibility. As a 24 hour facility, however, there is a need for workers on nights, weekends, and holidays. This means someone will always have to work a day they don't want to.
Social Orientation10High paced, busy office located in the institution. We serve 1500 people with 2 MDs and 4 loc staff.

Job Title: Patient Care Technician

Attended: Brown Mackie • Findlay, OH
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2002)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/21/2012

"I have people die sometimes, and that is hard to deal with. Also, sometimes patients can be mean."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5
Opportunity for Promotion5I was supposed to get a raise and didn't. I thought my boss was going to fight for me and she didn't.
Job Security5My hours have been cut before. I have heard that my company is being sold to another.
Earnings Potential5I originally thought that the earning potential was good. However, m boss just informed me that I was not getting my raise.
How Stressful5This job provides some stress. It is not as stressful as other jobs, though.
Task Variety5I do the same thing every day. The only time I do anything different is when a patient is new.
How Cool Is The Career8I like talking about my profession to others.
Career Flexibility5I have children, so I can't be to flexible. I do come in on weekends to work.
Social Orientation8I have a lot of social interaction in my career. I work with many patients and nurses.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Kennesaw State University • Kennesaw, GA
Studied Exercise And Health Science (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/19/2012

"It's a tiring job with little appreciation for the work done. Patients complain, doctors complain, and you're left to deal with the mess."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5The school gave the basics for what was needed. The science classes were the most difficult part of the program. There was not a lot of guidance after the student left.
Opportunity for Promotion4There is really no upward mobility. The most you can move up to is lead medical assistant. You also run the risk of capping out on your pay.
Job Security6The medical field always needs workers. Unfortunately, the economy has hit almost every profession pretty hard.
Earnings Potential1There is very little earning potential and very little chance for raises. Medical Assistants often cap out at a certain amount and are stuck in their situation.
How Stressful7You are required to be a jack of all trades. You are the middle man amongst doctors, patients, and family. You must explain why the doctor is 2 hours behind and where that med refill is that they requested two days ago. No one is understanding.
Task Variety5It's about average, I would say. You do the same things everyday, but because you deal with such a large number of people, it's always different.
How Cool Is The Career2You deal with the sick and elderly all day. It's depressing, tiring, and pays very little.
Career Flexibility3The doctors, managers, and patients want you everywhere at the same time. Having the chance to even take an hour to go to your own doctors appointment is difficult to do.
Social Orientation10There is constant social interaction. This is so much that I would love to have just a few minutes of quiet each day. You are constantly dealing with someone and their problems.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: LDS Business College • Salt Lake City, UT
Studied (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/25/2012

"A lot of days are challenging, but most days are okay. It's hard getting yelled at by doctors and patients."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10I was very pleased with my experience there. They prepared me very well for my career.
Opportunity for Promotion6I get "promoted," as in I receive a $1 raise every year. I am pleased with that.
Job Security9As long as I do what I need to or am told to do, I don't see why I would be fired. But at the office I work at, you just never know.
Earnings Potential6Like I said, $1 raise per year for four years is pretty good, I think, for my career. Or maybe my employer is just scamming me.
How Stressful9It can be very stressful when you're 2 hours behind in clinic and the Dr. has to do an emergency C-Section afterwards. It can also be very stressful when your Dr. is stressed.
Task Variety4Usually it's pretty monotonous. Sometimes exciting things happen (a patient faints or throws up) - not always good things, but different from the everyday.
How Cool Is The Career8It can be exciting, hard, sad, or happy. It's kind of cool because I feel like it's just one step down from being a nurse.
Career Flexibility6There is not a lot of flexibility. You can't work at home, work schedule is usually M-F 9-5, and as far as specializations, once you're in a specialty, it's hard to switch.
Social Orientation10When you are dealing with patients all day, there is constant social interaction. It can be fun, but sometimes it isn't.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: American Medical Careers • Lansing, MI
Studied CNA PCT (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/26/2012

"I chose a "somewhat satisfied" rating because I would like to further my education and become an RN. This has mostly to do with the amount of money I make."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I chose an "8" rating because the hands-on learning and training could have been better. The instructors were very helpful, though.
Opportunity for Promotion5I chose a "somewhat satisfied" rating because at my current job the only opportunity to be promoted is to go into management and I would lose all hands-on care. This is if I stay with my current company.
Job Security8I chose an "8" rating because I am not absolutely certain I won't lose my job, but there are always people coming to the office. As long as people get sick I assume I'll have a job.
Earnings Potential5I chose a "somewhat satisfied" rating because I don't make a lot of money hourly. The company I work for, however, has fantastic benefits.
How Stressful10I chose an "extremely stressful" rating because people seem to think that they're the only patient we have and when they're sick they aren't very understanding of the fact that there are hundreds of people feeling like them. Also, Obama Care puts more stress on the medical staff since there is no patient accountability.
Task Variety10I chose the "daily tasks are different everyday" rating because every patient is an individual with different concerns. Also, with new research and technologies that are available, things change in patient care.
How Cool Is The Career3I chose a "3" rating because it's not a glamorous job, but people appreciate it. Runny noses and urine samples aren't exactly "exciting," but my job lets me care and connect with people.
Career Flexibility5I chose a "somewhat satisfied" rating because our office hours are set in stone, so those are what I work. I could probably get a job anywhere in the country, though.
Social Orientation10I chose a "constant social interaction with others" rating because between the doctors, patients, and drug reps, there is always someone around. Not to mention the phones that ring almost constantly.

Job Title: Certified Medical Assistant

Attended: Southern California Regional Occupational Center • Torrance, CA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2005)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/27/2012

"I enjoy working with patients. However, I am not paid much."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The school had individualized attention. We were able to practice our skills, like injections and venipuncture, a lot. We also were provided with an externship with a local clinic when we completed our program. This is where I got my job.
Opportunity for Promotion4It is hard to be promoted. You may become a lead or a senior MA, but other than that, there are not too many ways to get promoted.
Job Security7Medical Assistants are the main working force at clinics. I don't think it will ever be hard to find work in this career field.
Earnings Potential2This career doesn't pay that much. Maybe if you work a long time you could possibly get to the top of the pay scale.
How Stressful5It can be stressful working with some doctors who can be difficult. It can also be stressful making sure you are accurate in the things you do to patients.
Task Variety3Most of the time the day-to-day activities are routine. You see patients for mostly the same things like physicals or follow-ups.
How Cool Is The Career5It is cool that you help patients. You can do things like give vaccinations, draw blood, and perform some simple test. But it is not very glamorous. There is sometimes a lot of excitement, though.
Career Flexibility3The clinic hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday through Fridays. Unless you work in urgent care, those are the only hours available to work.
Social Orientation10I am always interacting with patients, doctors, and administrators. I also interact with drug reps and health plan reps.

