Medical assisting is one of the hottest career paths in the United States. In fact, the number of medical assistants is expected to grow by 16% by 2031. This is much faster than the national average.

The rapid growth in medical assisting comes as no surprise to experts in the field. The medical field is recession-proof; no matter how poorly the economy is faring, people eventually need to see a doctor. Medical jobs pay well and there is always room for advancement.

Read on to learn about the different types of medical assistant jobs.

Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are the first line of communication between patients and doctors. They greet the patient in the examination room and start collecting vital patient history.

Medical assistants also perform basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the patient. For example, they may check a patient’s blood pressure and oxygen levels before the doctor arrives. They also educate patients on pre-surgery instructions.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an increasingly popular and important segment of medical care. Medical students who pursue this career path can obtain certification in less than a year.

They make a noticeable difference in patients’ lives. Massage therapy is proven to relieve pain, reduce stress, and help heal injuries faster. The end result is a verifiable improvement in a patient’s quality of life and overall well-being.