Medical assistants must be able to deal with people who are under stress. Job Outlook Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2000 due to anticipated expansion of the health services industry. Employment growth will be spurred by the increased medical needs of an aging population, growth in the number of heath practitioners, more diagnostic testing, and the increased volume and complexity of paperwork. Most job openings, however, will result from the need to replace experienced assistants who leave the occupation. In view of the preference of many physicians for trained personnel, job prospects should be very good for medical assistants with formal training, experience, or both.
Employers view formal certification favorably.
Medical assistants with word processing and computer skills will have an advantage. The earnings of medical assistants vary widely. Pay levels are governed chiefly by the assistant's qualifications and experience, the size and location of the physician's practice, and the number of hours worked. Related Occupations Workers in other health occupations that entail a combination of administrative and clinical duties include orthoptists, pharmacy helpers, dental assistants, occupation therapy aides, and physical therapist aides. 29089 U.S. 20 West, Elkhart, Ind. 46514.