Prior to enrolling in a training program, it’s a good idea to do a little research on the different medical assistant specialties and decide whether or not you want to focus on one of them. While it is certainly an option to work as a generalist (someone who handles a wide range of responsibilities in multiple health care fields), many prospective medical assistants prefer to specialize in a particular area that interests them. Doing so not only leads to greater job satisfaction, but usually also results in the medical assistant earning a significantly higher salary (medical assistant specialists’ starting salaries are often twice as high as those of generalists!).
Becoming a Medical Assistant Specialist?
If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant specialist, it is usually necessary to pursue a two-year associate degree in your specific field. Therefore, when shopping for online medical assistant programs, make sure that you only consider those that offer an Associate of Medical Assisting Degree in the area you wish to focus in.
Popular Medical Assistant Specialties
While medical assistants without associate degrees usually work in either an administrative or clinical support capacity, specialists focus on a narrow niche within a particular field of medicine. Some of the most-popular medical assistant specialties include:
- Cardiology
- Health, Fitness and Nutrition
- Health Information Management
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Nursing
- Obstetrics
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Podiatry
As was previously mentioned, specializing in one of these fields is not only more interesting than holding general responsibilities for many medical assistants, but also leads to higher earning potential. An example of this differential was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, which reported that some medical assistant specialists earned approximately $40,000 in their first year while the generalist’s first-year salary was just half that at $20,000 on average.
Employment Outlook for Medical Assistant Specialists
As with many other positions in the health care industry, demand for medical assistant specialists is expected to explode over the next decade in response to dramatic growth among the nation’s elderly population. While this will create particularly high need in specific fields (cardiology, for instance), the demand for new specialists in all areas is projected to exceed the national average for other professions. If you are interested in becoming an MA, choosing to invest the extra time necessary to become a medical assistant specialist may very well be the best career decision you’ll ever make.
Recommended Online Medical Assistant Programs!
Programs:
- Medical Assisting, AS
From associate's and bachelor's to master's degrees in health education and business, with Independence University you can achieve greater success through distance learning programs that suit your busy schedule, with experienced, student-oriented staff to assist you throughout your distance education.
Programs:
- AS - Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties
- AS - Respiratory Therapy
- BS - Completion in Respiratory Care with Management Concentration
- And more...
Programs:
- Health Care Aide
- Dental Assistant
- Pharmacist's Assistant
- And more...
Programs:
- Pharmacy Technician Program
Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs:
- Medical Administrative Assistant
Programs:
- Medical Office Assistant
Programs:
- Dental Assistant
- Optician
- Pharmacy Technician
- And more...
Programs:
- Medical Office Assisting