Medical Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$44K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

13.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant is a versatile healthcare professional who performs both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. They act as a key liaison between patients and physicians, ensuring smooth operation of the healthcare facility.

Sample job titles:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Chiropractor Assistant, Doctor's Assistant, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Medical Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Medical Assistant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$38K per year	$44K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $5.3K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Medical Assistant do?

Work environment

Medical Assistants are typically employed in clinics, hospitals, private practices, and other healthcare facilities. The environment is fast-paced and requires both patient interaction and administrative work, with full-time schedules that may include weekends or evenings in facilities with extended hours.

Quick task list

Records patient history and personal information.
Measures vital signs, such as blood pressure.
Assists physicians with patient examinations.
Prepares blood samples for laboratory tests.
Schedules patient appointments and manages medical records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Medical Assistant: Focuses on patient care, diagnostic testing, and assisting with procedures.
Administrative Medical Assistant: Specializes in healthcare office management, including scheduling, billing, and insurance processing.
Specialized Medical Assistant: Works in specific medical fields, such as pediatrics, cardiology, or orthopedics, requiring additional knowledge of that specialty.
Ophthalmic Medical Assistant: Assists with eye care and ophthalmological procedures.
Podiatric Medical Assistant: Specializes in foot care, assisting podiatrists in clinical tasks.

Description

Medical Assisting is a multifaceted profession that combines elements of healthcare and administrative duties. A medical assistant's clinical duties include preparing patients for examination, performing basic laboratory tests, and assisting with medical procedures. Their administrative responsibilities involve scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and managing billing and insurance. This blend of tasks requires medical assistants to be adaptable, organized, and skilled in both patient care and office management.

The role is vital in enhancing the efficiency of a healthcare facility. Medical Assistants serve as a bridge between patients and doctors, ensuring that the healthcare delivery process is smooth and effective. They need to be compassionate, as they often serve as the first point of contact for patients, and must also have a strong understanding of medical terminology and healthcare procedures.

The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow significantly, driven by an aging population and an increasing need for healthcare services. This career path offers opportunities for specialization and advancement, particularly for those who pursue further education or certification in a specific medical area.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to patient care and well-being.
Variety in daily tasks, balancing clinical and administrative duties.
Opportunities for continuous learning and growth in the healthcare field.

You might make a good Medical Assistant if you are...

Interested in both healthcare and administrative tasks.
Able to communicate effectively with patients and medical staff.
Organized and can handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Compassionate and enjoy helping others.
Looking for a dynamic work environment in the healthcare industry.

Pros:

Growing demand in the healthcare industry.
Opportunities to work in various healthcare settings.
Diverse responsibilities that keep the work interesting.

Cons:

Can be fast-paced and stressful, especially in busy medical facilities.
May involve long hours, including weekends or evenings.
Requires continual learning to keep up with healthcare advancements.

How to become a Medical Assistant

Typical education

Most Medical Assistants complete a postsecondary education program lasting from 9 months to 2 years, which can lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Some enter the field with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and chemistry to understand basic medical concepts.
Health education to gain an overview of healthcare practices.
Business or computer classes for administrative skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at healthcare facilities or in community health programs.
Joining health-related clubs or organizations.
Participating in internships or job shadowing in medical settings.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an accredited medical assisting program.
Gain certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, which may be preferred by some employers.
Seek internships or entry-level positions in healthcare facilities for practical experience.

More resources

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) - Provides certification and educational resources.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) - Offers a directory of accredited medical assisting programs.
American Medical Technologists (AMT) - Information on the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Detailed information about the role of medical assistants.
Medical Assistant Guide - A resource for aspiring medical assistants, including career advice and program information.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.