Transitioning from Medical Assistant to Real Estate

Are you searching for alternative jobs for medical assistants? You aren’t alone! Medical assistants are often the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry. You work hard to provide care for patients and support other medical staff for not-so-great pay, so it’s understandable why you might be seeking a different career. While you may not have considered transitioning from medical assistant to real estate agent, this career switch might be right for you!

Keep reading, and we’ll explain why you should quit your medical assistant job to become a real estate agent in Arizona. We’ll also give you practical tips and insights on how to switch careers or work in real estate part-time.

Key Takeaways

• Medical assistants possess transferable skills such as communication, attention to detail, and empathy, which are invaluable for succeeding as real estate agents.
• Real estate offers higher earning potential, with Arizona real estate agents earning approximately three times more than the average medical assistant.
• The transition process is straightforward, requiring completion of a 90-hour pre-licensing course, fingerprinting, and passing the Arizona Real Estate Salesperson Exam.
• ASREB provides flexible support, including online and in-person courses, exam preparation materials, and financing options, helping you transition smoothly into your new career.

Why Medical Assistants Consider Switching to Real Estate

Whether you are a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or a National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), you might be ready for a new job. After all, you work long hours while completing physically demanding tasks. Additionally, many medical assistants work in stressful environments where lives are on the line.

While your dedication and servant-hearts are admirable, it is understandable that you hope for a higher income to better financially support your family.

The average hourly income for medical assistants in Arizona is $19.83/hour, according to Indeed (January 2025). This is about $41,600 if you work full-time.

It's worth noting that real estate agents in Arizona earn about three times as much as medical assistants. (The average salary of real estate agents in AZ is $120,779, according to Indeed, January 2025.)

Fortunately, medical assistants have valuable skills that can be useful in other industries, including real estate.

Do Medical Assistants Have What It Takes to Succeed in Real Estate?

You may think anything related to “business” is unrelated to your interests and skill sets. But helping people find a home for their family or sell a beloved property can be an extremely rewarding experience. You’re used to dealing with families when they are most vulnerable and working with precision. Both of these skills are critical for working as a real estate agent.

Here are some skills required as a medical assistant or CMA that will help you as a real estate agent.

1. Communication skills

As a medical assistant, you’re skilled at explaining complex information clearly and compassionately, which is invaluable when guiding clients through real estate transactions.

2. Attention to detail

Your ability to handle paperwork and ensure accuracy in medical care translates seamlessly to managing contracts and real estate documents. Don’t worry, you’ll learn all about contracts and real estate vocabulary in your pre-licensing courses.

3. Time management

Prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment has prepared you to manage your time as a real estate agent efficiently. Real estate agents work under brokers (experienced agents with advanced certifications). Your broker or mentor will teach you how to manage your business and time.

4. Empathy and patience

Your experience working with patients during stressful times equips you to support clients during emotional moments, whether buying their dream home or selling a cherished property.

5. Adaptability

No two days are the same in healthcare, and this flexibility will serve you well in the ever-changing world of real estate.

Steps to Transition from Medical Assistant to Real Estate

If you’re transitioning from working as a CMA or another healthcare career to real estate, here are the steps to obtaining your license in Arizona.

Step 1: Enroll in Arizona real estate classes

Complete a 90-hour pre-licensing course and a 6-hour Introduction to Contract Writing course through a state-approved school, such as the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB). ASREB offers flexible learning options, including online, live-streamed, and in-person classes.

Pro Tip: Many people complete real estate coursework while working full-time, and you can, too! It will take two to three months to get your real estate license and even longer to earn regular commissions. Having an additional source of income may be helpful while you're building your business.

Step 2: Complete the fingerprinting process

Undergo fingerprinting for your background check. (ASREB can assist you with this step!) Submit your fingerprint card, application, and a $67 fee to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Step 3: Pass the Arizona Real Estate Salesperson Exam

After completing the pre-licensing course, schedule your exam through PearsonVue. Pay the $75 exam fee, and on test day, bring two forms of I.D. and your Salesperson Education Certificate. To pass, you’ll need a score of 75% or higher.

Pro Tip: Choose a pre-licensing package that includes exam prep materials. You’ll need these materials to prepare for the licensing test, and purchasing them through a package is the cheapest option.

Step 4: Submit Your Arizona Salesperson Application

Once you pass the exam, submit your application and required documents to the Arizona Department of Real Estate. These documents include your education certificates, exam score report, fingerprint clearance card, and proof of legal presence. Be sure to submit everything within one year of passing the exam.

You might be surprised at how long it takes to become a real estate agent in Arizona. With the support of ASREB instructors and staff, you can complete the process in just two to three months.

Overcoming Challenges During the Career Switch

Do you remember how nervous you were when you started working in healthcare? You may feel the same anxiousness as you enter the real estate industry. Here are some tips to ensure the career switch process goes well.

• Start as a part-time agent to test the waters. Unless you have another source of household income or a large nest egg, consider working in real estate part-time until you quit your CMA job. It will take time to find your footing or develop your niche or specialty.
• Use your healthcare network for leads and referrals. You probably know a lot of people in healthcare. As soon as you’re licensed, spread the word to your colleagues. They’ll want to support your new venture.
• Continuously educate yourself about the real estate market. You’ll learn a lot during real estate school, but your education won’t end after you get your license. Successful real estate agents keep learning by attending professional development courses and required continuing education.

Are you ready for your career switch from healthcare to real estate? Learn more about the licensing requirements in Arizona, and then enroll in your pre-licensing coursework with the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business. We have the best exam pass rates in the state and offer affordable financing so you can pay for your coursework over time.