Demand for Medical Assistants

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,* the job outlook for medical assistants is expected to be "excellent" over the next decade. This expected demand for medical assistants will be reflective of the increased demand for healthcare workers overall. These professionals will be required to meet the need of the growing aging population, the growing commonality of diabetes and obesity, and the need to replace workers.

Growing Aging Population

People are living longer. This can be credited to advancements in medicine. However, with age comes a higher incidence of disease, and more medical practices and outpatient facilities may be built in many areas in order to meet demand. Qualified medical assistants will be necessary to help these offices run efficiently.

Growing Commonality of Diabetes and Obesity

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in America. This disease affects young and old and requires medical treatment. One reason for this growing problem may be due to obesity rate as well. In addition, both diabetes and obesity can cause a host of other diseases. Until these problems are brought under control, physicians will be kept busy with an influx of patients. Again, medical assistants will be an asset to these medical practices and facilities.

Need to Replace Workers

Because of the number of workers in this field, it is obvious that workers, who leave the field or their positions for one reason or another, will need to be replaced immediately. This will be especially necessary in busier offices, in order to keep them running smoothly.

If performing administrative and clinical tasks in the medical environment sounds interesting, this may be a great time to look into medical assisting training programs near you.


*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Medical Assistants, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm#outlook (visited December 26, 2010).This is a national estimate and conditions in your location may vary. 

Sanford-Brown does not guarantee employment or salary.  Credits earned are unlikely to transfer.