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Job outlook for medical assistants in the United States
Medical assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected medical assistant job growth rate is 16% from 2018-2028.
About 117,800 new jobs for medical assistants are projected over the next decade.
Medical assistant salaries have increased 14% for medical assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 698,384 medical assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 189,915 active medical assistant job openings in the US.
The average medical assistant salary is $34,900.
Are medical assistant jobs in demand?
Medical assistant job and salary trends over time
Medical assistant jobs over time
Medical assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 698,384 | 0.21% |
| 2020 | 691,341 | 0.21% |
| 2019 | 684,726 | 0.20% |
| 2018 | 649,288 | 0.20% |
| 2017 | 623,430 | 0.19% |
Average medical assistant salary over time
Medical assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,900 | $16.78 | +3.0% |
| 2024 | $33,877 | $16.29 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $32,719 | $15.73 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $31,619 | $15.20 | +3.0% |
| 2021 | $30,704 | $14.76 | +3.1% |
Medical assistant jobs by state
Most common states for medical assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 630 | 47% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,123 | 46% |
| 3 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 612 | 46% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,322 | 42% |
| 5 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,586 | 39% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,682 | 36% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 379 | 36% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,273 | 35% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 617 | 34% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,042 | 33% |
| 11 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 228 | 33% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,920 | 32% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,844 | 32% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 606 | 32% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 336 | 32% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 312 | 32% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 907 | 31% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 526 | 31% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 196 | 31% |
| 20 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,667 | 30% |
Most common cities for medical assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Rapids | 107 | 54% | $34,028 |
| 2 | Orlando | 110 | 40% | $30,937 |
| 3 | Worcester | 73 | 40% | $39,748 |
| 4 | Durham | 63 | 24% | $32,657 |
| 5 | Boston | 132 | 20% | $39,700 |
| 6 | Miami | 87 | 19% | $30,838 |
| 7 | Tampa | 68 | 18% | $31,030 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 71 | 15% | $31,081 |
| 9 | Baltimore | 76 | 12% | $34,731 |
| 10 | Austin | 100 | 11% | $31,676 |
| 11 | Seattle | 76 | 11% | $45,183 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 139 | 9% | $35,416 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 79 | 9% | $31,070 |
| 14 | San Antonio | 120 | 8% | $31,735 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 72 | 8% | $33,010 |
| 16 | Dallas | 86 | 7% | $31,576 |
| 17 | Houston | 137 | 6% | $31,390 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 144 | 4% | $40,017 |
| 19 | Chicago | 100 | 4% | $36,405 |
| 20 | New York | 192 | 2% | $36,610 |
Medical Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of medical assistant experts
Midstate College
Pennsylvania State University - Hazleton
Merrimack College
Bellevue College
Farmingdale State College
Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Misericordia Home
Carlow University
ACVP - Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University of Charleston
Holy Names University
Eastern Michigan University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Bellevue College
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant?
Candace Keck: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. This positive job outlook ensures future job opportunities and career stability.
What Medical Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Candace Keck: Depending on the area where the medical assistant works, such as clinic vs hospital vs care facilities, the day-to-day duties can vary. The commonality, no matter the location, is they work closely with providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses, to name a few) and other healthcare professionals to deliver patient care. It can involve direct patient care and administrative work. They need to have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to patient care.
What will help Medical Assistants increase their earning potential?
Candace Keck: I don't have an answer to this question. I'm not scheduled to work in the hospital any time soon so would not have the opportunity to ask.
Jeanne Martin PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat will help Medical Assistants increase their earning potential?
Jeanne Martin PhD, MSN, RN, CNE: I think honing clinical judgment is the KEY to safe patient care. A lack of clinical judgment competency is associated with preventable nursing errors, such as medication inaccuracies or failure to recognize a patient is deteriorating and then step in to rescue that patient. These errors are more prevalent in new graduate nurses. This is why the National Council State Board of Nursing changed the licensure exam to reflect the Clinical Judgment Model. As the complexities of health care expand, the clinical judgment of the nurse must expand with it.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: To maximize salary for a medical assistant obtaining certification from one of the credentialing organizations such as American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can make a new hire more competitive. Continuing educations along with developing any specialized skills such as phlebotomy. Demonstrating professionalism initiative and reliability, along with gaining a strong reference from previous employers.
