Are Medical Assistants in Demand? Job Outlook

The state's expanding healthcare sector, driven by an aging population and increased access to medical services, has led to a significant need for skilled medical assistants. Employment projections indicate robust growth in this field, offering promising job opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant in Florida.  

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, medical assistants are becoming essential members of healthcare teams, especially when wondering about medical assistant vs. CNA overviews. This article explores the factors contributing to their increasing demand and what to expect in this career field. 

Are medical assistants in demand?

The medical assistant role is in high demand. This medical assistant job growth is driven by an aging population that requires more healthcare services, leading to an increased need for medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical tasks in various healthcare settings. ​

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Medical assistant growth vs. other occupations

The medical assistant growth rate is notably robust compared to many other professions which makes them one of the highest-paid medical assistant specialties. In comparison, other healthcare support roles such as dental assistants and certified nursing assistants, or even cardiology medical assistant roles, are expected to see growth rates of 7% and 4%, respectively, during the same period. 

This trend underscores the increasing demand for skilled medical assistants in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Medical assistant job outlook

For those considering how hard is it to become a medical assistant, the outlook is promising, offering numerous opportunities for employment and professional growth if the question of are medical assistants in high demand is met.

The job outlook for medical assistants is exceptionally favorable, with employment in this field projected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is expected to increase by 15% from 2023 to 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations. 

This growth translates to approximately 119,800 job openings each year over the decade, driven by the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. 

This demand is largely attributed to an aging population that requires more healthcare services, leading to a heightened need for medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical tasks across various healthcare settings. Notably, medical assistants are among the healthcare occupations with the lowest unemployment rates, reflecting their essential role in the industry. 

Where are medical assistants most needed?

Medical assistants are in demand across Florida in terms of where can medical assistants work, with certain regions experiencing particularly high needs. Cities like Palm Coast, Palm Bay, and Ocala have the highest percentage of medical assistant jobs relative to their populations. 

In terms of absolute numbers, major metropolitan areas such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford employ the most medical assistants. For instance, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area employs approximately 15,190 medical assistants, representing a concentration of 5.58 per 1,000 jobs. 

Additionally, cities like Naples, West Palm Beach, and Cape Coral offer some of the highest median salaries for medical assistants in Florida. For example, Naples has a median annual salary of $39,180 to $50,830, depending on experience and qualifications. 

Overall, medical assistants are needed throughout Florida, with particularly high demand and competitive salaries in both urban centers and smaller cities.

What is the average salary of a medical assistant?

​The average medical assistant salary in orlando varies based on factors such as location, experience, and workplace setting. Nationally, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $42,000 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This equates to approximately $20.19 per hour.

In Florida, salaries can differ by region. For example, in Orlando, the average salary for a medical assistant is approximately $19.50 per hour, which is slightly below the national average. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, certification, and the specific duties performed.

How to start a career as a medical assistant

​Embarking on a career as a medical assistant offers a dynamic blend of administrative and clinical responsibilities, making it a pivotal role in healthcare settings with things medical assitants should know. Medical assistants perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, assisting during examinations, and administering medications.

• Education and Training: Enroll in an accredited program to gain the necessary clinical and administrative skills. For example, the Florida Health Care Academy (FHCA) in Orlando offers a comprehensive Medical Assistant Program that includes hands-on training and preparation for certification exams. ​
  
  
• Certification: Obtaining certification can enhance job prospects. Many programs, including FHCA's, prepare students for certification exams such as the National Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
  
  
• Develop Essential Skills: Acquire both clinical skills (like taking vital signs and assisting in procedures) and administrative skills (such as scheduling and record-keeping). Programs like FHCA's provide training in these areas. ​
  
  
• Gain Practical Experience: Participate in externships or volunteer opportunities to apply your training in real-world settings, enhancing your employability. FHCA's program includes a clinical externship component.