https://info.nhanow.com/learning-leading-blog/the-role-of-medical-assistants-growth-opportunity-challenge National Healthcareer Association - June 2021
The Role of Medical Assistants: Growth, Opportunity & Challenge
The field of medical assisting is on an upswing. Job postings per medical assistant (MA) completion more than doubled between 2011 and 2014, and the faster-than-average employment growth is likely to continue over the next decade.1,2 Healthcare system redesign strategies, which encourage providers to work at the top of their licenses, are opening up opportunities for medical assistants to engage in higher-level responsibilities, driving greater job satisfactionamongst medical assistants working in these roles.3 And some healthcare employers are now offering signing bonuses and career laddering opportunities to attract and keep medical assistants in their organizations. Despite positive growth trends, there are some challenges that make this a pivotal moment for the profession.
Employment Outlook for Medical Assistants
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 23% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations, which are expected to grow around seven percent.2 Not only are employment opportunities growing, but the number of MA completions is declining—further growing job opportunities for medical assistants. Davene Yankle, nurse manager of clinical development for the Ohio Health Physician’s Group, said her organization is seeing MA shortages. “We are seeing a shortage in both primary care practices (PCPs) and specialty practices. Due to shortages, specialty practices are using administrative assistants in place of MAs, and in orthopedics we are using athletic trainers in place of MAs. In PCP areas, we are hiring more LPNs when we can find them.” Pamala Smith, BSN, vice president chief nursing executive with Advocate Medical Group, said that they are also experiencing a shortage of medical assistants. “There are greater challenges in recruiting experienced medical assistants,” said Smith. While MA shortages are beneficial for those seeking employment, the shortages do create challenges for employers. What can employers do to both find and retaingood MAs?
Employers can often increase the number of MA candidates they receive by partnering with schools in the following areas:
1.
Student mentoring programs
12 SUMNER COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker