By: Jenn Hall | June 2025
If working in the medical field has always been of interest to you, but the idea of spending years in school is overwhelming or not realistic, then you may want to consider a career as a medical assistant. Many medical assistant programs can be completed in as little as 6 months!
Could a career as a medical assistant be the right path for you? Check out the top six reasons to become a medical assistant below to help you decide.
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#1: Medical assistant training can be completed in less than a year
Becoming a medical assistant is a great (and fast!) way to enter the healthcare field. Many medical assistants choose to enroll in a medical assistant certificate program, which can often be completed in less than a year. Students enrolled in U.S. Career Institute’s medical assistant certificate program, for example, average 4-7 months to complete the program, part-time. Alternatively, you may choose to pursue a medical assistant associate degree, which can typically be completed in two years. Whether you choose a certificate program or associate degree, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful as an entry-level medical assistant.
#2: Medical Assistants are in high demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Medical Assistant jobs to increase by 15% through 2033, which is much faster than average for all occupations. An estimated 119,800 new job opportunities for medical assistants will be added each year, on average. With so many opportunities on the horizon, it’s a great time to get started.
#3: Medical assistants can expect good earning potential
The current annual median salary for a medical assistant in the U.S. is $42,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is an important data point, but it doesn’t tell the full story. Your exact salary expectations will depend on a variety of factors, including where you live, the type of healthcare facility that you choose to work in (e.g., physician office, hospital), your level of education, and any certifications you have earned.
#4: Becoming a medical assistant is a great way to join and advance in your healthcare career
Beginning your career as a medical assistant is not only a great way to enter the healthcare industry and make an immediate impact on the team and patients you serve, but it also can serve as a gateway to other healthcare career paths. Your medical assistant career training will prepare you to handle both clinical and administrative responsibilities, which can be easily transferrable to many other healthcare careers, such as nursing, medical coding and billing, health records management, or others. Whether you choose to grow in your career as a medical assistant or explore other options, your choice to begin your career as a medical assistant will have opened an important door to a bright career future.
#5: Medical assistants make a difference and gain personal fulfillment from their role
Well-trained and professional medical assistants make a big difference for both patients and the overall healthcare team. On any given day, a medical assistant may schedule patient appointments, record medical histories, support patient examinations, administer medications, or update medical records, among other duties. With this blend of clinical and administrative tasks, medical assistants truly have their hands in creating a positive patient experience and a smooth healthcare workflow. In fact, medical assistants often cite their wide range of responsibilities for the personal fulfillment they get from doing their job.
#6: Medical assistants can specialize
Medical assistants have the opportunity to serve a more general population, as can be expected in a primary care doctor’s office, or specialize in areas such as cardiology, pediatrics, dermatology, or others. As with most healthcare careers, specialization will allow medical assistants to deepen their knowledge and skills in that specific area, which may improve their job satisfaction and even contribute to their salary potential.
Ready to take the next step in your career journey as a medical assistant?
U.S. Career Institute can help you get the training you need. Our affordable medical assistant programs are 100% online, self-paced, and DEAC accredited, ensuring you have optimal flexibility to complete your studies and enter your new career with confidence. Check out the program details below: