There’s no doubt that a medical assisting career offers great reward: You get to help people in need, keep medical services streamlined, and work in an exciting, in-demand environment. And the best part? It doesn’t take a whole lot to get there! Becoming a medical assistant can be accomplished in a matter of months, and requires just a small investment in training or education.
Because of this, though, many medical assistants will find themselves asking, “What’s next?” After securing an entry-level career, they may be seeking higher pay, more responsibility, or more autonomy in their work. Sound familiar?
Depending on your previous education, there are a couple of next steps to take after becoming a medical assistant. On one hand, you may still within the medical assisting field, expanding your horizons through education and specialization. Alternatively, you may make a career change, exploring other, advanced areas of healthcare using the foundation you’ve built.
If you’re wondering what the next level is after medical assistant, or how to advance in your career, read on. We’ve covered some exciting options below.
Popular (and possible!) next steps after becoming a medical assistant
1. Level up your career through professional certification.
One of the best next steps you can take after becoming a medical assistant (and completing your training program) is to get certified. Professional certification is voluntary for medical assistants today, but can offer incredible opportunities to grow in your career. You see, most employers will prefer to hire medical assistants with professional credentials, which demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge, and commitment to the field. And, as a result, professional certification can also lead to:
- Higher pay
- More job prospects
- Career advancement
- Job security
- Credibility and respect
There are a few different types of certifications you can earn as a medical assistant. The most common certifications for medical assistants are:
These credentials are considered the gold standard in medical assisting, and can be achieved via examination, after completing a medical assistant certificate program like Goodwin’s.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that medical assistants may also choose to pursue focused certifications outside of their direct field, to expand upon their skillsets. Certifications may be earned in areas like EKG technology and phlebotomy, for example, for those interested in advanced clinical responsibilities.
2. Consider specializing in a certain area of medicine.
Just like nurses and physicians, medical assistants can specialize in certain areas of healthcare. Choosing a specialization allows them to enhance their expertise in one field, work with a specific patient demographic, and open doors to more advanced or higher-paying job prospects. Common areas of specialization for medical assistants include Cardiology, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Chiropractic, and Family Medicine.
When medical assistants choose to take the next step towards specialization, they receive dedicated training in that area of medicine. They typically will work in a private office or facility, offering specialized care to patients requiring that level of care. With this more advanced work, there is often the promise and potential of higher compensation for specialized medical assistants.
3. Continue your education to earn an advanced degree.
As of this writing, there are no formal, universal requirements to become a medical assistant. While postsecondary education is required or preferred by most employers, you can technically launch a career with a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. Still, most medical assistants have at least a certificate or diploma prior to starting their jobs.
If you are currently working as a medical assistant, but took a shorter route to get into this career fast, your next step could be as straightforward as getting a degree! Medical assistants with a college degree are more likely to qualify for career promotions and higher pay. Those with a degree are also better positioned for leadership opportunities and advanced, alternative roles.
The best part is that an associate degree in Medical Assisting is very attainable. At Goodwin, you can earn your degree in just one to two years, depending on your prior experience and education. While working towards this award, you can also benefit from job placement services, become eligible for professional certifications, and take classes at your own pace, online or on-campus. Learn about our flexible options here.
One added benefit of earning a medical assisting degree is that it can make it easier to transition into other professions down the road. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, medical insurance, healthcare management, dental hygiene, or other advanced occupations, getting the degree now will give you a head start on the coursework required for these paths. Just be sure to earn your degree from an accredited school, so that your credits will properly transfer down the road.
4. Explore alternative career paths and programs in health and medicine.
Medical assisting is an incredible stepping stone to other healthcare professions. We know, this might not be the path you planned for, but if it’s time to take the next step in your career trajectory (and make a greater impact), you might consider alternate roles. For example, if you are seeking more autonomy in clinical care, or wish to expand your work with patients, you might consider becoming a nurse. If you have enjoyed the administrative side of medical assisting, and feel your managerial skills are top-notch, you may pivot towards a career in healthcare administration. Both of these examples would require some added training, but rest assured: As a medical assistant, your fundamental skills and knowledge will make the professional pivot seamless.
So, what types of careers might you consider, to level up your current medical assistant role? Consider these high-impact, in-reach options:
- Registered nursing
- Health education
- Health information management
- Medical billing and coding
- Medical office or services management
- Public health
- Specialized clinical roles (such as phlebotomist, surgical technologist, and more)
Take the next step in your career at Goodwin
Goodwin is a recognized leader in healthcare education in Connecticut. Beyond our career-focused medical assisting programs, we also offer flexible certificates and degrees in areas like:
- Dental Hygiene
- Health Science
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Occupational Therapy Assisting
- Public Health
- Practical Nursing
- Registered Nursing
- Respiratory Care