Job: Medical Assistant (United States)

I consider myself a professional and have over 20 yrs of experience.I have experienced alot of things during this time both good and bad patient care by professionals with degrees(PA's,RN's,MD's,NP's,exc) I have been fortunate to have had tons of experience that most people in my field would die for. Yet in this field as you grow older(and wiser)you are looked down on by your piers if you don't have that "degree".Being 50 yrs old with no degree hurts you more than helps.Although I probably do make more than the average MA but I haven't gotten a cost of living raise in 6 yrs.(our md's don't believe in raises!!!)Also in every office there is unfairness you will NEVER be able to accept but are forced to tolerate if you want to keep working there.For example-our"office manager"has a GED only!!!! she has manipulated her way up the ladder and now has 5 relatives working in the office for her and a daughter that is 19 with no GED and 2 kids that is a trouble maker and has totally corrupted the place because of double standard rules. I absolutely hate going towork because of the mess it has become.Professionalism-what's that??? I dare say anything anymore because at one time my advise meant something around there but now I'llbe the villain for voicing an opinion. Once again if only 5years ago...... get the picture.

Five years ago I was a Machine Operator in a factory. Today I am a Registered Medical Assistant, Basic X ray Operator and a Certified Phlebotomist with an Associates of Science Degree. It all happened because I not afraid to make a positive change in my life.

To those of you looking to make a positive career change. My is advice is to go for it. Do not be deterred by those " good advice givers that you will come across" The ones that produce all the negative aspects of a change. Remember, it is your life, your future and above all the decision is ultimately yours.

Good luck on your life's journey.

I was devastated! I found my dream job before 5 months before I graduated with my degree. I was so excited. I am a very motivated and positive person. Also a very hard worker and love to learn! I dedicated myself to this job. After 8 months, I was leaving for the day and they laid it on me-the office manager and the medical biller. I was in shock. I had no idea that this was coming. It was very unfair! Later I found out they fired me 1 day before they would have to pay me unemployment benefits from them, instead it went to my previous job which was 6.50 an hr! The unemployment office thought it wasn't a good enough reason to be fired and I had to wait 2 months for any money! This is the only job I have had for a medical assistant and now I can't find a job!

My advice, watch your back, no matter what...it doesn't matter how qualified you are or if you are a hard worker...it only matters if the employees work well with you...don't turn your back, you may find a knife in it!

Don't get up on your job search it will get hard but you have to be bull headed in order to get the response that you may want

I've worked in this field for over 4 years and never experienced so much poor management and neglection in a work place. Unfortunately I haven't moved on for personal reasons one of them pregnancy and lack of money. But now I feel that I can sacrifie a little and move on. I love to take care of patients but is so unfair that I can take care of them at once.