Job Title: Emergency Room Scribe

Attended: Mercer University • Macon, GA
Studied Biology (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/30/2012

"It is a fair job. We get a lot of first hand experience to prepare for medical school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating6It is a very hard school, but it has a good environment for learning. Students are very competitive.
Opportunity for Promotion6We basically all had a chance to be supervisor, though no one really wanted to step up right away. Promotion opportunities are rather limited, though.
Job Security5It is a job that a lot of people can do, so job security isn't great. Not many people can work the hours that my job requires, however, so I would rate it as average.
Earnings Potential5It is not a very lucrative career and we do not get a lot of hours a week, so earning potential is about average. There is, however, a bonus for making the schedule, being shift manager, etc.
How Stressful5The ED is pretty fast paced sometimes, so it can be stressful. However, since I work nights, there is a lot of down time to catch up.
Task Variety5Things can get pretty boring after a while of writing the same things, seeing the same N/V/D, and screaming babies. But it is the ED so things can get very interesting very quickly!
How Cool Is The Career8We get to accompany the doctor and assist in procedures and EKGs, so it is pretty cool. We get opportunities to do things that the average person can't, and often we have down time to do homework and study.
Career Flexibility8We are able to give up shifts and choose which days we work every month. Basically, as long as you can find someone to cover for you, you can change shifts easily.
Social Orientation9We get to talk to the nurses a lot as well as the PAs and MDs. Nurses are very sociable.

Job Title: Certified Medical Assistant

Attended: Concorde Career Institute • Aurora, CO
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2004)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/26/2012

"I don't have the perfect job scenario, but I love the people I work with every day. I enjoy working with the patients but dislike the manager."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating4My school didn't provide much training after I graduated like they said they would. They also helped me get a job with an OB/GYN office for my externship, but that didn't pan out and they didn't help me get another job. I liked the teachers, I just didn't like the school.
Opportunity for Promotion1The only way for me to get promoted in my field is to go back to school and get a degree in Nursing or something similar to that. Medical Assistants don't have much leeway in the medical field, I feel.
Job Security8I feel that Medical Assistants are replaceable. You can always have a nurse or a CNA take over a Medical Assistant's job.
Earnings Potential9I make pretty good money doing what I'm doing! The only thing is that I think I will eventually max out with my pay. Who's going to pay a medical assistant $20 an hour???
How Stressful5I have to deal with irate patients as much as a sales clerk has to deal with irate customers, so it's about the same as any other job. The nice thing is that I usually don't get the irate patients and if I do, I can usually handle them.
Task Variety3Every day is pretty much the same. Open the office, check the voice mails and labs, call people back, check people in, etc. The only varying part is the different patients and situations that come into the office.
How Cool Is The Career8I like telling people I work in the medical field because it makes me feel smart, and I get good money. But it's also not something that I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.
Career Flexibility8It's pretty much like any other job I've had. You can get the days off you need because there is usually someone there to take your spot if you need a day off.
Social Orientation10I am always talking to patients and fellow co-workers. I'm on the phone a lot giving directions to patients or calling in prescriptions or making appointments. It's fun to be talking to people!

Job Title: Medical Assistant II

Attended: Kaplan University • Davenport, IA
Studied Health Sciences (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/28/2012

"I would like to advance in the medical field in order to be able to have more responsibility and patient care interaction. I would like to become a physician assistant, and working as a medical assistant has provided me the necessary work experience to be accepted into a program."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating3Having a degree from Kaplan University has not seemed to help me advance within the medical field. Although I have a bachelor's degree, I am still working at the same level I was before obtaining my degree.
Opportunity for Promotion4At the clinic I work at there is no room for advancement. I can be promoted to a new level; however, as a medical assistant the only position I could potentially be promoted to is lead medical assistant.
Job Security6I have worked as a medical assistant for several years which has given me the necessary work experience to keep my position secure. Also, working in the medical field itself provides substantial job security.
Earnings Potential3My job does not have very good earning potential. This is especially true because my job does not have much room for advancement or promotion.
How Stressful7On extremely busy days my job can become quite stressful. This is especially true when you are the only individual working with the physician, or physicians in my case. Also, as in any medical profession there are individual circumstances that can occur that can turn a normal situation into an emergency situation, which can make my job stressful at specific times.
Task Variety6Although I do see patients with a variety of ailments, my general duties are pretty routine. On occasion an atypical case could come in, which can cause some variation in my duties.
How Cool Is The Career5I am certified as a medical assistant which I would say gives me some prestige over other type of employees; however a medical assistant is pretty low on the totem pole, so to speak. I would say my job is exciting depending on the clinic environment I am working in.
Career Flexibility4There is definitely a need for medical assistants within the medical field, meaning that I could potentially work in several different settings, such as a hospital, private clinic, or senior living arrangements. In my area there seems to be only full-time jobs available which makes it difficult to further my education while maintaining employment. There is no ability to work from home in my field since it is strictly patient based work.
Social Orientation10My job as a medical assistant is extremely social since nearly every aspect of my job involves interacting with patients, nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals. There are very few times throughout the day when I do not interact with other people.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Livonia Career Technical Center • Livonia, MI
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 1998)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/27/2012

"Dealing with patients that are sick or in pain can be stressful if they take their discomfort out on you. You get to know repeat patients and develop a relationship with them."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9The instructor I had made the material fun to learn. It was a hands on course, so we did blood draws and EKGs which was great experience to have prior to getting into the workplace.
Opportunity for Promotion4I haven't gotten a raise in a long time. There is a ceiling to how much you can make as an M.A.
Job Security5The doctors at the clinic I work at are considering going private. There are always more medical assistants willing to work at a lower rate.
Earnings Potential3There is a cap on how much you can make. Raises are few and far between.
How Stressful8Knowing you probably won't make more than $12.00/hr can be limiting. It's a fast paced job which can be stressful.
Task Variety5The majority of days are monotonous. Every once in a while you get a interesting medical case.
How Cool Is The Career7Getting to learn about something new every day is cool. There is NO glamour to the job.
Career Flexibility5You usually work the Doctor's schedule. It is not possible to work from home as an M.A.
Social Orientation7You have plenty of interaction with patients. I happen to deal with a lot of moody coworkers.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Everest College Of Phoenix • Phoenix, AZ
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 1/27/2012

"So far I love the training. I am only hesitant as I'm hoping I'll be able to get a good job after I am done."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10My teachers tell us they are literally here around the clock, and they mean it. They work us hard and make us learn, no fooling around
Opportunity for Promotion5I think that med assistants with a few years work will move up faster. At least they will make more per hour.
Job Security3I just don't know. The school tells us about how full of opportunity AZ is right now but I worry I'll have to leave the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, and that would be awful.
Earnings Potential6Starting out, not great. However, ten years in and you may make nearly what a nurse makes!!
How Stressful5I think it depends on where you go. In a hospital, lots of stress. But in a drug testing clinic, low stress.
Task Variety6Depends on where you are. At labs, same old same old, but in an ER it's nonstop new things, new people, new situations all the time.
Career Flexibility7I like the schedule. I can work in a hospital, dr. office, mobile clinic, blood bank, nearly anywhere. Part time work is probably easier to find than full time work.
Social Orientation9Most MAs get to see tons of people - new ones every day most of the time. Lots of social interaction chances.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Stillman College • Tuscaloosa, AL
Studied Biology (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/7/2012

"I love working with patients to help them get the most of their medical experience. I have developed personal skills and acquired valuable medical experience."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10I feel that the training I received in school has helped me to better assist patients. I also have a strong background in biology and chemistry which has helped me to understand and better communicate with the doctors and other medical staff.
Opportunity for Promotion1Unless I get more qualifications, I do not think I will get a promotion. I plan to further my education to obtain a better position.
Job Security6I do not think there is a lot of job security with this title. I believe this is just an entry level position and I plan to continue with medical school to secure a better job.
Earnings Potential6I do not think there is a high earning potential for this job. I am currently just making the average salary for this position.
How Stressful7This job can be stressful at times given that the office is very small and has few employees. Many times I have to deal with insurance problems and unhappy patients who expect you to just drop everything and do what they are asking you to do.
Task Variety1I know my responsibilities and pretty much do the same tasks every day. These include answering the phone, scheduling appointments, referrals, calling in prescriptions, and triage.
How Cool Is The Career6Being a medical assistant is not very glamorous. I do not consider wearing scrubs glamorous and must try to meet the patients' needs first.
Career Flexibility2This job requires a lot of interaction with patients, so working from home is not an option. The hours are limited in the small clinic where I work so there are not many options for changes to my schedule.
Social Orientation10I am on the phone all day and have to constantly talk to patients. I also triage and have to contact other doctors and do scheduling.