What Medical Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: Flexibility is a must in healthcare. You must be flexible with your job functions, time and most importantly your patients. You must be able to pivot with little to no notice and be ready and wiling to assist anyone in your clinic; providers, co-workers, patients, etc.
What will help Medical Assistants increase their earning potential?
Eve Leija AAS, NCMA: To meet the demands of evolving healthcare and provide high-quality care to patients technological proficiency (EHR systems, Telehealth support), clinical skills (any skills that can enhance what you’ve learned in school. Phlebotomy, point of care testing devices), communication and soft skills (adaptability, problem-solving, empathy and compassion) are a must. I feel a lot of the younger generation lacks the soft skills needed in healthcare/professional jobs. Administrative skills and patient care and safety (infections control and chronic disease management).
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant?
Shanna Chapman DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, APRN: People like being a nursing assistant for a lot of reasons similar to those listed in #2. It is rewarding and gives the nursing assistant a sense of purpose. It gives them the opportunity to directly impact patients. There is a large variety of settings that the nursing assistant can choose to work in and there is definitely job stability. There is a high demand that will not be dissolving with an increase in the baby boomer population into geriatrics. There is opportunity for the knowledge gained to be utilized if the nursing assistant wants to go to nursing school and a lot of nurses will use it as a stepping stone to learn. The dislikes about being a nursing assistant is that it can be mentally and physically challenging. Some facilities may work shorthanded causing the nursing assistant to have higher patient loads resulting in stress as well as physically challenging. I also recommend that nursing assistants do their research on the facility before applying for a job. Make sure that the facility expectations, mission, and values are congruent with the nursing assistant's personal beliefs.
What Medical Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shanna Chapman DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, APRN: Nursing assistants are pivotal in playing a critical role in providing basic care to patients in various health care settings. This role is extremely important and should not be underestimated. Nursing assistant responsibilities are: 1. Personal Care 2. Vital Signs 3. Mobility Assistance 4. Observing and Reporting 5. Assisting the nurse with procedures such as IV starts, foley catheters, wound care. 6. Maintaining a clean environment 7. Providing support for the patient and caregivers. 8. Assisting with meals that can including feeding 9. Documentation
What will help Medical Assistants increase their earning potential?
Shanna Chapman DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, APRN: Becoming a nursing assistant can be extremely rewarding. This role is the backbone of healthcare. Nursing assistants have an opportunity to directly impact the lives of their patients and caregivers. There is job stability. It gives you a great knowledge base and can help further your education should they decide to proceed with nursing school. They can have flexible work schedules and can gain jobs in nursing homes, assistant living facilities, hospitals, physician offices, and home healthcare. Last but not least, most nursing assistant love their profession as it gives them a sense of fulfillment and allows them to understand the direct impact that they have.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant?
Janice Noteboom, MHA/Ed., CMA (AAMA): -LIKE- People who enjoy working as a Medical Assistant do it because they get a
great satisfaction from help other people. They are often the first contact with the
patient in the medical facility, which sets the tone for the rest of the visit.
They feel good making sure that their patients have the right information that they
need, the appropriate medical care they need, and helping patients feel better.
Good problem-solving skills, compassion, understanding, patience and keeping
up with a fast-paced office is very rewarding.
-DISLIKE- Some Medical Assistants have determined that there are
area/tasks/etc. that they dislike, listed below are some of these things:
You’re always around people who are sick
Long work hours can include 10 or 12-hour days
Lower starting salary, which is usually based on education and
experience level
Having to deal with stressful situations and difficult patients
Dealing with patients who are angry, cranky, anxious or not feeling well
Working under pressure from extremely tight deadlines
What Medical Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janice Noteboom, MHA/Ed., CMA (AAMA): duties vary, depending on the medical office/hospital/urgent/specialty clinics
where they are employed. Below are some specific job duties that are very
common in the day-in-the-life of a Medical Assistant (these duties include, but
are not limited to the following):
Greeting patients and checking them in at the Waiting room window
Collecting vital signs from patients
Answer phones as needed
Assist with scheduling patient appointments
Data entry of patient information in an electronic medical record (EMR)
Using various computer applications
Transmitting prescription refills
Insurance coding & billing
Obtain or completing procedures for preauthorizations/hospital
admissions/outside testing/etc.
