The population of adults age 65 and older in the United States grew by nearly 40% between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, older Americans are projected to make up roughly 21% of the total population. By 2034, they are expected to outnumber children (those under 18) for the first time in history.
As the nation’s population of older adults grows, rates of chronic disease and other health concerns will also rise, creating greater demand for healthcare services and all manner of healthcare workers, from doctors and nurses to medical assistants and X-ray technicians.
Although Utah has a reputation for having one of the youngest populations in the country, the number of adults 65 or older in the state is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years, creating more employment opportunities for healthcare workers statewide.
Explore some of the benefits of attending medical assisting school in Utah and what it takes to pursue an education in this field.
Benefits of Attending Medical Assisting School in Utah
Pursuing a healthcare education, such as medical assisting school, can position students for a rewarding career in a growing sector. Below are some of the most notable benefits of pursuing a medical assisting education.
Make an Impact on People’s Health
Graduates of a medical assisting program can serve in numerous capacities in a healthcare setting. They may perform X-ray procedures to aid in diagnosis, take vital signs, or or document electrocardiogram (EKG) readings, among other responsibilities. By providing critical support to doctors and nurses, they play a major role in the patient experience, and their contributions can have a significant impact on patients’ overall health and well-being.
Gain a Diverse Skill Set
Students in a medical assisting program develop an array of clinical and administrative skills. On the administrative side, they are trained to handle responsibilities such as preparing exam rooms, maintaining electronic health records (EHRs), and coordinating referrals.
Some programs focus on a particular aspect of care, such as radiography. These programs prepare students for a career as an X-ray technician by teaching them radiographic techniques and procedures. They also get to work with the same tools and technologies as healthcare professionals in the field.
Additionally, medical assisting programs specializing in radiography often prepare students to sit for a licensure exam, so they can earn certification as an X-ray machine operator, a prerequisite to perform X-ray procedures in more than 75% of states, including Utah, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Simplified Admissions Process
Enrolling in a medical assisting program in Utah is relatively straightforward. For many programs, a high school diploma or an equivalent is the only admissions requirement, along with completion of a personal information sheet and an interview with admissions staff. Compare that to the college admissions process, which often consists of submitting SAT or ACT scores, writing an essay, and securing letters of recommendation.
Short Program Duration
Medical assisting programs are also generally shorter than most traditional college degree programs. Associate and bachelor’s degree programs typically take two to four years to complete, while many medical assisting programs can be completed in as little as one or two years, enabling students to enter the workforce much earlier.
Medical Assisting School Requirements in Utah
While the enrollment requirements for medical assisting school in Utah are fairly minimal, prospective students do need to meet certain prerequisites. Although specific requirements may vary by institution, they typically include the following:
A high school or GED diploma
Completion of a personal information sheet
Interview with admissions staff to discuss career goals and determine the right program
Students should also be prepared to attend classes in person, as many trade school programs, including medical assisting programs, follow a hybrid model. This means that the majority of courses are held on campus and a smaller percentage are taken online. The number of online courses may vary each term, so prospective students should speak with an admissions representative to get more information.
The blend of online and in-person coursework allows students to take advantage of the support and services offered by medical assisting schools, while also enjoying the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Additionally, medical assisting programs typically involve hands-on training, enabling students to work with the kind of equipment they will use in the field, such as digital image receptor systems and EKG devices.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in Utah
The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will increase by 14% nationally between 2022 and 2032, creating nearly 106,000 jobs. Employment of X-ray technicians, sometimes referred to as radiologic technologists, is also expected to increase over the period, growing at a rate of 5%, adding almost 12,000 jobs.
The hiring outlook for medical assistants is even more optimistic in Utah. Projections Central, a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), forecasts that medical assistant jobs will increase by 43.5% in the state between 2022 and 2032.
Mirroring nationwide trends, the number of adults 65 and older in Utah has grown in recent years, making up nearly 12% of the state’s population in 2020, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The organization expects that number to continue rising in the coming years, reaching nearly 15% by 2030 and more than 20% by 2060.
Additionally, Utah has one of the nation’s highest life expectancies: 80.6, four years higher than the national average (76.1), according to Deseret News. With the population of older adults growing each year, and with so many living longer, there will be greater demand for medical assisting graduates in Utah and across the country to support doctors and nurses and help patients manage their healthcare.
Start Your Medical Assisting Career With Fortis
If you are interested in a dynamic healthcare career, consider the medical assisting and basic X-ray technician program at the Fortis campus in Salt Lake City. Combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, the program provides a career-focused education that is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in an in-demand field.
Learn more about how Fortis can help you launch your career in healthcare.
Recommended Readings
How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant?
Best Places to Work as a Medical Assistant
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist