Did you know that 61% of young adults between 18 and 29 that quit their job switched to a new occupation in 2021? Overall, 53% of adults quit last year. Many were burned out or looking for a new career. 

Have you thought about finding medical assistant jobs in Pennsylvania? Whether you need experience for other healthcare careers or just need a break, medical assistants are in high demand.

Working in the health field can be extremely rewarding, giving you an opportunity to see behind the scenes in a physician’s office and communicate with patients. And luckily, we are here to tell you more about it!

In our complete guide, we will review medical assistant job duties, job outlook, and how you can get started today. Keep reading on and find out more about this exciting health field!

What Is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who assists doctors and other clinicians in a clinic or medical practice. They require less formal education than many other health degrees, making them ideal for individuals wanting a fast-tracked career change or seeking to gain field experience.

The most popular work environments you can medical assistants in are doctor’s offices, outpatient centers, or hospitals. However, it is not uncommon for job openings in dental offices or nursing homes. 

Medical Assistant Role

Becoming a medical assistant can open the door to vast exposure in the medical field. There are two primary duties a medical assistant has, including:

1. Administrative
2. Clinical

Administrative work includes answering the phones, scheduling patient appointments, checking patients in, and more. A facility might also include training on billing and insurance forms.

Clinical duties give medical assistants more hands-on experience working with patients. Some of the primary clinical roles are:

• Checking vital signs
• Documentation
• Collecting lab samples
• Assisting clinicians in simple procedures or examinations
• Wound dressings
• Stitching removal

Depending on the state you live in, you may also administer injections or medication. It is also an excellent healthcare career for developing communication skills since a medical assistant is often the first healthcare professional a patient sees. 

Medical Assistant Job Outlook Pennsylvania

Medical assistants have a mean salary of $17.67 per hour or $36,750 annually. In terms of healthcare careers, a medical assistant has excellent growth opportunities. Between 2021 and 2031, the medical assistant field is expected to grow by 16%. 

Medical Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania Regions

Job outlooks are primarily measured by metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions. Here is a more comprehensive list of mean wages you can expect living in various Pennsylvania regions:

• Pittsburg: $16.79 hourly or $34,920 annually
• Lancaster: $17.23 hourly or $35,840 annually
• Jersey City metropolitan region: $20.38 hourly or $42,390 annually
• Philadelphia metropolitan region: $18.97 hourly or $39,450 annually
• Reading: $17.37 hourly or $36,120 annually
• Western nonmetropolitan region: $16.08 hourly or $33,440 annually
• Northern nonmetropolitan region: $16.44 hourly or $34,190 annually
• Southern nonmetropolitan region: $17.05 hourly or $35,460 annually

On average, you can expect higher pay in metropolitan regions or larger cities, such as Philadelphia. There are also usually more job openings and a wider variety. Competition may be higher in those regions since you are competing with several more individuals who may have more experience. 

How To Get a Medical Assistant Job in Pennsylvania

First, you will need a medical assistant certificate. You can choose an in-person class or opt for online training.

The benefit of completing a medical assistant certificate online is you have better program options and the flexibility of completing coursework within your timeframe. Here is what you can expect from an online medical assistant program:

• 996 hours of course instruction
• 204 hours of clinical internship
• Various course topics

At Phlebotomy Career Training, we also offer a complimentary voucher for national exams. While the coursework is intensive, they are all self-paced, and you have 24/7 access. Some students can complete them in six weeks, but you can have up to six months. 

Additionally, skilled staff members can answer any questions from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST. After completing coursework and obtaining your licensure, you can begin the job hunt. 

Start broadly by sending your application to several clinics and hospitals. Remember that more technical and specialized industries might give a slot to someone with more experience. If you can select an internship in the field you are interested in, you might have a better chance of landing a job after you complete your schooling. 

Improving Job Opportunities in Pennsylvania

You can also improve your chances of landing your ideal job by obtaining more specialization. Many medical assistants choose to complete additional phlebotomy training. This combination curriculum includes 1400 hours of course content, covering over 80 topics. 

You will complete your medical assistant training and receive additional education on the principles of phlebotomy. You must complete internships for both careers, but it will expand your opportunities and give you more value as an employee. 

Pennsylvania Healthcare Careers Outlook

Pennsylvania is a great place to set down roots as a new medical assistant. Nationally, the health field is rapidly expanding. This is primarily due to an aging population and recent strains on healthcare systems. 

In January 2022, the Pennsylvania Governor distributed large funds to support healthcare workers and the increased demand. Approximately $100 million was set aside for acute hospitals and $110 million for critical access hospitals. Around 330 hospitals benefited from these funds, including healthcare workers. 

Start Your Medical Assistant Training Today

There are several medical assistant jobs in Pennsylvania, and the field is growing exponentially. Medical assistants receive training on patient care and administrative duties, making it an excellent career change or giving you experience before applying for other jobs or schooling. 

How can you get started? Phlebotomy Career Training offers several online medical courses that you can complete on your time. With a free voucher to complete your national examination, we are one of the top nationally accredited medical certification programs. 

Check out our courses today and sign up!

Nancy Kimmel, PhD MSN FNP-BC

Nancy L. Kimmel obtained her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2002, then went on to teach Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Henry Ford College and Oakland University. She obtained her Associate in Nursing from Henry Ford College and then went on to earn her Master Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became Board Certified working as a licensed FNP in the State of Michigan. She then went on to Medical School where she is now in her 3rd year, and is also in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Nursing Practice through Chamberlin University. She has authored the NET Study Guide, as well a several books on subjects of Math, ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy. She holds a patent on an Air Filter through the U.S. Patent Office.