Collecting specimens for Point-of-Care testing or send outs to reference
labs
Venipuncture/Examination Assistance to provider/other duties as needed
What will help Medical Assistants increase their earning potential?
Janice Noteboom, MHA/Ed., CMA (AAMA): Medical Assistants
have become a vital member to any health care team! Below are some specific
educational areas and training that a face-to-face or hybrid Medical Assistant
Program offers and what students will do on a daily basis (or during class and lab
sessions) that will help provide training quality assurance: (these are just some of
the areas of training and education that students will receive in an CAAHEP
(Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited
Medical Assistant Program:
Interacting with patients
Hands-on training with hypodermic needles used for injections and
venipuncture
Using other medical equipment like the various thermometers, pulse
oximeter, EKG machine, nebulizer, etc.
Experience with scheduling/accounting/EMR software applications
Students learn and practice many clinical procedures like patient transfers,
wound care, disease transmission prevention, completion of various
requisitions for medical testing, emergency procedures, caring for adult
and pediatric patients, and much more.
Students also learn and practice Pharmacology procedures which include
medication administration, adult and pediatric medication dosing,
medication uses, side effects/adverse effects/toxicity/etc.
Laboratory Procedures allows students to learn and practice how to
perform Point-of-Care testing, venipuncture, laboratory testing results,
urinalysis, etc.
Finally, Students will complete a Medical Assistant Program Externship at
a medical office/hospital/urgent care/specialty clinic to practice the skills
and training in real life.
Jamie Myers
Education Program Associate, Allied Health CoordinatorPennsylvania State University - Hazleton
Continuing Education Department
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant resumes?
Jamie Myers: Bilingual, Phlebotomy, EKGs.
What soft skills should all Medical Assistants possess?
Jamie Myers: Critical thinking, problem-solving, dependability.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Assistants?
Jamie Myers: Computer skills.
What skills will help Medical Assistants earn the most?
Jamie Myers: Bilingual, Phlebotomy, and Computer.
Comora Sarah
Assistant Clinical ProfessorMerrimack College
Nursing Department
What soft skills should all Medical Assistants possess?
Comora Sarah: Ability to effectively communicate with all patients and interdisciplinary team members, willing to be flexible with shifts and scheduling, a team player with a great work ethic.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Assistants?
Comora Sarah: Ability to accurately take and record vital signs, safe patient mobility practice, and ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
What skills will help Medical Assistants earn the most?
Comora Sarah: CNA are paid differently across the industry and in different settings. From an education and training perspective in CNA onboarding, it is more beneficial to an organization to hire candidates that have demonstrated the soft set of skills mentioned. The theory is that in the position of Certified Nursing Assistant, hard skills can be taught, and competency can be achieved after hire if you have the right candidate for your organization and team.
What soft skills should all Medical Assistants possess?
Marina Orobinskaia: Friendliness, positive energy, leadership.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Assistants?
Marina Orobinskaia: There are no more or less important skills. You need to learn all of them to excellence and what is most important - use your critical thinking when you do them.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Assistants?
Carol Donohue: Before the pandemic, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rated dental assisting as one of the fastest growing careers, and it has continued to increase as many dental assistants have left to stay home with young children or elderly parents/relatives. Most dental offices report that they are extremely busy and trying to catch up from the work that was put on hold due to the pandemic. At one point dental offices were only seeing emergencies only. As the medical field continues to expand, opportunities for stable employment in this rewarding industry are within reach
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Joan Cranford: -Increase in hiring
-More internshipsprograms to prepare new nurses
-More across state line licensin
-Increased telehealth training to care for non-COVID patients
-Unemployed and retired nurses returning to work
-Ability to cope in stressful situations
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant resumes?
Joan Cranford: -Exposure to caring for COVID patients
-Knowledge of appropriate infection control standards i.e. use of personal protective equipment
-Critical care experience
-High level nursing skills
-Initiative
-Ability to deal and work in stressful situations
Traci Sims
Clinical Associate ProfessorGeorgia State University
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Traci Sims: - Increase in hiring
- More externship programs to prepare new nurses
- More across-state line licensing
- Increased telehealth training to care for non-COVID patients
- Unemployed and retired nurses returning to work
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant resumes?