Job Title: Certified Medical Assistant/Emergency Medical Technician

Attended: Collin College • Plano, TX
Studied EMT, Then Medical Assisting (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/6/2012

"I am very satisfied with being a medical assistant because the work is challenging. The patient scenarios change from day-to-day and therefore the work is interesting."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5My school focused on text-book material rather than actual clinical rotations. Compared to some of my colleagues, their schools actually integrated a lot more clinical time. Had I been provided with more clinical time, I would have been more knowledgeable when I started my first job.
Opportunity for Promotion7Being that our clinic goes through many CMA's each year, I have a strong chance of getting promoted to the "Senior Medical Assistant," or "CMA II." With the turnover, my boss has already asked me to take on additional tasks and has given me a pay raise.
Job Security4My job as a medical assistant in a clinic is not very secure due to the economy. More and more patients without medical insurance are skipping going to the doctor and are no longer making appointments. I work with another CMA each day and sometimes one of us has to go home early due to the low patient census.
Earnings Potential6Working as a CMA does not pay extremely well, but it does pay better than most "certificate" based jobs. While I am always able to pay my rent and other bills, I still could desperately use a bit more money now and then.
How Stressful3My job has stressful moments, but most of the stress comes when I am not seeing any patients! Honestly, stress doesn't bother me when dealing with a high amount of patients. I just get stressed when I have to sit down because there aren't any patients!
Task Variety9The day-to-day tasks vary greatly. One day I may be triaging patients and taking their vitals while another day I will be administering shots and medications. On some days I will also assume office responsibility and submit insurance claims.
How Cool Is The Career8Working as a CMA is very fun and challenging. As far as it being a cool job, I would say that it definitely beats other jobs in the medical field. There is no other job that I feel can provide me with the experience that I'm getting right now.
Career Flexibility3In my job, I am expected to be present five days per week and show up on time. If I ever need a vacation day on short notice, they usually tell me that I have to give a notice in greater advance. So, they are usually not flexible.
Social Orientation8Social interaction is a large part of my job. I am constantly talking - whether it be with the patients or my co-workers. I don't think that I would be able to do my job if I wasn't frequently communicating.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Ashworth College • Norcross, GA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/7/2012

"I have always wanted to work in the medical field. Although it was quicker to get into the field with a medical assistant certificate, I am limited to the duties that I can perform. I wish I could do more."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5Ashworth is a school where you work at your own pace. I wish I had more hands on training, so that I was even more confident with my skill level.
Opportunity for Promotion2When you are a medical assistant, that is exactly what you do. If you want to do other things in the medical office, then you have to go back to school for more training.
Job Security8I feel that if something happens to my job, I can always find other job opportunities. With me being a medical assistant, I am not limited to back office or front office duties. There will always be a hospital or medical office that is in need of help.
Earnings Potential7You get paid pretty well as a medical assistant. Although this is true, it is not the highest of earnings. In order to get more money, you would have to go back to school.
How Stressful8Medical assisting can be quite stressful at times. There is always someone that is in need of your help. You also have to juggle paperwork and assisting the patients. Patients can also be upset or sick and it can stress you out a little bit.
Task Variety8Between paperwork and working in the back, your daily duties may vary from day to day. You may have different patients that you work on daily, but the tasks are usually the same.
How Cool Is The Career6I think my career is somewhat cool because I get to help people. Working in this field also gives me the chance to wear scrubs. I like wearing scrubs.
Career Flexibility5Although you can't work from home in this career field, the work schedule isn't extremely hectic. You are often given your schedule and you work your schedule. There may be days where you have to stay a little longer due to patients or paperwork, so I'd say the flexibility is average.
Social Orientation10I am in constant interaction with people. I am always helping patients or talking to the other nurses. It almost feels like a home away from home.

Job Title: M.A.

Attended: Concorde Career Institute • Arlington, TX
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/7/2012

"I really wanted to take their LPN program but I settled with the Medical Assistant program instead because it was less expensive and shorter. I finished the program at the top of my class. However, when I actually started working for an employer in the field, I realized that the standard 8-5 hours were not what I wanted. And also, there was less patient interaction than what I was used to working as a CNA."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10My teacher was excellent. She made time for each student individually. The administrators at the school were friendly and helpful. The school assisted me in finding a job after graduation.
Opportunity for Promotion5The company I work for gives a standard twenty-five cent raise after one year. They do not give performance raises.
Job Security5The turnover for MA's in our office is pretty high. Our Doctors work at a fast pace and it is hard to keep up. So most of us do not feel very job secure.
Earnings Potential2When I enrolled in MA school, they told me that the typical MA makes an average of $14 per hr. When I got out into the field I realized that the figure they gave me was inflated and incorrect.
How Stressful7Because I handle two departments, I am super busy at all times. And if I'm not there, it doesn't get done and the flow in the office falls behind.
Task Variety2I have assigned duties and responsibilities in the office. I handle three basic duties every day. There isn't much variance.
How Cool Is The Career7I like working in an OB/GYN office. I stay up to date on all women's health matters and that is important to me.
Career Flexibility1I am currently in the Medical Records Department and I do the nurses visits for urinalysis and injections. I am the only one who does these two jobs in the office.
Social Orientation7I am constantly pulling medical records, delivering messages, or seeing patients. So I am interacting with numerous different people all day, every day.

