Medical Assistants
Overview
Medical assistants are the backbone of healthcare teams, working directly with doctors and patients in clinics and hospitals. You'll handle both administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and entering patient data into electronic health records, as well as clinical duties such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and even giving injections under a physician's supervision. This role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, and you can enter the field with a certificate or associate degree. Medical assistants work in collaborative, fast-paced environments where technology like digital health systems and modern medical equipment are used daily.
Did you know?
Most employers in the United States prefer or require Medical Assistants to complete an accredited program and obtain certification through organizations like AAMA or AMT.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$43,165.10 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Persuasion
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
- Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
- Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
- Schedule appointments for patients.
- Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
- Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
- Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
- Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
- Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
- Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
- Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
- Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
- Change dressings on wounds.
- Set up medical laboratory equipment.
- Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
- Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.
Career Considerations
Certification Requirements
Most employers in the United States prefer or require Medical Assistants to complete an accredited program and obtain certification through organizations like AAMA or AMT.
Strong Job Market Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% job growth for Medical Assistants from 2022-2032, much faster than average due to an aging population and expanding healthcare services.
Physically Demanding Work Environment
Medical Assistants spend significant time on their feet, may lift patients or equipment, and work in fast-paced clinical settings that require stamina and multitasking abilities.