Are you considering a career in the healthcare industry but unsure which path to take? Two popular options to consider are becoming a massage therapist or a medical administrative assistant. Both of these professions offer unique opportunities and have their own set of skills and requirements. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the roles of a massage therapist and a medical administrative assistant to help you make an informed decision about your future career.

Introduction

The healthcare industry is constantly growing, providing a wide range of career opportunities for individuals interested in helping others. Massage therapy and medical administrative assistance are two professions that offer fulfilling careers in the healthcare field. While both professions require a commitment to helping others, the roles and responsibilities of a massage therapist and a medical administrative assistant are quite different.

What is a Massage Therapist and Medical Administrative Assistant?

Massage Therapist: A massage therapist is a healthcare professional who uses touch and manipulation techniques to help relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation in their clients. They work with a variety of techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage, to address different client needs. Massage therapists often work in spas, wellness centers, chiropractic clinics, or may even have their own private practice.

Medical Administrative Assistant: On the other hand, a medical administrative assistant plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of a healthcare facility. They handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing, and insurance claims. They are often responsible for maintaining a high level of organization and professionalism in a medical office or clinic setting.

Difference between a Massage Therapist and Medical Administrative Assistant

While both massage therapists and medical administrative assistants work in the healthcare field, their roles and day-to-day responsibilities differ significantly. Here are some key differences between the two professions:

Work Environment: Massage therapists primarily work in hands-on settings, such as spas or wellness centers, where they provide direct care to their clients. On the other hand, medical administrative assistants typically work in healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, or private medical practices, where they handle administrative tasks.

Job Duties: Massage therapists use their hands and various techniques to provide therapeutic massages to their clients. They assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and monitor progress. Medical administrative assistants, on the other hand, are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and coordinating communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Client Interaction: Massage therapists have direct contact and interaction with clients on a regular basis. They build relationships with their clients, understand their needs, and provide personalized care. In contrast, medical administrative assistants interact with patients indirectly, mainly through phone calls, scheduling appointments, and managing medical records.

Physical Demands: Being a massage therapist requires physical stamina and strength, as they may spend hours standing or using their hands and arms to provide massages. Medical administrative assistants, while still requiring physical stamina, spend more time sitting and performing administrative tasks.

Licensing and Certification: Massage therapists are required to obtain a license in most states, which typically involves completing a certain number of hours of training from an accredited massage therapy program and passing a licensing exam. Medical administrative assistants may need certification or additional training, but it is not a requirement in all states.

Massage Therapist vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Job Description

Massage Therapist: The primary job responsibility of a massage therapist is to provide therapeutic massages to clients. Their job duties may include:

• Conducting client assessments to determine specific needs and goals
• Developing individualized treatment plans based on client conditions and preferences
• Performing various massage techniques to address specific areas of concern
• Providing guidance on self-care techniques and exercises to help clients maintain their well-being
• Documenting client progress and maintaining accurate records

Medical Administrative Assistant: The primary job responsibility of a medical administrative assistant is to support the administrative functions of a healthcare facility. Their job duties may include:

• Scheduling patient appointments and managing the healthcare provider's calendar
• Greeting patients and checking them in upon arrival
• Managing and updating patient records and ensuring their accuracy
• Handling billing and insurance claims processes
• Coordinating communication between patients, healthcare providers, and other staff members

Massage Therapist vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Education and Training

Massage Therapist: To become a massage therapist, you will typically need to complete a postsecondary training program from an accredited massage therapy school. These programs can range from several months to two years in length. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice to develop the necessary skills. After completing the program, you will need to pass a licensing exam in most states to practice as a massage therapist.

Medical Administrative Assistant: The educational requirements for medical administrative assistants vary depending on the employer and location. Some employers may require only a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may prefer candidates with postsecondary education in medical office administration or a related field. Vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in medical administrative assisting. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, medical office procedures, and computer skills.

Massage Therapist vs Medical Administrative Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

Massage Therapist: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for massage services as a form of relaxation and stress reduction. The median annual wage for massage therapists was $43,620 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $80,630.

Medical Administrative Assistant: The BLS projects a 10 percent growth in employment for medical secretaries, including medical administrative assistants, from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing need for healthcare services and the administrative tasks associated with it. The median annual wage for medical secretaries was $36,580 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $52,090.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry is a rewarding decision, and both massage therapy and medical administrative assisting offer unique opportunities. Consider your interests, skills, and preferences when deciding which career path to pursue. If you enjoy working directly with clients, providing hands-on care, and have an interest in the healing arts, becoming a massage therapist may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you have strong organizational and administrative skills and prefer a more office-based role, a career as a medical administrative assistant may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, and both professions can lead to fulfilling careers in the healthcare field.

Explore the reach of Dreambound's program in various locations. Dive into these blogs for an extensive look into the two vocations, including detailed information on their requirements and the process to join:

• Massage Therapist in Illinois
• Medical Administrative Assistant in Illinois
• Massage Therapist classes near you