10 Alternative Career Paths for Medical Assistants
Jun 14, 2023
For medical assistants, there are some interesting career path options to explore beyond just this role. While some medical assistants choose to stay within this role exclusively, having an opportunity for growth is important to others.
There are plenty of alternatives worth exploring and if you're looking to grow beyond the role of a medical assistant, then it's useful knowing what's out there.
Here are several alternative career paths available for medical assistants looking to move on to something more.
What does a medical assistant do?
Medical assistants are responsible for a number of tasks within their job description, both clinical and administrative. They're considered an integral part of any healthcare organization and they do a lot for both patients and colleagues alike.
If you're looking at a medical assistant role, then here's what you can expect from the job and the responsibilities you'd have for the working week:
- Organize and scheduling appointments
- Arrange hospital admissions and laboratory specimens
- Check with patient records and update as needed
- File medical records and reports for insurance claims
- Assist during medical examinations
- Draw blood samples or provide medication as per doctor's orders
- Prepare and clean treatment rooms
- Keep stock of equipment and maintain medical instruments
The responsibilities of medical assistants are a mix of clinical and administrative tasks. This certainly keeps things interesting and is beneficial for those who tend to easily get bored on the job.
Understanding the scope of medical assistants' responsibilities is crucial as their role involves a combination of clinical duties and administrative tasks. Medical assistants play a vital part in healthcare, and it's important to grasp the various responsibilities they undertake.
Alternative career paths for medical assistants
1. Phlebotomy technician
A phlebotomy technician is responsible for drawing blood from patients and other specimens to help diagnose health conditions. They have a mixture of responsibilities and have more hands-on experience when it comes to patient care. They also work in a variety of environments from outpatient care centers, to laboratories and hospitals.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for a Phlebotomy Technician in Florida is $16.89, while in Texas it's $18.68, and in Georgia it's $19.08.
- Experience: Phlebotomists with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals, may pay more than others, such as doctor's offices.
- Certifications: Having additional certifications, such as phlebotomy technician specialist (PTS) or certified phlebotomy technician (CPT), can increase your earning potential.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Phlebotomy Technician in the United States is $20.22 an hour.
2. Medical office assistant
The path of a medical assistant may branch off into the role of a medical office assistant. Within various healthcare facilities, a medical office assistant will perform daily administrative tasks to keep the medical facility in question, running efficiently.
It's similar to that of medical assisting roles and is an alternative for those who prefer the admin side to medical assisting roles.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an MOA in California is $38,790, while in Illinois it's $41,174, and in New York it's $41,522.
- Experience: MOAs with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals, may pay more than others, such as private practices.
- Specialization: MOAs with additional certifications or specializations, such as medical billing and coding, may earn more.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Medical Office Assistant in the United States is $19.37 an hour.
The skills required for medical office assistants could naturally be a stepping stone for those who want a more admin-based role as opposed to a mix of both offered by a medical assistant.
3. EKG technician
When it comes to patient care, EKG technician vs medical assistant are important roles within the healthcare field
EKG technicians work with patients under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse. An EKG technician operates electrocardiograph equipment - otherwise known as EKG - to help monitor the cardiovascular health of the patient. They're also responsible for a number of other duties.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an EKG technician in California is $51,957, while in Texas it's $43,132, and in Georgia it's $42,953.
- Experience: EKG technicians with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals, may pay more than others, such as doctor's offices.
- Certifications: Having additional certifications, such as Certified EKG Technician (CET), can increase your earning potential.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for an EKG Technician in the United States is $23.91 an hour.
4. Medical clerk
Just like a medical assistant, a medical clerk will often work in a hospital, doctor's office, or within other healthcare facilities. They help to collect patient information and will be medical assisting nurses with forms and other paperwork. As a medical clerk, it's a more admin-based role than a mixture of both admin and clinical opportunities.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a medical clerk in California is $46,451, while in Texas it's $40,598, and in Georgia it's $39,204.
- Experience: Medical clerks with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals, may pay more than others, such as clinics or doctor's offices.
- Specialization: Medical clerks with additional certifications or specializations in specific areas, such as medical coding or billing, may earn more.
- Type of medical clerk: Different types of medical clerks, such as medical records clerks or phlebotomy technicians, can have different average salaries.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Medical Records Clerk in the United States is $17.38 an hour.
