Medium size to large hospitals or clinics prefer graduates of accredited training programs and licensed medical workers. Most job opportunities will come from growing public and private health care programs. In addition, many jobs will open up each year to replace workers who die, retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Small towns and small employers, tend to pay lower wages than bigger ones. The workweek for Medical Assistants is usually 40 hours, Monday through Friday, but some Saturday work may be required.
Many employers hire applicants part-time.
Fringe benefits include paid vacations, holidays, health and other types of insurance and retirement plans. A high school diploma or GED is preferred by most employers. Helpful high school courses include English, mathematics, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers and office practice. Some doctors will train on the job, but most prefer to hire those who have gone through an accredited medical assisting program. These are offered in some community colleges and vocational schools.