Maine Quality Counts Podcast

Medical Assisting is one of the allied health professions feeling the largest impact from recent healthcare reform. Highly competent support staff is increasingly important as population and health trends like team-based care and higher regulation shape the future of health care. Medical assistants (MAs) are widely recognized as part of the solution needed to provide quality, efficient care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 2.6% annual growth in the medical assisting field for the next 10 years, more than twice the average for U.S. employment growth. Job postings for MAs grew 15 percent in 2014 after growing over 10 percent per year in 2012 and 2013, according to Gray Associates, a strategy and consulting firm serving the education industry. With these trends comes the need for additional training to fit the ever-changing and expanding roles held within the healthcare community. Through training, curriculum redesign and strengthened clinical relationships MAs are being required to advance beyond