Medical Assistants Employment Potential

Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As their practices expand, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

An increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities need support workers, particularly medical assistants, to do both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work mostly in primary care, a steadily growing sector of the healthcare industry. In addition, federal health legislation will expand the number of patients who have access to health insurance, increasing patient access to medical care.

The majority of medical assistants are employed by doctors in private practice, clinic settings or group practices. Other settings include:  

• Clinics.
• Medical centers.
• Medical institution.
• Research centers.
• Laboratories.
• Nursing homes.
• Specialized care centers.
• Hospitals.

Wages in the state of Kansas:

Average wage = $30k
Entry level = $25k
Experienced = $35k

For additional information, visit Kansas Labor Information Center for local wage information or U.S. Department of labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupation Handbook for national wage information.