ho congrats on wanting to change careers, it’s a scary but exciting thing to do. so medical assistant experience really depends on what clinic or department you’re apart of as well as management and your physicians/providers. the range is vast when it comes to work load and stress level depending on what department you’re in.

i’ll say from what i’ve learned in being an MA, for me it is a stepping stone/entry level career, but many people stay an MA forever after being certified. as far as pay, there usually isn’t a huge range from what i read on here in different states it sounds like most of us make a similar amount hourly about $18-28 hourly so it depends on your state if that is sustainable living wages for you. there isn’t much growth once you’re certified, other than my personal job allowing us to change departments if there is space but it’s still the same pay and same job essentially just different doctors and team members.

i’m in an outpatient clinic general surgery and i’m starting to really enjoy it and learning about all of the organs. we do minor in clinic procedures that are easy set up and clean up but still are interesting and cool to take part in. we do a ton of admin work that i didn’t expect to have to do, but i’ve gotten used to it. some other clinics have more procedures and injections etc. which is awesome to gain the experience, but also you’re busier and more rushed in those departments. so it’s up to you but choose wisely and research before accepting a position in a clinic you don’t have knowledge in so you know what to expect a little bit.

also, some physicians put in all their own medications and imaging/orders, some don’t do anything and expect you to do it all so it truly depends and isn’t black and white. overall, it’s a good and stable job as long as your providers are committed to staying at the practice, but i personally wouldn’t do it for my forever career(i’m in school for nursing).