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Medical Assistant

Career Overview

Would you enjoy working in a doctor’s office as a Medical Assistant? Which part appeals to you the most, working directly with patients or using your admin skills to keep the practice running smoothly? Clinical Medical Assistants work with patients to take medical histories and record vital signs, prepare them for exams, and collect and prepare lab samples. Administrative Medical Assistants handle records, fill out insurance forms, schedule appointments, coordinate hospital admissions and lab services, and greet patients. As a Medical Assistant, you might specialize in “front office” (patients) or “back office” (admin), or do both!

Job Outlook

• Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking Medical Assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008 – 2018 decade
• The large population of aging Baby Boomers and longer overall life spans increase the number of people receiving medical care
• Increasing use of Medical Assistants will allow doctors to care for more patients

Show Me the Money!

Medical Assistants can earn between $24,000 and $34,000 per year depending on experience and skill level, with the median salary being $28,650. [Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov]

A Day in the Life

• Administrative Assistants update and file patients’ medical records, fill out insurance forms, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Administrative Assistants also answer telephones, greet patients, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, and might deal with billing and bookkeeping
• Clinical Assistants take medical histories and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for exams, assist physicians during exams, and prepare laboratory specimens
• Clinical Assistants also may purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, sterilize medical instruments, dispose of contaminated supplies, and keep waiting and examination rooms neat and clean

Your Workplace

Physicians’ offices, public and private hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and nursing and residential care facilities

Training, Degrees or Licensure

Formal training in Medical Assisting, while generally preferred, is not required. Many medical assistants are trained on the job, and usually only need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Medical Assistant programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Certificates are awarded after 1 year, and an Associate degree awarded after 2 years.

Movin’ On Up

Although not required, certification may help distinguish an experienced or formally trained Medical Assistant from an entry-level Assistant, and may lead to a higher salary or more employment opportunities. Various associations award certification credentials to Medical Assistants. It is also possible to become certified in a specialty, such as podiatry, optometry, or ophthalmology. Administrative Assistants may advance to office managers, and Clinical Assistants may pursue additional education to become nurses or other healthcare workers.

Traits For Success

You will need to have a well-groomed appearance, a courteous demeanor, dependability and trustworthiness, the ability to interact well with patients as well as doctors and nurses, clear communication skills, and confidentiality.

Did You Know?

White surgical drapes and gowns became the standard surgical uniform in the 1940s; however, the white produced eye strain and showed blood too easily. White surgical drapes and gowns gave way to shades of green in the 1950s. By the 1970s, standard surgical attire was a green cotton short-sleeve v-neck and green drawstring pants. Initially termed “surgical greens” due to its color, this uniform soon became popularly known as “scrubs” due to its use in a “scrubbed” environment.