5. Medical claims examiner
As a medical claims examiner, you're responsible to work with insurance companies and clients to help resolve any outstanding medical claims. In order to be a medical claims examiner, you need to have an excellent knowledge of medical practices and terminology to determine the insurance coverage available.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, ZipRecruiter data shows an average annual salary of $55,634 for medical claims examiners in Wisconsin, while in California it's $57,014, and in Texas it's $48,860.
- Experience: Medical claims examiners with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Employer: Some employers, such as large insurance companies, may pay more than others, such as smaller clinics or private practices.
- Specialization: Medical claims examiners who specialize in specific areas, like Medicare or Medicaid, may earn more.
- Certifications: Having additional certifications, such as Certified Medical Reimbursement Professional (CMRP), can increase your earning potential.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Medical Claims Examiner in the United States is $21.11 an hour.
6. Home health aide
A home health aide are healthcare professionals who work within the patient's home environment. If you're looking for a different environment for medical assistants, then a home health aide might be a natural alternative to go into.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage for a home health aide in California is $16.34, while in Texas it's $13.13, and in Georgia it's $12.91.
- Experience: Home health aides with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Employer: Some employers, such as private agencies, may pay more than others, such as individual clients or government programs.
- Certifications: Having additional certifications, such as Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), can increase your earning potential.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Home Health Aide in the United States is $16.15 an hour.
7. Nursing assistant
As a nursing assistant, it's a similar role to a medical assistant in that they're providing medical assisting duties but within different environments. It's also a more laborious role and focused less on administrative duties.
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Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a nursing assistant in California is $43,740, while in Texas it's $37,280, and in Wisconsin (where you mentioned you are) it's $37,385.
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Experience: Nursing assistants with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. Entry-level positions may start around $33,000 per year, while experienced NAs can earn up to $48,000 or more.
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Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals and nursing homes, may pay more than others, such as home healthcare agencies or private clients.
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Certification: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who have completed additional training and passed a certification exam may earn more than non-certified NAs.
According to Zip Recuiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average annual pay for a Nursing Assistant in the United States is $37,838 a year.
8. Patient advocate
A patient advocate is a healthcare professional who assists patients in navigating the healthcare system, advocating for their rights, and helping them resolve problems with their care. Patient advocates may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, insurance companies, or government agencies.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a patient advocate in California is $74,994, while in Texas it's $64,187, and in Wisconsin it's $63,327.
- Experience: Patient advocates with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. Entry-level positions might start around $55,000 per year, while experienced advocates can earn up to $90,000 or more.
- Employer: Some employers, such as hospitals and large healthcare organizations, may pay more than others, such as non-profit organizations or advocacy groups.
- Specialization: Patient advocates may specialize in different areas, such as oncology, pediatrics, or disability advocacy, which can influence their salary.
- Education and certifications: Having a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, such as healthcare or social work, and additional certifications can increase your earning potential.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Patient Advocate in the United States is $20.67 an hour.
9. Medical office manager
A Medical Office Manager, often referred to as a Healthcare Office Manager or Medical Practice Manager, is a professional responsible for overseeing the administrative and operational aspects of medical facilities, such as doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, or other healthcare organizations.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. For example, according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a medical office manager in California is $65,629, while in Texas it's $54,147, and in Wisconsin it's $52,905.
- Experience: Medical office managers with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. Entry-level positions might start around $45,000 per year, while experienced managers can earn up to $80,000 or more.
- Practice size and type: Working in a larger practice or a specialty practice, like plastic surgery or cardiology, may involve greater responsibility and potentially higher pay compared to smaller or general practices.
- Education and certifications: Having a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, or a related field can increase your earning potential. Some employers also value certifications like Certified Medical Manager (CMM) or Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPhPM).
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average annual pay for a Medical Office Manager in the United States is $56,076 a year.
10. Medical sales representative
A medical sales representative (MSR) is a healthcare professional who sells medical products or services to healthcare providers. MSRs work with a variety of healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. They educate healthcare providers about the products or services they sell and help them determine if the products or services are a good fit for their patients.
- Location: Salaries tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a medical sales representative in California is around $147,385, while in Texas it's $111,347, and in Wisconsin it's $103,102.
- Experience: Medical sales representatives with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience. Entry-level reps with less than two years of experience can still earn an average of $95,057, while those with two to five years of experience can reach an average of $142,348.
- Industry: The specific medical industry you work in can also affect your salary. For example, reps selling high-value equipment or pharmaceuticals may earn more than those selling lower-cost products or services.
According to Zip Recruiter, as of Jan 30, 2024, the average annual pay for a Medical Sales Representative in the United States is $87,398 a year.
References
- ZipRecruiter. (2023). ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/
