Move On or Stay?

Those who have worked in the profession for a few years often wonder if they should go on and become a nurse, or continue in the medical assisting field for many more years. They often stay, not because of the pay (there is a huge difference between the medical assistant's wages and that of a nurse), but because of the strong relationships they have forged with the doctors, other healthcare staff, and with their patients, which almost always is long term.

Long Term, or Short Term Relationships?

In a hospital it is more likely that doctors, nurses and patients come and go within a very short time! And although all healthcare occupations are very rewarding, nurses might not get to know their patients as well as medical assistants do, and might not be as closely involved in their health maintenance and recovery path over the long run. Learn more about other career options medical assistants often crosstrain into, and see U.S. Department of Labor website for the lastes employment and mean wage estimates for the medical assistant occupation.