Job Title: Back Office Medical Assistant

Attended: Concorde Career College • San Bernardino, CA
Studied Certified Medical Assistant (completion in 2004)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/11/2012

"There are many opportunities available within the medical assisting field, but I believe the pay standards should be increased for the amount of work that is performed."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7The first instructor I had for my medical terminology class was not very efficient or in depth with her teachings. The second instructor I had in my labs was by far one of the best instructors I have ever had. She was thorough and easy to learn from and provided great examples.
Opportunity for Promotion3The availability of promotions is very low, although it does offer pay increases. After medical assistant the next step is office manager, which is a hard position to find available.
Job Security10I work for a family practice doctor that sees roughly 30 patients each day. He relies highly on his medical assistants and is very accommodating to our schedules. He openly informs us that we are a family and without each other, there would not be a medical practice.
Earnings Potential5The entry level earnings of a medical assistant are very low. It is definitely not the amount of money that should be earned for the amount of work that is done. However, if you stick with the career and continue gaining experience, you can earn pay raises and make above what the average medical assistant makes.
How Stressful8Working as a medical assistant is a very fast paced career. The accuracy of charting and making sure the patient has received all the medical care required is a stress factor that falls on the medical assistant. Refilling medications with proper dosage, quantity, and in a good period of time is one of the most stressful things in my position.
Task Variety5Working in a specialty field, you can predict exactly what types of things will be done in a given day. However, there are times when patients with new complaints come in. It is a daily learning experience with much of the same tasks.
How Cool Is The Career5The coolness factor depends on what specialty you are working in. I currently work in family practice, but we see a great number of urgent care requests, minor dermatology procedures, and gynecological exams. This adds to the prestige of my particular position, but not all offices offer this amount of experience in one practice.
Career Flexibility8I strongly feel the flexibility is one of the greatest attributes of being a medical assistant. There are always positions listed online and in local newspapers. Working in a larger office allows for a more flexible schedule, but some smaller practices allow one if there are a sufficient number of staff members. There is no work from home opportunities, unless you are working on medical transcriptions, which medical assistants don’t typically do.
Social Orientation10Medical assistant is a position where you are constantly socially interacting with others. The most interaction occurs with patients, but you also speak with doctors, medication representatives, fellow employees, pharmacies, and insurance companies.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Hesser • Manchester, NH
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2003)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/11/2012

"I was really hoping the pay would be a lot more than it is. There is no advancing without more schooling."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The teachers were awesome, understanding, and kind. In the clinical setting we learned a lot.
Opportunity for Promotion1To advance I would need to go back to school. I would love to get a raise!
Job Security7I have no fear of losing my job as I have been here awhile. The pay is lousy though, with no room for improvement.
Earnings Potential5There's not much potential for raises. I get low pay for such an important job.
How Stressful6Once you learn hippa laws you get the whole confidentiality thing and you are OK.
Task Variety7I do a lot of multitasking. When the nurse needs help, I help. I do record keeping, make appointments, you name it.
How Cool Is The Career5I feel that helping people is rewarding. I'm satisfied at work, and this outweighs the poor pay.
Career Flexibility3The office is open certain days and that is when I have to work. I have to work one day a weekend.
Social Orientation10I meet and greet the patients as they come into the office. I interact with patients on the phone everyday.

Job Title: Medical Administrative Assistant

Attended: Westover Job Corps Center • Chicopee, MA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/14/2012

"I am happy with my job, but I want to advance. I don't think that I would be happy if I do not advance in my field."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8My school was self paced. I did clinicals at Umass Health Center.
Opportunity for Promotion5Opportunities are not readily available. In order to advance, I may need to go back to school.
Job Security7There will always be a demand for medical assistants. Hospitals usually staff many of us.
Earnings Potential5I cannot live off of my salary if I plan on expanding my family. I will need a raise to make ends meet.
How Stressful7My career demands half of my time. Patients can be stressful.
Task Variety5Everything becomes routine, but patients always change.
How Cool Is The Career5Medical assisting is not a grand job, though I do enjoy helping people.
Career Flexibility10Medical Assistants work in a variety of settings. I travel to care for patients.
Social Orientation10I interact with many people each day.

Job Title: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Attended: Sanford-Brown College • Houston, TX
Studied Diagnostic Medical Sonography (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/11/2012

"I'm very satisfied with my profession because it has given me the opportunity to serve the community."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10They had flexible schedules in their program and financial aid. They also prepared me well for real world experiences.
Opportunity for Promotion10With continuing education we as medical assistants can expand our skills and get the opportunity for promotions. Also, experience plays a big role, and therefore the more years you practice, the more opportunities exist for promotion.
Job Security10Now a days there is a large demand for Medical Assistants. As the senior population increases, the needs for medical assistants will increase too.
Earnings Potential9I consider medical assistants to be well paid. There aren't many medical assistants and so we are in demand.
How Stressful8It is a stressful profession because you have to interact one on one with patients and their needs. It's also stressful when you want to make sure everything is done right and make no mistakes with any patient's treatments.
Task Variety6There are systems implemented in hospitals and clinics that have to be followed by the book, so they don't really change on a daily basis. The only thing that changes is what is unexpected from patients. You never know how a patient is going to respond to the treatment.
How Cool Is The Career8People respect healthcare workers. I feel proud to be able to serve the community.
Career Flexibility6The flexibility of the work schedule depends on the job setting. For example, working in a hospital would be more difficult to have a flexible schedule. But working in the private sector will give more flexibility.
Social Orientation10There is a lot of social interaction as a medical assistant because everyday I meet at least 16 patients. I also interact with different doctors and coworkers.

Job Title: Head CMA

Attended: Hunter College • New York, NY
Studied CMA (completion in 2007)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/15/2012

"I find that I am often overworked on busy days at the hospital. However, I find working with patients to be very fulfilling."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7They provided me with the knowledge right out the gate to succeed. I feel as if I was even more prepared than certain colleagues.
Opportunity for Promotion1I am head CMA.
Job Security7I work at a busy hospital and am currently always busy. I am well adept at overseeing other staff and making sure they do their jobs.
Earnings Potential5It's not the highest paying job, but it pays the bills. As head CMA, I do OK, but certainly not as much as some of my higher level colleagues.
How Stressful7Given the hospital I work at, with the patient turn over, and new patients each day, I am often very busy. However, I have worked more stressful jobs and at the end of the day the stress is always worth it.
Task Variety4It depends on the day, but I feel that most days things are pretty standard. However, it can get hectic depending on what is happening on any given day.
How Cool Is The Career5I'd say it's "Cool," but not too cool. The amount I am paid for considering how hard as I work certainly isn't as great as other jobs, but I get to work with a younger, more hip crowd than a lot of other people.
Career Flexibility3Due to my position and responsibilities, I work full time. I have no opportunities to work from home.
Social Orientation7I interact frequently with the staff and find I get to talk a fair amount, though often it is just in passing. I feel that sometimes or on some days I talk more than on others.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: SUNY Purchase • Purchase, NY
Studied Sociology (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/15/2012

"Fairly satisfied but there are some down days, usually due to patient behavior or stress. It is very satisfying being able to help people though."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating2The program really had nothing to do with until the medical assisting section. It ended up being a lot more about learning to deal with the patients than the actual skills learned.
Opportunity for Promotion3There really aren't many opportunities for promotion in this field. Most of my coworkers who have been promoted end up being promoted into office work, and medical assistants are generally thought of as the grunts of the office.
Job Security9People will always require medical assistants. The job market has a high demand for medical assistants, just be wary of the stress.
Earnings Potential7The pay is fairly good, but it's definitely on the lower end of the medical field. The job pays decently but at the same time the stress makes it difficult to justify sometimes.
How Stressful9As I previously stated, the job is extremely stressful. The knowledge that human lives are depending on your skills to some degree can take a toll on your mental state.
Task Variety3Variation in daily schedule is rare. Ordinarily it is roughly the same number of office visits and the same procedures daily, occasionally broken up by a more uncommon procedure.
How Cool Is The Career8Getting to walk around in scrubs after work is pretty entertaining. People always walk up to me and mistake me for a doctor because of the scrubs.
Career Flexibility2It's very hard to have any control over your schedule. The doctor is very demanding, and so is the job. You can't afford to miss work or take days off because people need you to be there.
Social Orientation10Constant patient interaction. I'm responsible for interviews and aiding the patients while at the same time calming them down and assisting with procedures.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Keiser Career College • St. Petersburg, FL
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/13/2012

