CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Medical assistants support other medical professionals mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$32,480
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
37,297
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Medical Assistant Job Description
Medical assistants, often also referred to as certified medical assistants, support other medical professionals, primarily physicians and nurses. They work in a wide range of environments, including outpatient or ambulatory care, but also in traditional hospitals, medical centers, clinics and other healthcare and patient care facilities.
Medical assistants are sought-after professionals to deliver outstanding healthcare and smooth operations by performing a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. While their specific job duties can vary with the location, specialty, place and size of employment, they are generally considered to be vital to the quality of healthcare that is provided to patients.
Medical Assistant Job Responsibilities
Medical assistants may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Customer service: answer telephones and greet patients
- Computer skills: update patient information, complete insurance forms, schedule appointments
- Organize hospital admissions and laboratory services
- Prepare patients for examination
- Measure patient’s vital signs
- Administer medication
- Assist physicians during exams
- Remove sutures and change dressings
Medical Assistant Salary
The actual salary of the medical assistant can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $32,480*
National average per hour: $15.92*
- $22,860 to $40,084 per year**
- $32,126 to $37,629 per year***
- $19,500 to $41,500 per year****
- $28,000 to $41,000 per year*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Medical Assistant Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a medical assistant? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Great job outlook
- Start a job quickly
- Wide variety of locations available
- Work in any state
- Work with a team
- Build skills for career growth
- Regular working hours
- Variety of job responsibilities
Cons
- Entry-level salary
- To achieve highest salary range, certification and training is required.
- Daily job can get busy
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Medical Assistant?
If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Choose and complete the medical assistant training program that is right for you. The certificate or diploma programs typically take 9-12 months to complete. The associate’s degree programs take 2 years to complete and are a good choice if you plan to pursue further education in the future. Some states may require medical assistants to graduate from an accredited program, pass an exam, or both, in order to practice. Contact the respective state board of medicine to learn more.
- Complete an externship to gain clinical experience.
- Get certified. Although not a requirement, this is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the medical assistant is at the beginning of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by other entry-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Caregiver > Medical Assistant > Registered Nurse (RN)
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Certification
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Technical skills
Medical Assistant Certifications
- CMA, Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)
- RMA, Registered Medical Assistant (AMT)
- NCMA, National Certified Medical Assistant (NCCT)
- CCMA, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
- CMAA, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (NHA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Medical Assistant Licenses
Employers may require additional certifications and/or licenses such as basic life support certification (BLS).
Medical Assistant Training and Preparation
There are several paths to train to become a medical assistant. In some cases, on-the-job training may be available, but employers often prefer candidates with specific medical assistant training and certification.
Traditional Classroom Training
MA certifications exams can only be taken when you have received classroom and laboratory training by an accredited medical assistant training programs (such as CAAHEP or ABHES) that are typically provided by colleges, universities and technical schools. If you intend to get certified, be sure to choose training that is accredited. If you choose this path, you may be able to obtain a certification in about 9-12 months.
Online Training
Some schools offer online training programs that allow you to complete a significant portion of your training in front of your computer. However, if you want to perform clinical duties, you will have to perform a separate externship to meet your certification exam requirements.
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