Traci Sims: - Exposure to caring for COVID patients
- Knowledge of appropriate infection control standards, i.e., use of personal protective equipment
- Critical care experience
- High-level nursing skills
- Initiative
- Ability to deal with and work in stressful situations
What Medical Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Abby Murray: Consider a gap year working in direct care positions to explore if a new career path is right for you. There is a great need for frontline workers in long-term care facilities with unlimited career growth potential, and we even provide paid training.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant?
Abby Murray: Smile! The gesture of a simple smile is so important when exploring new opportunities and while working. Your future employer and co-workers want to work with friendly and positive employees.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Abby Murray: In skilled nursing facilities and care settings, we are open for business. Unlike other businesses where remote work is a possibility, we are here 24/7 and committed to providing excellent care.
Janice Nash
Professor, Director of the Undergraduate Nursing ProgramCarlow University
College of Health and Wellness
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Janice Nash: I believe that there will be more opportunities for nurses in many areas of practice. There may be more flexible scheduling options than before the pandemic.
What skills stand out on Medical Assistant resumes?
Janice Nash: Graduates who had internships or experience working in healthcare in addition to the required clinical courses are at an advantage. An applicant who highlights their ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and problem-solve will be noticed.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistants to find work opportunities?
Janice Nash: A graduate should find opportunities in almost every region of the country at this point.
How do you envision technology impacting Medical Assistants in the next 5 years?
Peggy McElgunn: There is NO DOUBT technology is moving at a pace unimagined before COVID19. The primary way this will affect cardiovascular technology is, we will be better able to see disease processes and, therefore, more capable of managing them more effectively. Interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging are where the enormous impact will be felt. But unlike radiology, where we see much in the way of AI driving change, people will need to continue to interact with patients in interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging. Therefore, technology will serve to advance practice but not displace a workforce.
What type of skills will young Medical Assistants need?
Peggy McElgunn: More than anything, they will need to be flexible and adaptable. Through the pandemic, thus far, we have learned that the ability to support health care on demand is critical. So being able to work many different roles, or be identified to support various aspects of cardiovascular technology, is suggested. Towards that end, seeking credentials demonstrating your abilities is advised, too. In addition to your degree, validation through voluntary credentialing programs will go a long way towards ensuring a place and then advancement in the workforce. Careers are built on flexibility and adaptability: willingness to learn as much as possible.
One of the best ways to learn about the latest approaches and advancements is participation in the ONLY national association representing cardiovascular professionals: the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (Visit ACP). Membership is a great way to build flexibility and learn about adaptations in practice.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistants to find work opportunities?
Peggy McElgunn: Frankly, cardiovascular care is still the most robust field in healthcare. This is mainly because it remains the number one killer (heart disease), but COVID 19 has impacted this. We know COVID 19 effects the heart, as well. And there are places for qualified graduates EVERYWHERE! Most hospitals offer fantastic onboarding incentives, too. And of course, they all have their protocols and policies - again, speaking the value and importance of flexibility!
Of course, again, membership in the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals offers graduates a chance to network and learn directly from those working in the field. They are also the first to hear about opportunities and openings and often drive possibilities through these connections.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Assistant?
Jason Mott Ph.D.: I think the best advice for new graduates is to be flexible. Things are going to change daily. It is essential to be able to go with the flow. Also, take time for yourself. As the numbers of covid patients increase, staff members are at high risk of developing burnout. It is essential to take time for yourself to relax and get away from everything, even if for only a few minutes. That way, you can prevent becoming burned out.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Medical Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Jason Mott Ph.D.: In terms of technology, I think that telemedicine will continue to grow and be a crucial part of the health care system. Nurses need to be more comfortable with this technology.
What experience really stands out on Medical Assistant resumes?
Amy Bruce: -Most importantly volunteer - shows humility
-Variety - shows flexibility
-Consistency - shows loyalty
What Medical Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amy Bruce: If a gap year is taken in nursing school, the student should try to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant or Nurse Extern. This will keep them in the field and keep their experiences and current knowledge fresh until he or she can return to school.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Medical Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Amy Bruce: Within the next 3-5 years, Telemedicine will be at its peak. We are already using technology to diagnose and treat patients.
Dr. Pamela Stanley
Interim DeanHoly Names University
School of Nursing
What type of skills will young Medical Assistants need?
Dr. Pamela Stanley: The skills that nursing students will need upon graduation in the next few years remains like those of the past. Understanding the role of a nurse and grasping the skills set required to start work as an advanced beginner within the nursing world.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. Pamela Stanley: COVID-19 has changed the healthcare world dramatically. Students will be graduating and entering the job market during a worldwide pandemic. While some organizations have seen more older nurses retiring, creating vacancies for possible new graduates' other organizations have seen a drop in volume that has led to experienced RNs being unemployed.
How do you envision technology impacting Medical Assistants in the next 5 years?
Dr. Pamela Stanley: COVID-19 has also changed the way we deliver care, learn, and have meetings. Telehealth has been fast-forwarded by ten years, in my opinion. Nurses who had requested, for years, to complete telehealth work at home and were denied have been working remotely at home now for months.
Michael Williams Ph.D.
Director and Associate ProfessorEastern Michigan University
School of Nursing
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Medical Assistants in the next 5 years?
Michael Williams Ph.D.: Nurses will continue to be in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth from 2019-2029 for all registered nurses, but a 45% growth is projected for advanced practice nurses. There are projected 175,900 openings for RNs each year through 2029 due to nurse retirements and workforce exits. Many factors contribute to the demand-supply issue; specifically, 1) the nursing workforce is known to be older (47.5% are over the age of 50) than other occupations, and 2) the ongoing shortage of qualified faculty to prepare nursing students.
As a result of the pandemic, we see older nurses choose to retire earlier than planned, and some nurses choose to stay home to care for their children or more aging parents. So the demand will continue, the supply will continue to be insufficient, but there will be nurses. I am hopeful that Michigan, a state that has restricted practice for nurse practitioners, will finally grant full practice authority for nurse practitioners so they can perform at the highest level of their education and training.
I am thrilled to share that our applicant pool for our BSN program at Eastern Michigan University was at an all-time high this summer for the limited spaces we have. When asking the incoming students if they had any hesitancies about becoming a nurse during the pandemic, the response was overwhelming "we're more committed than ever before." This is excellent news for everyone.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Medical Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Michael Williams Ph.D.: Many technologies are growing in importance in healthcare. Healthcare trackers, wearables, and sensors will continue to grow and allow patients to self-monitor and report their health findings to providers in real-time. Wearable diabetes monitors that provide real-time blood sugar reports and control have revolutionized a person's life with diabetes. FitBit and other technologies can monitor heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation will also expand in use.
The electronic health record (EHR) integration continues to build in decision aids and artificial intelligence for making better decisions. The EHR has made accessing patient information more available to other practitioners and patients themselves. Another technology that will continue to expand in use is a point of care testing (POC). POC allows for greater flexibility to meet the patient wherever they are, and will see continued expansion. And perhaps, the technology that has indeed expanded, out of necessity during the pandemic, is telehealth.
While telehealth has been available for many years, particularly in rural areas, it wasn't nearly as common in high population areas--patients were expected to go to the provider. Telehealth can eliminate many unnecessary "non-emergency" visits to emergency rooms and can be available, quite easily, in off-hours.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistants to find work opportunities?
Shelly Wells Ph.D.: Nurses continue to be in high demand throughout the nation. While new graduate nurses may not be able to find their dream "no weekends, day shift position in their favorite specialty" right out of school, there are opportunities abound for the new nurse to build their skills to prepare for that dream position. The demand for nurses in community-based agencies is increasing. Nurses who have completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree find expanded leadership opportunities, public health, and non-traditional nursing positions. One does not have to live in or near a large city to find a chance to work as a registered nurse as there are countless positions in rural America waiting for the right graduate nurses.
How do you envision technology impacting Medical Assistants in the next 5 years?
Shelly Wells Ph.D.: As technology continues to evolve and change healthcare, there will always be a role for nurses. Technology will continue to provide ways to diagnose and treat many more conditions with less invasiveness and lost time. Technology will be used to improve communication between the patient and healthcare providers as telehealth grows. New robotic surgery techniques will allow patients to recover quicker than more invasive procedures. Electronic platforms for storing health care information will improve from the current time-intensive frameworks. As the improvements continue to emerge, there will be no replacement for the problem-solving and patient-teaching skills that the registered nurse brings to the health care arena.