"I was told by my school that I was going to be able to transfer my credits later into a nursing program, and that my pay was going to be at least 12 dollars per hour. None of that was true."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating2I paid more than $14,000 for this certificate. What I got in return was various teachers that never worked as MAs and were unable to give answers to my questions, and that did not prepare me enough with relevant information.
Opportunity for Promotion3I did not find any good paying jobs. Everybody wants to pay the minimum, and it is hard work.
Job Security3Basically, I work with doctors, nurses and patients all day. I like my job but I stand on my feet all day and I only get paid $9.00 per hour.
Earnings Potential1I get paid $9.00/hr with no benefits. I have been looking for a better paying job but I have not been able to find one.
How Stressful5It is not stressful to work as an MA, but the pay that I receive makes my life really difficult.
Task Variety1My tasks are the same everyday. I check patients' vital signs and chief complaints all day.
How Cool Is The Career1Working as an MA is not glamorous at all. I experience no fun, plus the job can get boring.
Career Flexibility10I am very flexible with my career and my time. I am willing to go to another field just to get decent pay.
Social Orientation4I am able to interact with the patients and talk a little with them, but everything is very short and vague.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Conejo Valley Adult School • Thousand Oaks, CA
Studied Front/Back Office Medical Assisting (completion in 2014)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/22/2012

"I am very satisfied with my career. I feel it gives me the opportunity to work while being a mother."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9The program I was in was a very hands on training program. I feel I learned a lot during my time there.
Opportunity for Promotion5I think it depends on the place where you work. If you work for a larger medical group it may be easier than if you work for a smaller office.
Job Security8I think there is always job security in healthcare. There will always be another virus or another bacterial infection on the horizon.
Earnings Potential7It is dependent on how big the company is. A larger company might afford you more opportunity to increase your wages. A smaller office may take longer to increase your wages.
How Stressful5Every job comes with its fair share of stress. However, I think that you should always worry about getting too relaxed when people's health is concerned.
Task Variety7Some tasks always stay the same, like stocking rooms and general exams. There are times that you have special cases, and if you work for a doctor that likes to teach, you get to learn something you would have never learned before.
How Cool Is The Career7There is never a dull moment in the office. At least once a week there is something new to learn that I would have never known about otherwise.
Career Flexibility3There is not a lot of flexibility in being a medical assistant. Office hours are set, but there is the option of working part-time and that can give you more flexibility.
Social Orientation10There is constant social interaction. There is the interaction with the patients and their families, and also with your co-workers.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Kent State University • Kent, OH
Studied Nursing (completion in 2013)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/22/2012

"This is a stepping stone job to my career as a nurse. I enjoy the work at times, but I often find myself undervalued and ready to be working as a nurse."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10All my professors are Masters trained and very helpful. Unlike many teachers, my professors come to me if they notice a skill I am having trouble with. Also, our new facility is amazing.
Opportunity for Promotion5In rare cases MA's have the opportunity to advance their job, but not often. In most cases MA's job hop from place to place doing the same thing, or are working while in school.
Job Security10I have been an MA for three years. In those three years I have held two jobs, but had four job offers from other facilities. I do not foresee a downfall in MA jobs.
Earnings Potential7Because of the training needed, starting wages are reasonable. Based on your facility, raises can be available.
How Stressful7A little more stressful than others. Specific to my facility, we have several offices and in the common occurrence of a call-off, MA's will have to float to cover short offices. (Often meaning I do way more work for the same pay.)
Task Variety8I get to meet new people everyday. The tasks I perform with each are the same, but the story I learn is always different.
How Cool Is The Career5I am 24, and most people my age do not know what an MA does. I have to explain it to them. People often do not consider my job cool - in rare cases once they figure out what it is I do, they consider it "cool."
Career Flexibility5The work schedule is almost always very specifically set. I do not know of a "work-at-home" MA, but I'm sure they exist. Also, I feel as an MA you can have great opportunity to find jobs across the country. Part time work is available, and other than office Doctor specializations, you as an MA have unlimited possibilities.
Social Orientation10I am lucky to have awesome patients, many of which I see often and get to know. I would say that connecting with strangers is the most satisfying part of my job. My job revolves around talking to people and often trying to decipher what they know into a medical based statement. I work with all women and in an effort to avoid problems, I try to make all work interactions "business.”

Job Title: Certified Medical Assistant

Attended: West Georgia Technical College • Waco, GA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2007)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/21/2012

"I am glad to be working in the health field. I do feel as if I could do better, though."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9It was a very great school to attend. They helped me through the whole process and to find a job.
Opportunity for Promotion4I feel that there are not many places to move up. Kind of dead end with the certificate - you can only do so much.
Job Security7I feel that my job is secure as long as I do what I'm supposed to do. Assistants will be needed forever to assist doctors and nurses.
Earnings Potential5I make pretty good money. It's not a fortune, but it gets me by.
How Stressful6There's a lot of work to be done. The deadlines are demanding. You must get through your patients quickly.
Task Variety6It's usually the same stuff over and over. The patients are different, so it stays interesting.
How Cool Is The Career6It's cool because you can wear scrubs. You also get to work hands on with the patients, which is cool.
Career Flexibility3I work Monday through Friday, so it's not very flexible. It would be more flexible if I worked at a hospital.
Social Orientation8I'm pleased that I get to interact with my patients and co-workers. You can become very attached to some of them.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Penn Foster Career School • Scranton, PA
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2001)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/21/2012

"I have been in the medical field for so long and I am ready to try a new career. I love being around individuals."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating5The program was exactly as described. More knowledge and up to date information would have been good.
Opportunity for Promotion1Since we're in financial trouble, there are no promotions. No room to grow or be challenged.
Job Security2Office is currently having financial troubles. Not one of ours jobs is safe right now.
Earnings Potential3The pay does not equal the duties that come with the job. Medical Assistants are, in my opinion, under paid.
How Stressful10Patients are not the thing that stresses me out, nor is it the actual job. It is my the co-workers that stress me out.
Task Variety5It's the same routine everyday. We have specific things we do.
How Cool Is The Career5I get to help others and I get to see children grow.
Career Flexibility6To be flexible, you need to have experience. To gain experience is harder than it seems.
Social Orientation5I get to interact socially with patients. No outside social interaction, though.

Job Title: CMA

Attended: Independence Community College • Independence, KS
Studied (completion in 2014)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/21/2012

"I'm more than somewhat satisfied with my job because it is a great career that took little training but leaves plenty of room to advance. I'm not completely satisfied only because I work in an assisted living facility which does not allow me to use all the training a received."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating3The text books we used we very informative and easy to navigate. I personally had a teacher who was not available to her students, so if not for the text books I probably wouldn't have passed.
Opportunity for Promotion5The only way to really get a promotion in my line of work is to get more schooling. I would need to get a higher degree to move up.
Job Security9I am a CNA and CMA. There are always job openings for nursing assistants.
Earnings Potential6I make more than minimum wage. I have the opportunity to get a higher degree and a chance to earn more.
How Stressful6It's a little stressful because you are responsible for other people's medications and the side effects of those medications.
Task Variety5I, for the most part, do the same thing everyday. There are always surprises, though.
How Cool Is The Career5It's a good job and has plenty of different opportunities and options. It's not like being a movie star or anything, though.
Career Flexibility8There are plenty of different opportunities as a CNA and CMA. Time off from a job as a CNA or CMA is a little difficult in some places because those companies are always open.
Social Orientation7I don't have much social interaction with people my own age besides my co workers. I get to interact with the elderly and their families everyday.

Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse

Attended: Pine Technical College • Pine City, MN
Studied Nursing (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/23/2012

"I love my career, but I would like to be home with my family more. My hours are varied and I find myself always giving in to the high demands of my job."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7I learned so much from my instructors. During my time there some of the instructors were not too concerned about what the students were learning and acted surprised when some students failed out.
Opportunity for Promotion7I currently still work as a CNA but am on-call for LPN. There is room for me to move up as soon as a new position opens up.
Job Security10I have a full time job and have been employed with the company for four years. They love me there because I am willing to give my all!
Earnings Potential10There is the possibility to earn more, but not in my area. I would have to commute to the metro area for a greater earning potential.
How Stressful10Sometimes the workload is overwhelming. Sometimes just giving all you have is not enough.
Task Variety2In a nursing home the typical tasks are the same day to day. There are days with a little variation, but typically it's the same.
How Cool Is The Career10I save lives. What more can I say?!
Career Flexibility10I could continue to work on call as an LPN or look for another job full time. I can not work from home, and even if I could I doubt I would get much done.
Social Orientation10I am a nurse, but I'm also a sales person. I have to sell people my "product" as soon as I answer the phone or they step through the door. I need to put a smile on my face and a cheerful tone in my voice to get this done.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Kaplan College • Renton, WA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2009)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/18/2012

"I don't make enough money to support myself. I love what I do, but I feel like I was tricked into how much I paid to go to school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating7I feel like I was able to learn a great deal, and the school helped me accomplish the course with flying colors. However, I feel like the types of schools that teach these courses trick an impoverished demographic into taking on a lot of debt, telling them that they will be making enough to take care of themselves and their families.
Opportunity for Promotion2Like I stated above, once you begin to work for a company as a per diem, there is no incentive for them to hire you on full time. It is cheaper for them to keep me as a per diem and not hire me full time (even though I work full time hours) because they don't need to give me benefits.
Job Security1I have only been able to get per diem work. I feel if you take what you are able to get, then you are unable to propel yourself further in a company. I've had many great recommendations, but have been unable to find work with benefits.
Earnings Potential4I'm still considered lower middle class. During these economic times, I cannot save money each month and can barely pay for rent and bills. I was promised that I would be making more, and I've been working in the field for three years.
How Stressful7Being an MA is extremely stressful because you do have a lot of responsibility for others. I've also felt a lot of pressure from doctors to know more than what was taught in school.
Task Variety10You definitely will see a diverse population of patients. Each day you will see someone or something that you haven't seen before.
How Cool Is The Career5I think that the coolest part of my profession is that I know that my family and friends are proud of the work that I do. In addition, I do feel accomplished at the end of the day when I do come home.
Career Flexibility4I'm unable to work from home. However, I'm able to branch out into other types of medical work, such as working as a Surgical Schedular and Referral Coordinator.
Social Orientation10You are never alone at work. There is a great sense of camaraderie within our office, both with the employees and patients.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Mid-State Technical College • Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/20/2012

"I find it rewarding to provide patient care that enhances their experiences. I also enjoy assisting other medical professionals as I prepare for my next career step."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10MSTC is the best school I could imagine. They were able to provide me with a sound understanding of my role.
Opportunity for Promotion8I see an opportunity to increase my knowledge. I also see an opportunity to be a role model to my peers.
Job Security9I see a growing career path based on this choice. The population is aging and a need for quality care is increasing.
Earnings Potential3Not really where I want to end up. The pay is low based on the responsibilities.
How Stressful5With a wide range of other professionals involved in patient care, I do not see a tremendous amount of stress. I do see that if I changed where I worked this could change.
Task Variety5I seem to always be doing something different. Many times I am learning as I go based on the peers that I am working with.
How Cool Is The Career5Well, I am no MD. I can also see that an increase in title would increase the "coolness” level.
Career Flexibility6I can work days or nights and I have the choice to move between the two. I also know that if I decide to change and work part-time that it is possible.
Social Orientation8I am always with people! I love the ability to be an extrovert and get paid for it.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Stonehill College • Easton, MA
Studied Biochemistry (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/20/2012

"I hope to continue my education and obtain a higher paying position. While the opportunities and pay are good with my current job, I would like to work fewer hours a week for the salary I receive."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10My school was small and provided an very good teacher to student ratio. This allowed me to take advantage of opportunities that would not have been available to me at a larger school, such as teaching and research.
Opportunity for Promotion2There are few opportunities to get promoted since medical assistant training does not permit one to act as a full fledged nurse. I am not sure about whether or not this poses a problem in other states, but in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, you must be qualified with additional degrees to be promoted.
Job Security10As long as one's people skills are good and there is a sincere interest in the patient's well being, it is easy to do well at the job. A knowledge of computer systems has also secured my position.
Earnings Potential7The profession provides decent pay and a reliable paycheck that helps me pay my bills. At my particular office, the raises are infrequent, so the increase in one's salary is small and is slow in coming.
How Stressful8Since you are required to work with people, and listen to people's issues even when they are unrelated to their health visit, it can be stressful. You are frequently the sounding board for a patient's problems and issues, which can sometimes place you in an uncomfortable position. Additionally, offices are booked so tightly, that problem visits that last longer than expected cause the doctor and you to run behind.
Task Variety7Most days are different simply because you are working with different patients, each of whom has different needs each day. Also, most offices have different "types" of visits, and the composition of the day is always different.
How Cool Is The Career5I know that some people find any field relating to medicine to be "cool." Nevertheless, those who work in more advanced areas of medicine and have higher degrees find the profession to be less "cool."
Career Flexibility2I work in a small office so that there are just enough employees to fulfill the position's needed. When a person is out sick or needs time off, it becomes difficult to accommodate.
Social Orientation10The profession requires that you work with strangers and patients throughout your day. Also, an office usually requires one to work as a team amongst other doctors, medical assistants, and nurses, as well as administrative staff.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Lawton • Van Nuys, CA
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 1987)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/19/2012

"I enjoy my job. However, I know that I am capable of more."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8I was well prepared for the workplace and I was trained extensively.
Opportunity for Promotion5There are many opportunities for me to be promoted. However, I choose not to pursue them.
Job Security7My employer likes me. I also know that I have worked there for several years without any problems.
Earnings Potential5You can make a decent living. However, the pay isn't very high.
How Stressful5Sometimes patients can be stressful. Sometimes charts can get tedious.
Task Variety5Patients always make the day interesting. However, charts tend to be tedious.
How Cool Is The Career3My job doesn't pay well and doesn't come with much prestige. There is also not a lot of glamour.
Career Flexibility5The hours are somewhat flexible. Many of my coworkers are also moms.
Social Orientation10Constant interaction with patients, and constant interaction with doctors.

Job Title: Patient Care Associate

Attended: Columbus State Community College • Columbus, OH
Studied Nursing (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/16/2012

"Nursing allows me to provide an okay living for myself, though I wish I would have gone into business."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10Cheap, affordable education. Very well taught classes.
Opportunity for Promotion5Promotions mainly come with work experience. Those who have been working at the hospital longer have a better chance of getting promoted.
Job Security10Nursing can't be outsourced and is a very secure job field.
Earnings Potential7Nurses earn an average salary. It is not enough to live too comfortably, though.
How Stressful10Nursing is extremely stressful. Patients are very needy.
Task Variety10Nurses are assigned patients at random. They must be prepared to do anything because there is no way to anticipate a patient's needs.
How Cool Is The Career1There is nothing cool about cleaning up human feces or caring for sick, old people.
Career Flexibility5As a nurse, it is hard to work part time jobs because my schedule is so concrete. However, there are plenty of jobs available for nurses.
Social Orientation8I interact with my fellow nurses and my patients every day.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Lanier Tech • Gainesville, GA
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/23/2012

"I like what I am doing. I aspire to earn a higher degree, like an RN or BSN."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10Lanier Tech is a great college to go to with small class sizes. They make sure you know what you need to know before setting you out on your own so you never hurt a patient.
Opportunity for Promotion5Unless I get more education, there is not a great deal of promotions I can obtain. I can, however, earn the title to oversee other medical assistants if my employer feels I am ready.
Job Security10The home health service I work for is a great company. They love me to death, like my work, and I know they will not fire me because I am one of the top workers they have.
Earnings Potential5I make a little over minimum wage for a hard job. When I get my bachelor's degree I will make a lot more. It feeds my daughter, though, and keeps a roof over our heads.
How Stressful3The clientele are stressful people. However, you should put yourself in their shoes - being bedridden would make me difficult, too. The work - lifting and cleaning the patient, etc. - is stressful too.
Task Variety10I have different clients and do different things on a daily basis.
How Cool Is The Career4The things I have to do and see on a daily basis are not cool to the average person. People in my field who are on a lower job level than me consider my job cool.
Career Flexibility10I work in home health. I can always get days off if I give enough notice.
Social Orientation10I interact with different patients and different workers everyday. I also interact with the families of the patients on a daily basis.

Job Title: Medical Assistant/Office Assistant

Attended: Olympia College • Skokie, IL
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2006)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/23/2012

"It was very hard to get licensure from this school. They lied to us and that is that. I received on the job training which was greatly needed because the school did not provide enough training for this."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating3The theory part was bad. Multiple teachers were fired and then replaced - just a lot of mix ups. The lab part, though, was amazing.
Opportunity for Promotion5The office where I work is very small, so there's no opportunity for growth. However, at my other job there is some room for advancement.
Job Security10I currently work in a doctors office that does a combination a different types of patients (pilots and patients). I am a valued employee for once.
Earnings Potential5Since I work in a hospital, I am greatly underpaid. But at the doctors office my pay is a little under what the pay should be, but I am happy with that.
How Stressful4In the ER it is extremely stressful. However, at the doctors office it is very laid back and comfortable.
Task Variety5In the ER, the tasks change from day to day. However, in the doctors office it is the same everyday.
How Cool Is The Career4I get to work in the Emergency Room, which means dealing with things like CPR and traumas. At the doctors office I get to work with pilots.
Career Flexibility3I work at the doctors office Monday through Friday, so I get no other hours at the second job not unless it's a four hour shift. I work at the hospital twenty hours on Saturday and Sunday, so no other hours can be picked up at the doctors office.
Social Orientation5In the ER I deal with the Fire Department and the Police Department on a regular basis. Now in the office I deal with drug reps and staffing agencies on a daily basis.

Job Title: Health Technician

Attended: Academy Of Health Sciences • San Antonio, TX
Studied Health Care Specialist (completion in 1996)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/23/2012

"With over 16 years experience in the health care field, I have fulfilled a lifelong desire to help others while gaining knowledge and experience in such a vital career field."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The Academy of Health Sciences is the US military's health care education body. This organization provides quality training, experienced trainers, and a unique environment that promotes both discipline and learning.
Opportunity for Promotion4The possibility of promotion is dependent on the availability of a higher GS rating in my section. Unfortunately, allocation for additional GS ratings have not been made yet.
Job Security8While the prospects for tenure at most government-related jobs remains steady, the state of the economy and the possibility of lay-offs has greatly affected the health-care field.
Earnings Potential8As a government employee, the earnings won't fluctuate positively or negatively. Though advancement increases pay, the pay ranges generally remain similar for many years.
How Stressful8The demand for service members remains high and the application process is demanding. The stress level remains high.
Task Variety7Tasks don't vary much, but the interaction with the public creates new challenges daily.
How Cool Is The Career10We process applicants for military service. COOL.
Career Flexibility10Possibilities exist for workers to operate as independent contractors via in-home care, along with serving in a temp position or through a traditional workplace hire.
Social Orientation10We process applicants for military service. There will be a projected 13,000 applicant over a 12-month period. Lots of interaction.

Job Title: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician - Critical Care

Attended: Clinton Community College • Plattsburgh, NY
Studied Liberal Arts (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 3/1/2012

"The satisfaction of helping others in their time of need is the greatest reward. Also, I was very fortunate to secure a well paying job in the field."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The instructor was very experienced in teaching the class. Also, class sizes were kept very low to optimize interaction.
Opportunity for Promotion5Promotion is fairly limited at my job, however compensation and benefits increase with time served. Again, this is a very small organization with a low turnover rate.
Job Security9My position is very secure at this point in time. We are a small company, providing a unique service, that has not been affected by economic ups and downs.
Earnings Potential6I know that I will never get rich in my particular career field. I do know that I can earn enough to make a decent living as long as I am smart about my spending habits.
How Stressful7My job is unique, as there are many days when there is very little stress. However, on occasion, there can be an extreme amount of stress.
Task Variety10Working in the emergency field, you never know when you will be dispatched, or what kind of situation you will be responding too. On the other hand, there are many routine calls.
How Cool Is The Career10To the average person, my career is very cool. Getting to drive fast with lights and sirens is very appealing, as is the thought of saving someone's life.
Career Flexibility9The medical training I have crosses over into many techniciassistant levels and positions. My current employer allows for moonlighting with other organizations on a part time or per diem basis.
Social Orientation2I usually work with the same person every shift, and on slow shifts, there is very little interaction outside of me and my shift partner. There are some days, however, when I am interacting with numerous new faces.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Anthem College • Aurora, CO
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 3/2/2012

"It's very interesting and challenging work!"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10It provided the training I needed to land a job.
Opportunity for Promotion1Only a few opportunities for raises, and no promotions.
Job Security10I do an excellent job, and the doctor appreciates the work I do.
Earnings Potential3I don't get paid very much right now with little opportunity for raises.
How Stressful4It can be stressful at times if we are busy.
Task Variety3Most of my days are pretty routine.
How Cool Is The Career10It's very interesting and challenging!
Career Flexibility3Not many people work there, but they usually can cover for me if needed.
Social Orientation10I interact with my co-workers, doctor, and patients all day.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: McDonough Health Careers Institute • Mcdonough, GA
Studied Medical Assistant/ Phlebotomist (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 3/2/2012

"I am very happy with my choice to become a medical assistant. I love helping people, especially kids. I work in a pediatric setting so working with kids is a bonus!!"

