Trade Schools
A career as a medical assistant may seem promising in the beginning, but burnout may quickly occur for many reasons.
Or perhaps a job as a medical assistant may simply be a stepping stone to a different career in the medical field.
Medical assistants can gain a lot of experience and knowledge that they can transfer to various other careers, such as phlebotomist, EKG technician, nursing assistant, surgical technologist, and many more.
This guide will explore alternative careers you may want to consider if you are in need of a change or just would like to expand your skill set.
List of Alternative Careers
1. Phlebotomist
Description
The main responsibilities of a phlebotomist are to draw blood from patients and label samples for lab testing.
Phlebotomists play a critical role in helping to diagnose certain medical conditions.
Additionally, phlebotomists play a role in ensuring their patients are comfortable while they are in their presence.
This is a good alternative career to being a medical assistant because it enables you to be more hands-on when it comes to lab work.
Various blood samples must be collected from patients daily.
However, infection control guidelines must be followed in the process.
Transferable Skills
Various transferable skills can be utilized in a career as a phlebotomist, such as communication, empathy, time management, medical records, scheduling, problem-solving, attention to detail, and many more.
For instance, empathy is a skill that is needed in both careers, as it means that the person can understand others’ feelings.
Communication, on the other hand, is also imperative, as it means that you can transmit information that is needed accordingly.
Potential Requirements
Typically, you will need additional training to become a phlebotomist.
Most phlebotomists need to complete a program that will earn them a certificate.
The certificate must come from an accredited phlebotomy program.
Current medical assistants who are interested in taking this path can enroll in these programs through a community college, a trade school, and even online.
The programs typically last no more than 12 months and cost around $700.
Benefits
As mentioned earlier, a career switch from a medical assistant to a phlebotomist may be beneficial because it enables you to become more hands-on if you are interested in venturing into the lab side of things.
In addition, medical assistants can access more opportunities in clinics and hospitals.
2. Nursing Assistant
Description
Nursing assistants are responsible for helping patients in various ways, including repositioning, hygiene, grooming, and much more.
They work side by side with nurses and other staff members to help ensure patients are comfortable and well taken care of.
Nursing assistants typically work in residential care facilities, and nursing homes, and can also be found in hospitals.
If you are interested in making the switch from a medical assistant to a nursing assistant, this can be a good option if you are passionate about helping people but in a more direct way.
Transferable Skills
Some skills that you will bring with you when on your way to becoming a nursing assistant from a medical assistant are attention to detail, communication skills, teamwork, infection control practices, vital sign-taking, basic medical knowledge, and more.
Additionally, being able to build rapport with patients while showing compassion and empathy goes hand in hand with both careers.
Potential Requirements
Aside from having a high school diploma to become a nursing assistant, something you would already have as a medical assistant, you’ll also need to complete a nursing assistant program to receive a certificate.
Nursing assistant programs are offered via post-secondary schools and typically take between 6 and 12 months to complete.
Benefits
If you’re looking for more direct patient interaction, the change from a medical assistant to a nursing assistant is a great start.
You will also be able to benefit from increased opportunities for hands-on patient interaction, thus allowing you to form closer relationships with those you care for.
3. Medical Office Assistant
Description
Medical office assistants are another alternative to a medical assistant career.
Medical office assistants work behind the scenes and at the front desk, making sure that everything runs as it should.
Some of the main responsibilities of a medical office assistant include scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and keeping up with patient medical records.
They can work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and even outpatient clinics.
Transferable Skills
Some skills that you can utilize as a medical office assistant include problem-solving skills, time management skills, organization skills, communication skills, multitasking skills, interpersonal skills, and more.
These skills align accurately with the job because you’ll still help patients and ensure the operation in the facility you’re working in runs smoothly.
Potential Requirements
A high school diploma is needed to become a medical office assistant, something that you would already have as a medical assistant.
Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical office assistant program.
Typically, these programs can be completed through a trade school, community college, or online.
They can take up to 12 months to complete.
Benefits
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge as a medical assistant, one of the benefits of becoming a medical office assistant is that you’ll receive additional training in medical billing coding and insurance.
However, you’ll be more behind the scenes as a medical office assistant.
So, instead of having hands-on interaction with patients, you’ll be helping them in an indirect way with non-medical needs.
Again, if the administrative side of a medical assistant sounds more appealing to you, this could be the perfect alternative career choice.
4. EKG Technician
Description
EKG technicians are different from medical assistants but also a great alternative.
EKG technicians assist in helping patients get tested for heart conditions.
EKG technicians who already have a higher level of training may perform other tests and even work alongside cardiovascular technicians and medical sonographers.
EKG technicians typically work in healthcare facilities and hospitals.
Transferable Skills
Here are some of the skills that are transferable when transferring from a medical assistant to an EKG technician:
- Patient care
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Technology skills
- Empathy
- People skills
Potential Requirements
Additional training is required to become an EKG technician.
This training differs from that of a medical assistant.
To become an EKG technician, you must possess an associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree, or earn a certificate from an accredited EKG technician program.
You can enroll in a program through a trade school, university, community college, or online.
These programs can take anywhere from several months to four years to complete.
Benefits
An EKG technician is a great alternative to a medical assistant if you are someone who enjoys working with technology and is highly detail-oriented.
You will get to work with patients in a different way and at a different level, specifically testing for heart conditions.
You may even get to work in different healthcare facilities compared to being a medical assistant.
5. Surgical Technologist
Description
The duties of a surgical technologist include ensuring the operating room is kept in good condition.
They must sterilize equipment and keep supplies stocked.
Additionally, they can assist surgeons by making sure patients are well-prepared for surgery.
They typically work in private practices, outpatient clinics, and hospitals.
Transferable Skills
The switch from a medical assistant to a surgical technologist means that you’ll take many transferable skills along with you, including communication skills, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Surgical technologists need to work well with the surgical team.
Attention to detail is also important for medical assistants to have when transferring to a surgical technologist because you must use these skills when preparing the surgical room.
Potential Requirements
To become a surgical technologist, you must complete either an associate’s degree or enroll in a program to earn a certificate.
These programs can be found via trade schools and community colleges and typically take anywhere from one to two years to complete.
Most employers prefer surgical technologists to have a certificate.
Benefits
Compared to being a medical assistant, a career as a surgical technologist comes with many benefits, such as enjoying a more focused, unique role in the operating room.
You’ll also benefit from a higher salary and the ability to work with advanced medical technology.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when transitioning into a new career:
1. Assess Your Skill Set
Think about the things you enjoy the most about your current job as a medical assistant and determine the areas you’d like to succeed in.
Maybe this is project management or patient communication.
Once you have made this assessment, you can find another job that includes these elements.
2. Undergo Additional Education
Transferring to a new career means that you may also need additional education and certification.
You must research how to take these courses and any other pertinent information that will help you along the way.
3. Request to Volunteer
Another great way to help in transitioning into a new career is to request to volunteer or shadow a career that interests you.
This will help in providing you with a glimpse of the day-to-day duties of that particular career.
Conclusion
Alternative career choices are out there for those who are thinking of switching from being a medical assistant to another career where their hard-earned skills would be valued.
Whether you want to be more on the technology side, behind the scenes, or more hands-on, you can comfortably make the switch when ready.
If you’ve already determined the alternative career choice that is best for you, taking the next steps is necessary and puts you a step closer to your dream job.
This includes receiving additional training and education.
Once you have done these things, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling career where you can become successful.
