If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a certified Medical Assistant is a great first step. Medical Assistants work closely with physicians, gaining hands-on experience with patients while also learning many different aspects of working in the medical field.
In addition to being a great entry-level medical career with high demand and a strong outlook, the Medical Assistant position is also a strong starting point for career advancement. Many Medical Assistants transition into roles such as Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants, healthcare management, or even doctors.
How To Advance Your Medical Assistant Career
As you gain experience as a Medical Assistant, you may want to seek new ways to advance your career. One of the benefits of working in healthcare is the constant opportunity for learning and professional development.
Whether you’re looking to increase your salary, expand your knowledge, or take on new challenges, here are some ways to grow your career as a Medical Assistant:
- Earn a Certification. If you aren’t already certified, obtaining a Medical Assisting certification can open doors to higher wages and better job prospects.
- Specialize in a Medical Field. Medical Assistants can focus on specialties such as OB-GYN, pediatrics, or cardiology. If you have a passion for a particular area, consider seeking positions in those types of clinics.
- Train New Medical Assistants. With experience, you might choose to mentor new Medical Assistants by training new hires at your workplace.
- Pursue Further Education. Many Medical Assistants use their experience as a stepping stone to higher degrees. Some return to school to become anything from RNs to doctors.
Read More: How Becoming A Medical Assistant Can Help Pre-Med Students
Career Advancement Opportunities for Medical Assistants
Here are some career paths for more advanced healthcare roles that Medical Assistants can transition into:
Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses (RNs) play a critical role in healthcare, working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health, and even specialized areas like surgery and intensive care.
RNs provide patient care, administer medications, assist with hygiene needs, and perform medical procedures. Their duties may include inserting IVs, changing dressings, assisting in surgeries, and conducting patient assessments.
To become an RN, individuals must complete at least two years of education through an accredited nursing program and pass a licensing exam.
- Average Salary in NJ: $95,446 per year (Indeed).
- Job Growth: Expected to increase by 6% by 2033 (BLS).
- Additional Education Required: At least two years, typically an associate degree.
Read More: How To Go From Medical Assistant to RN in New Jersey
Medical Assistant to Physician Assistant (PA)
A Physician Assistant (PA) functions similarly to a doctor, with the ability to assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatments for patients under a physician’s supervision.
While most Physician Assistants work in clinics and private practices, they can also be found in hospitals and surgical settings. PAs assist in surgeries, perform certain invasive procedures, and prescribe medications.
Becoming a Physician Assistant typically requires five to eight years of education and training. This includes earning a master’s degree from an accredited PA program, followed by passing a licensure exam. Most PA programs require applicants to have prior healthcare experience, making Medical Assisting a strong foundation for this career path.
- Average Salary in NJ: $108,329 per year (Indeed).
- Job Growth: Expected to increase by 28% by 2033 (BLS).
- Additional Education Required: About 5-8 years, including a master’s degree in physician assistant studies
Read More: Becoming a Physician’s Assistant in NJ?
Medical Assistant to Healthcare Manager
Healthcare managers are responsible for organizing, planning, and directing operations within healthcare organizations. They may oversee entire hospital systems, specific departments, or smaller healthcare teams.
These professionals manage key aspects such as scheduling, budgeting, and quality improvement initiatives to ensure healthcare facilities run efficiently.
To become a healthcare manager, a bachelor’s degree is required, though many positions prefer a master’s degree. Many healthcare managers begin their careers as Medical Assistants, nurses, or social workers before advancing into leadership roles.
- Average Salary in NJ: $78,546 per year (varies by facility size, with larger hospitals offering higher pay) (ZipRecruiter).
- Job Growth: Projected to increase by 29% by 2033 (BLS).
- Additional Education Required: At least a bachelor’s degree, with many positions requiring a master’s degree (approximately 4-6 years of schooling).
Learn more about how you can get certified as a Medical Assistant in just four months and start your healthcare career by contacting ACI Medical & Dental School today!
