Medical Assistants

Employment for medical assistants will grow by 15 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Many openings will occur to replace workers who leave their jobs, but most will be the result of a predicted surge in the number of new physicians' offices, clinics, and other outpatient care facilities. The growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment is also a factor for this increased demand for health services. New and more complex paperwork for medical insurance, malpractice insurance, government programs, and other purposes will create a growing need for assistants in medical offices. In addition, the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) systems will create demand for medical assistants who are skilled at using EHR software.

Many physicians prefer experienced and formally trained medical assistants, so these workers will have the best employment outlook. Word-processing skills, computer skills, and formal certification are all definite assets.