Is Medical Assisting Right for You?
Are you interested in a career in medical assisting but aren't sure if it is right for you? LRMAI is committed to helping members of the community find a career they love. The following information can help you decide if medical assisting is right for you.
RIASEC Theory
John Holland, an American psychologist, developed a theory that people can be classified according to six basic personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional—known collectively as RIASEC.
Used as a career assessment tool, RIASEC tests ask questions about your aspirations, activities, skills and interests in different jobs to help identify potential careers and fields of study.
Realistic types generally like to work with things more than with people. They are often described as genuine, sensible, practical, natural, thrifty, modest, persistent, and honest.
Investigative types typically like to work with ideas more than with people or things. They are usually described as logical, curious, exact, intellectual, cautious, independent, quiet, and modest.
Artistic types usually like to work with ideas more than with things. They are usually described as open, creative, independent, emotional, impulsive, and original.
Social types typically like to work with people more than with things. They are often described as helpful, understanding, responsible, warm, cooperative, convincing, friendly, kind, generous, and patient.
Enterprising types generally like to work with people and ideas more than with things. They are usually described as outgoing, adventurous, energetic, optimistic, sociable, and self-confident.
Conventional types generally like to work with papers and numbers. They are typically described as practical, careful, thrifty, efficient, orderly, and persistent.
Medical Assistant RIASEC Profile
RIASEC Profile: SCR
- SOCIAL: Social occupations frequently involve working and communicating with people. These occupations often involve helping, teaching or providing services to others.
- CONVENTIONAL: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than ideas. Usually, there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- REALISTIC: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals and real-world materials like wood, tools and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Discover your RIASEC personality traits:
If your RIASEC results are similar to those above, medical assisting may be a great opportunity for you! If you’re interested in taking the next steps towards a new career in medical assisting, please contact us.
RIASEC Profiles for Health Care Occupations
Ambulatory care clinics offer many different roles that are vital to ensuring quality patient care. If you are a medical assistant or medical assistant student planning for career growth, here are some related health care fields and their RIASEC profiles:
Related Health Care Fields
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN)
LPNs/LVNs care for ill, injured or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
RIASEC Profile: SR
- Social
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
NPs diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
RIASEC Profile: SIR
- Social
- Investigative
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Physician Assistant or Associate (PA)
PAs provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
RIASEC Profile: SIR
- Social
- Investigative
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Physician, Family Medicine or Internal Medicine
Physicians, Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Internal medicine Physicians provide care mainly for adults and adolescents. Family Medicine Physicians provide care to individuals and families across the lifespan. Both may refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
RIASEC Profile: ISR
- Investigative
- Social
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more about Family Medicine Physicians or Internal Medicine Physicians.
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
RIASEC Profile: SIC
- Social
- Investigative
- Conventional
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Related Allied Health Fields
Cardiovascular Technologist or Technician
Cardiovascular Technologist or Technicians conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity and similar tests.
RIASEC Profile: RIS
- Realistic
- Investigative
- Social
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer produces ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
RIASEC Profile: ISR
- Investigative
- Social
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Neurodiagnostic Technician
Neurodiagnostic Technicians conduct electroneurodiagnostic tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.
RIASEC Profile: RI
- Realistic
- Investigative
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists assess, plan and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.
RIASEC Profile: SI
- Social
- Investigative
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Occupational Therapist Assistant
Occupational Therapist Assistants provide assistance with occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
RIASEC Profile: SR
- Social
- Realistic
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label and record amounts and/or dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
RIASEC Profile: CR
- Conventional
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
RIASEC Profile: SIR
- Social
- Investigative
- Realistic
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapy Assistants assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
RIASEC Profile: SRI
- Social
- Realistic
- Investigative
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Radiologic Technologist or Technician
Radiologic Technologists or Technicians take X-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
RIASEC Profile: RSC
- Realistic
- Social
- Conventional
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide individuals, families and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers, providing patients with information and counseling and making referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease and address barriers to access to health care.
RIASEC Profile: SI
- Social
- Investigative
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Administrative and Educator Fields
Health Specialties Educator
Health Specialties Educators teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
RIASEC Profile: SI
- Social
- Investigative
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Medical or Health Services Manager
Medical or Health Services Managers plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
RIASEC Profile: ECS
- Enterprising
- Conventional
- Social
Visit onetonline.org to learn more.
Plan Your Future
The San Diego Workforce Partnership is a great local resource that offers assistance with career planning and can help you find a career that you love.
Learn More