A Day in the Life
How did you know being a medical assistant was the right job for you?
I’m a real “people person,” and my job as a medical assistant allows me to interact with new and interesting people every day. Sometimes we’ll see patients in critical situations — with shortness of breath or chest pains — and identifying their symptoms to figure out what’s wrong with them really gets my blood pumping.
What else do you like about the job?
I get good pay and benefits, and I don’t have to sit at a desk all day. I do have some typical office responsibilities, though, like making patient appointments and keeping the supply room stocked.
The most rewarding part of all is seeing that I’m actually helping people. When patients return to the office after treatment and they’re feeling better, I immediately remember why I do what I do.
Where are you headed next?
I particularly enjoy the hands-on nature of my work, which is why my next step is to go to nursing school. Being a medical assistant has also been a great way to prepare myself and show nursing schools that I have a solid background in the field.
What’s your best advice for anyone considering becoming a medical assistant?
If you’re not sure about it, start out in reception or billing to get a feel for how medical offices work. It wasn’t difficult to get the medical assistant job. I had a pretty basic understanding of medicine and care, and I didn’t need to have any personal connections to get hired.
Here’s a warning, though: If you don’t like the sight of blood, this is not the job for you. Personally, I think giving injections and assisting with minor surgeries is more fun than gross. But no matter where your career takes you, being a medical assistant is a great jumping off point for getting involved in health care.