3 Reasons To Train As A Medical Assistant Before Becoming A Nurse
Posted on: 3 October 2022
Many people enter the healthcare field with the ultimate goal of going into nursing. While nursing can be a rewarding and exciting field, it also has some significant barriers to entry. The time spent training can often be substantial, which can mean delaying your career for years, especially if you're entering healthcare without any prior experience.
One alternative is to begin your journey as a medical assistant, transitioning into nursing as your career progresses. This path includes numerous advantages and may be a better fit for many people. If you think taking the road from medical assistant to nursing might be right for you, check out these three ways it can provide a jumpstart for your career.
1. Get On the Job Quicker
Medical assistant requirements vary, although only a handful of states require formal certification. Instead, most medical assistants (MAs) opt for formal training and certification to improve their job prospects. However, these programs are often drastically accelerated compared to college degrees, allowing you to get the credentials you need much more quickly.
In some cases, you may be able to receive enough training to begin working in less than a year. If you can't afford an extended college program without working or simply want to start earning income more quickly, becoming an MA may be an excellent option for you. Once you land your first job, you can put that income toward furthering your ultimate career goals.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Healthcare is arguably one of the most overwhelming and intimidating career fields available. While nursing programs can provide a phenomenal theoretical grounding, it's still hard to prepare yourself for the first day on the job. Of course, practical medical experience also looks great on a resume and can give you a leg up over other fresh nursing school graduates.
By starting as an MA, you can gain this practical experience in a role that won't throw you off into the deep end. You'll be able to learn from the doctors and nurses that you work with, ultimately taking this knowledge with you as you progress in your career. While your future formal education will be important, there's no substitute for direct experience in a healthcare setting.
3. Learn About Yourself
Nursing is a huge field with many specialties, roles, and potential job responsibilities. Entering into nursing blind can mean taking your career in directions you may ultimately regret or spending time on specialties you don't find interesting or rewarding. By working in clinical settings, interacting with patients, and learning the fundamentals of healthcare, you can also learn a lot about yourself.
Far from being some intangible benefit, this knowledge can be invaluable to your career. Your time as an MA can help you focus on what you truly love about healthcare, providing you with the foundation you need for a long and successful career providing care for patients.
Reach out to a MA training program provider like Medical Assistant Academy to learn more.
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