Medical Assistants

Career summary

Medical assistants may specialize in either clinical or administrative work, depending on the size of the medical practice or hospital. They do both in smaller clinics.

Clinical medical assistants

Medical assistants take medical histories and record patients' weight, pulse rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They explain treatments to patients and prepare them for exams. Assistants help the doctor during the exam.

They also prepare laboratory specimens. Assistants may perform basic lab tests. They also instruct patients about medication and special diets.

Medical assistants’ duties vary by state. Some states allow medical assistants who have specialized training to draw blood or take x-rays. Additional duties include giving EKGs, changing bandages, and removing stitches.

After exams, assistants clean the room, dispose of used materials, arrange equipment, and sterilize used instruments.

Administrative medical assistants

Medical assistants also answer telephones, greet patients, escort them to exam rooms, and update medical records. They fill out insurance forms and schedule appointments. They also arrange for hospital admission and lab services.

Some assistants handle billing and bookkeeping. The size of the office determines how much time assistants spend on clerical duties. Assistants are supervised by doctors, other health workers, or office managers.

Ophthalmic medical assistants

Medical assistants who specialize in ophthalmic care do basic eye tests, fit frames, and teach people how to use contact lenses.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Billing Clerks
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Dental Assistants
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Coders and Billers
• Medical Secretaries
• Medical Transcriptionists
• Nursing Assistants
• Occupational Therapist Aides
• Occupational Therapist Assistants
• Orderlies
• Personal and Home Care Aides
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Phlebotomists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Psychiatric Aides
• Psychiatric Technicians
• Receptionists
• Registered Nurses
• Secretaries
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Surgical Technologists
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Military careers

• Medical Care Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to medical assistants.

• Greet patients when they arrive at the office or clinic.
• Interview patients and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
• Hand instruments and materials to physicians.
• Collect blood and tissue samples for routine laboratory tests.
• Give shots to patients. May also give medication.
• Prepare treatment rooms for examination of patients. Lead patients to the room.
• Clean and sterilize instruments.
• Change dressings and bandages.
• Operate x-ray, electrocardiograph (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine tests.
• Complete insurance forms and maintain medical records.
• Contact other medical centers to schedule patients for tests.
• May explain treatments, medications, and doctor's instructions to patients.
• Schedule appointments and receive payment for services.
• Check inventory and order medical supplies and materials.
• Compute and mail monthly statements to patients and update billing records.

Common work activities

Medical assistants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Document and record information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Use computers
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform for or work with the public
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Schedule work and activities
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Process information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Analyze data or information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Teach others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Develop and build teams
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Handle and move objects
• Develop goals and strategies
• Think creatively
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, medical assistants:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with patients, doctors, and other office staff.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They also write e-mail, letters, and memos, but less often.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients and other staff.
• Often have to deal with patients who are unpleasant or angry due to the effects of their illness.
• May on occasion be placed in conflict situations.
• Nearly always work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for work outcomes and the results of other workers.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are often exposed to disease and infection from their close contact with patients. To protect themselves, they wear masks, glasses, rubber gloves, and other safety attire.
• Work very near others. They are in constant physical contact with patients.
• Often wear uniforms, such as nurses' scrubs.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors in procedures, treatments, or records could result in serious injury to patients, staff, or themselves.
• Make decisions that affect patients on a weekly basis. They make some decisions without talking to a supervisor first, but often talk with a nurse or doctor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor first.
• Abide by strict weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• May work evenings or weekends.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Medical assistants frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for medical assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for medical assistants to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Determine the distance between objects.

Skills and abilities

Medical assistants need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Anesthesiologist Assisting
• Medical Assisting

Other programs of study to consider

• Chiropractic Assisting
• Dental Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Medical Office Management
• Medical Secretarial Studies
• Nursing Assisting

Training

To work as a medical assistant, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a medical assisting training program.

Education after high school

Most medical assistants learn their skills through formal training programs. Professional-technical and two-year colleges offer medical assisting programs. A one-year program grants a certificate. Two-year programs grant an associate degree. Courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law, and ethics. Office courses include typing, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. You also gain skills in lab techniques and first aid.

On-the-job training

Some medical assistants learn their skills on the job. Through on-the-job training, a physician or another medical assistant in the office teaches you medical terminology, the names of the instruments, how to do daily tasks, how to interact with patients, and other tasks. You also learn how to code both paper and electronic health records and how to record patient information. Training typically lasts several months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical care technicians. Training lasts seven to 52 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Training in Washington

In Washington, most employers prefer applicants with at least one year of formal training as a medical assistant.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Introduction to Health Care
• Medical Office
• Nursing
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer graduates of medical assistant programs, or applicants with experience. They may also prefer applicants who are certified or registered. Other employers hire high school graduates who have related work experience and train them on the job. Employers may have applicants take drug-screening tests.

Employers look for applicants who have basic computer skills. Readable handwriting, attention to detail, and good telephone skills also are important. Some employers prefer applicants who have medical transcription skills. Speaking a second language may be an advantage.

National certification is a plus. Certification is available through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to graduates of medical assistant programs accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Assistants who complete the requirements can use the title Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). The certification exam fee is $125 for members, CAAHEP or ABHES school completing student or recent graduate, and $250 for non-members. Medical assistants must renew their certification every five years by taking an exam or continuing education courses. They must also have current CPR certification.

Medical assistants can also become registered medical assistants through the American Medical Technologists Association. Although certification is not presently required, it may be in the future.

Employers look for applicants who are dependable, tactful, professional, and able to learn quickly and adapt to change. They also seek applicants who can work as part of a team, communicate well, and keep patient records confidential. The ability to speak Spanish may be helpful for jobs in some parts of the state.

Tips

Students must have good keyboarding skills before they will be accepted into some formal training programs. Volunteer or summer work experience in a health-related organization is helpful.

Costs to workers

The cost for comfortable shoes and uniforms varies depending on personal preference. Other costs include reference books, additional college classes, and seminars to keep up with changes in the field. Some may wish to join a professional association and become certified through the American Association of Medical Assistants.

#No changes to info in this section 3/3/15 cj. no change to cert fee 2/8/16 lh. No changes to section 12/5/16 cj. no change to cert fee 1/30/18 lh, 4/9/19 cj.

Licensing/certification

Medical assistants who practice in Washington State must have a professional medical assistant credential issued by the Department of Health. This credential consists of four different categories: medical assistant-certified, medical assistant-hemodialysis, medical assistant-phlebotomist, and medical assistant-registered. Each category is based on the job duties performed by the assistant and each has different credentialing requirements. A certified medical assistant is the highest credential with the broadest scope of practice. Registered medical assistants can only practice at the clinic, group practice, or with the health care practitioner they were endorsed by, and the endorsement is not transferable.

Assistants must renew their credential every two years.

For detailed information on credentialing requirements and fees, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
Medical Assistants Program 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Medical Assistants 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The assistant's level of education, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Medical assistants who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Over half of all medical assistants work in a doctor's office.

Major employers:

• Doctors' offices
• Hospitals
• Offices of other types of health care providers (chiropractors and optometrists)

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow significantly. With the growth in the aging population more medical administrative services are provided by medical assistants. This means physicians can see more patients. New insurance policies will also mean more people will seek medical treatment.

Most job openings will be in doctors' offices and clinics. Job prospects should be excellent for medical assistants who have formal training or experience with electronic medical records.

Other resources

American Association of Medical Assistants 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
800.228.2262
312.899.1500

American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants 
109 1st Street
Itasca, IL 60143-2114

Health Occupation Students of America 
548 Silicon Drive, Suite 101
Southlake, TX 76092
800.321.HOSA

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Medical Assistants (31-9092.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Chiropractor Assistant (079.364-010) 
• Medical Assistant (079.362-010) 
• Podiatric Assistant (079.374-018) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Social/Realistic
• Social/Conventional/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Skilled