When people think of medical assistant jobs, they usually picture a doctor’s office or a hospital—but medical assistants do much more than check vitals and schedule appointments. In fact, they work in some of the most surprising and exciting healthcare settings imaginable.
From luxury cruise ships to professional sports teams, medical assistants are using their skills in high-energy, high-paying, and unconventional workplaces that many people don’t even realize exist. If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, or you’re already one and looking for a change, you might be surprised at just how many unique opportunities are out there.
Let’s explore six unexpected places where medical assistants can work—and thrive!
1. Medical Assistant Jobs on Cruise Ships & Resorts ️
Imagine working in paradise. Cruise lines and luxury resorts often have medical assistant jobs available to provide onboard and on-site medical care to guests and staff.
What They Do:
- Assist ship doctors with emergency care and minor injuries
- Perform health screenings for passengers and crew
- Help with sea-sickness treatments, dehydration cases, and common travel illnesses
- Provide first-aid training for cruise staff
Why It’s Unique: You get paid to travel, enjoy free lodging and meals, and meet people from all over the world!
2. Medical Assistant Jobs with Professional & College Sports Teams ⚽
Think only doctors and athletic trainers work with sports teams? Think again. Medical assistants play a vital role in keeping athletes healthy and game-ready.
What They Do:
- Assist sports medicine doctors with injury treatment and rehabilitation
- Help with pre-game physicals and medical check-ups
- Monitor athletes for hydration, nutrition, and overall wellness
- Perform EKGs, wound care, and concussion screenings
Why It’s Unique: You get to work alongside top athletes, travel with the team, and be part of the thrill of competitive sports.
3. Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Clinics ✨
If you love precision work and patient transformations, a career in a plastic surgery or medical aesthetics clinic might be perfect for you.
What They Do:
- Assist in cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments
- Prepare patients for plastic surgery consultations and post-op care
- Sterilize and set up cosmetic surgery tools and equipment
- Educate patients on pre- and post-treatment care
Why It’s Unique: You get to work in a fast-growing, high-paying industry where patient satisfaction is immediate and rewarding.
4. Research Labs & Pharmaceutical Companies
Not all medical assistants work directly with patients. Some pivot into research and development, working for labs and biotech companies.
What They Do:
- Assist in clinical trials and medical studies
- Collect and process lab samples for drug research
- Work with medical testing equipment and document results
- Help ensure new medications and treatments are safe and effective
Why It’s Unique: You get to contribute to cutting-edge medical breakthroughs while working in a controlled, lab-based environment.
5. Correctional Facilities & Rehabilitation Centers
Medical assistants also provide essential care in prisons, juvenile detention centers, and addiction rehab facilities, helping vulnerable populations.
What They Do:
- Conduct intake medical screenings for inmates and patients
- Provide medication administration and chronic disease management
- Assist doctors with wound care, emergency response, and health education
- Help with mental health support and addiction recovery programs
Why It’s Unique: It’s a challenging but highly rewarding role that makes a huge impact on underserved communities.
6. Corporate Wellness & Occupational Health
Big companies now hire medical assistants to staff corporate health clinics, helping employees stay healthy, productive, and injury-free.
What They Do:
- Perform employee health screenings and flu shots
- Assist in workplace injury prevention programs
- Help with ergonomic assessments and fitness initiatives
- Educate employees on stress management and work-life balance
Why It’s Unique: It’s a 9-to-5 healthcare job with weekends off, great benefits, and stability—a rare find in the medical field!
Where Could You Go With Medical Assistant Jobs?
Medical assistants are in demand everywhere, and they aren’t limited to traditional clinical settings. Whether you dream of working on a cruise ship, alongside pro athletes, in high-tech research, or helping patients in unique environments, there’s a medical assistant job out there for you.
Looking for new and exciting medical assistant jobs? EmpowerCare can help!
Visit empowercare.us/medical-assistant to explore medical assistant job openings near you.