What type of skills will young Medical Assistants need?
Shelly Wells Ph.D.: As they enter the workforce, graduate nurses need a robust set of interpersonal skills, in addition to their general nursing knowledge. New nurses must be good listeners, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and problem-solvers to advocate for their patients, profession, and themselves. They must demonstrate empathy, compassion, dependability, flexibility, and a good sense of humor. The new graduate must be confident in their general nursing knowledge gained while in school and commit to learning something new every day while engaged in their nursing career.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Assistants?
Katrina Malkin: There is no question that this pandemic is a game-changer, a sea change, if you will. Nothing will ever be that same, and that very much includes nursing school, both those who choose to enter it and those who make it through and enter the profession of nursing in a COVID and post-COVID world. In terms of psychosocial-emotional impacts, the virus has made clear to our students, in the most real and proximal way, that not everything has an easy order fix. It is not shot or pill or formula to follow-the hubris of our human position, especially we, as North Americans, have been knocked sideways.
Our students see, in stark relief, that there is no higher power, no Wizard of Oz man behind the curtain, who will light the way and hand them the answers. They have risen to the challenge presented here is a way that floods me with hope. We did not lose one single student when COVID came down last spring. I thought that Coronaphobia would have scared some of our students away. But their resolve to join the fight was impressive. Mostly they were frustrated at not getting to go into the hospitals and clinics that normally host student nurses. They want to serve. On a more tangible, technical, and logistics level - boots on the ground - we are all learning how to teach and learn remotely. Everyone is groaning with the effort of enhancing our literacy around the transition to online instruction.
We've figured out how to deliver instruction, and this will surely translate to cohorts of tech-savvy graduates who can work within their institutions and the profession at large to deliver healthcare this way as well. Telehealth is the next frontier. I believe that our graduates will be in the vanguard of what is possible to use the internet to deliver more consistent and accessible healthcare to more people, more often, proactively, and wide ranging. Treating chronic diseases such as our epidemic of Diabetes by going, virtually, into people's homes, kitchens lives, and working with them to build sustainable sea changes of their own gives me hope for what is possible.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Medical Assistants to find work opportunities?
Katrina Malkin: Rather than a geographic location, I think graduates should think outside of previous conventions of where a new grad finds a point of entry into the profession. How about telehealth? How about tech industry advisors? How about virtual health education? That is having been said; our students are graduating and finding jobs where they always have - major metropolitan areas, hospital systems like Swedish, Virginia Mason, the Veterans Health Administration, Overlake Hospital. Hospital systems now run well-developed nursing residency programs. Many of these are provided to the hospital through subcontractors who specialize in residency programs. They range from 3-6 months, include significant off-unit classes and training, and don't always lead to a job on the unit, where the graduate goes initially. Understanding what is out there in terms of nursing residencies, getting a job as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), or other support roles is one of the very best ways to get a job in the hospital where you want to work as an RN after graduation.
How do you envision technology impacting Medical Assistants in the next 5 years?
Katrina Malkin: Enhanced A/V technology, both in the delivery of telehealth - allowing RNs to go virtually into people's homes and see how they live, will give us an edge for delivering more sustainable and holistic care - and get buy-in from our clients to make lifestyle changes in the context of their lives, not our sterile clinic settings.
Simulation education - We have ramped up an already burgeoning trend to use simulation to move our nursing students into the "hot seat" to give them opportunities to exercise their clinical reasoning skills in myriad dynamic simulated client case scenarios. Learning how to use their brains and bodies to deliver care in simulation - where they can risk trying what they think is the right move, without risk to a real client. We have sim manikins that speak, have pulses, breathe, have a heartbeat, their pupils dilate, we can make them pee and bleed, start IVs on them, and manipulate the whole client/RN experience from behind a one-way mirror. It's powerful.
During COVID, we are experimenting with live-action avatars. Since students can't come to campus, we, the faculty, are serving as their avatar-they remote in, via Zoom, and direct us. We are also exploring the use of virtual reality to give dynamic, low-risk experiential education to nursing students; how all of this translates to bridging the divide between real human client interactions and the virtual world remains to be seen. Will tech translate? Will we be able to sustain meaningful engagement with real human bodies? Technology has the potential to bring us closer or add layers of distance and divide.