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating8My school was great. It was privately owned so the building was excellent and the staff was very knowledgeable.
Opportunity for Promotion8There is only so much room at this doctors office for being promoted. I know in other facilities there is a greater chance of being promoted.
Job Security10I could not ask for a better job. My hours are great and the pay is competitive.
Earnings Potential5I make a decent salary, but unless I was to become an RN, the potential for earning more is not to great. I make slightly more than the other MA's because I am also a nationally certified phlebotomist.
How Stressful4I do not find my job stressful. I think it depends on the person as to how they handle stress.
Task Variety7Tasks are mostly the same. You always have to take vitals and chief complaints. The reason patients come in can be a wide range, though, so there is some variation in day to day tasks.
How Cool Is The Career8There is not to much glamor at my job. There is plenty of excitement, thought. We are urgent care so you really never know what is going to walk through the door. It could be anything from stitches, to a dog bite, or broken bone.
Career Flexibility8I basically create my own schedule and request the days that I need off. There is always someone who is looking to swap shifts or let someone else work for them.
Social Orientation10There is always people in the office. At least 4 workers at all times and then patients. We are always busy so social interaction is a constant. You never know who is watching!

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Health Care Training • Fall River, MA
Studied Medical Assisting (completion in 2010)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/23/2012

"I like the work I do. The pay could be better though."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10I loved my school. It was hands on and prepared me for everything I needed to know once I started working in the doctors office.
Opportunity for Promotion5There is not really a lot of career advancement in my career unless I go back to school.
Job Security10I am confident that my job is secure.
Earnings Potential5I think that I could possibly make more money, but the benefits are good.
How Stressful5I don't think this job is any more or any less stressful then doing something else.
Task Variety7The daily tasks are pretty much the same. The only thing that changes are the patients.
How Cool Is The Career8I love my job because it is exciting most of the time. I also like helping people - they look up to me for help and advice.
Career Flexibility7My schedule is pretty flexible as far as working full or part time. At my office we work Monday through Friday. There are not any work from home opportunities in the Medical Assistant field.
Social Orientation10In my career field your job is to interact with patients all day.

Job Title: Clinical Assistant III - Emergency Department At Seton Medical Center Austin, CMA

Attended: Allied Health Careers • Austin, TX
Studied Certified Medical Assistant (completion in 2007)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 2/26/2012

"I feel I make an impact on the overall outcome of patient care, which was my goal when I decided to pursue becoming a medical assistant. I am overall very happy with my choice of careers."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The school I attended prepared me for every aspect of my job. I had a job even before I graduated due to a combination of my own interview skills and the reputability of the program with which I was affiliated.
Opportunity for Promotion8I personally have been promoted 4 times in my 5 year career. I feel the opportunity for advancement is readily available for those with outstanding work ethic and an aptitude for the healthcare field.
Job Security10Throughout the duration of the rough patch the economy has recently faced, I have never felt that my job was at risk. In fact, I have enjoyed yearly cost of living raises, bonuses, and no increase the cost of my health insurance.
Earnings Potential5The only problem I have with my job is that I feel under-compensated for my efforts. The particular company I work for attempts to compensate for low wages with a great benefits package. The truth is, I would give up half of my benefits if it meant I could make a few more dollars per hour.
How Stressful10My particular area of specialty is stressful since most of my patients are acutely ill. If I was to choose to work in a private doctors office, my day would most likely be a little more mundane.
Task Variety10I perform a variety of tasks on a daily basis. I feel the range of duties I have keeps my job from becoming monotonous.
How Cool Is The Career10I feel that others consider my career "cool." Some of the "cool" factor is derived from the fact that I happen to work in a busy Emergency department at a large hospital. When I recall the details of my work day, I feel excited and proud.
Career Flexibility10I have enjoyed the ability to dictate my own schedule and utilize paid time off, and I have been able to move from full time to part time and back again with no issues. There are many career options out there for CMAs even in the down economy.
Social Orientation10Social interaction is constant in the healthcare industry. Without adequate communication, continuity of care is compromised and mistakes are easily made. It is very important to be effective in your social interactions with doctors, nurses, patients, and family of patients in order to be good at your job.

Job Title: Nurse Technician

Attended: University Of Notre Dame • South Bend, MI
Studied Biology (completion in 2012)
Highest relevant degree: Bachelor's

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 3/6/2012

"The work can be physically strenuous. There is seldom any appreciation, however it is fulfilling to provide care at the most basic level."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating10The programs are great, and the teachers are phenomenal. The coursework is challenging but I learned a lot because of it.
Opportunity for Promotion3There are opportunities for pay increases. Unless I get more schooling or certifications, however, there is basically no opportunity for promotions.
Job Security10The health care industry is expanding, and there is high demand for many health care positions. With the aging population, medical assistants will become more necessary.
Earnings Potential3You do not make much as a medical assistant, but it is above minimum wage and it is enough to live on. Small wage increases are the only further earnings potential however, and these are not very significant, depending on the employer.
How Stressful6As a whole, it is not very stressful. However, certain situations can be stressful, such as codes, or when there are a lot of patients that require constant attention.
Task Variety2There is a routine for taking care of patients (bathe, check vitals periodically, etc.) and this does not change day to day. Tasks do sometimes vary between patients, however, such as in changing dressings of wounds.
How Cool Is The Career2Many of the tasks are unglamorous and lack prestige. Helping patients clean themselves and perform very basic tasks, such as emptying bedpans, is not exciting or glamorous.
Career Flexibility7There is no ability to work at home, however part time work is readily available. While you can't specialize as a medical assistant, the work schedule is fairly flexible and allows for a lot of free time during the week.
Social Orientation8You are always communicating and interacting with people. This includes the patients and nurses, and sometimes even doctors. Out of all the people who care for patients, medical assistants interact with them perhaps the most out of anyone.

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Attended: Sanford Brown • Trevose, PA
Studied Medical Assistant (completion in 2004)
Highest relevant degree: Certificate

Career Satisfaction: • Submitted: 3/7/2012

"I enjoy working with patients. I like the hands-on work."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
School Rating9The staff was supportive and very helpful with job placement.
Opportunity for Promotion5It really depends on where you work. If you compare a hospital setting to a private practice, there may be more chances for promotion in a hospital.
Job Security9Medical Assistants always seem to be in demand. As long as you are serious about your job and dedicated, there will be a job for you.
Earnings Potential8This really depends on the setting. In a hospital or busy office, you may earn more than if you worked for a private facility.
How Stressful9It can be very stressful, especially in the clerical department.
Task Variety4Daily tasks are pretty much the same. There is mild variation from day to day.
How Cool Is The Career5There is no glamour. There definitely is some excitement in some of the things you may encounter.
Career Flexibility10There are many different shifts available, day or night. Medical assistants are needed everywhere.
Social Orientation10There is constant social interaction. I deal with new people everyday.

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