What Is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is an allied health professional who performs routine clinical and administrative duties to keep doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities running smoothly. – Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

To better understand this role, it’s also important to understand:

• What medical assistants do (duties and responsibilities)
• Their work environment 
• Salary and job outlook

This guide will provide you with an overview of a medical assistant, so that you can make an informed decision if you want to pursue a career in this direction. 

Not sure if this is the right career choice for you or want to explore other options? 

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What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

As mentioned at the start, medical assistants perform different clinical and administrative tasks (depending on where they work). Here are some everyday things they do.

Administrative Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants often handle the administrative tasks that help a healthcare office run smoothly. Common responsibilities include:

• Scheduling Appointments: Schedule, confirm, and reschedule patient appointments.
• Managing Patient Records: Update patient information, medical histories, and other records in electronic health records (EHRs).
• Handling Billing and Insurance: Collect payments, process insurance information, and help with billing-related tasks.
• Checking Patients In and Out: Verify patient information, collect forms, and help patients navigate the check-in and check-out process.
• Answering Phones and Messages: Respond to calls, relay messages, and direct patients to the appropriate member of the healthcare team.
• Coordinating Referrals: Help arrange referrals, follow-up appointments, and other services ordered by healthcare providers.

Clinical Duties of a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants may also perform clinical tasks under the direction and supervision of physicians, nurses, or other qualified healthcare professionals. Common responsibilities include:

• Taking Vital Signs: Measure blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, and other basic health measurements.
• Preparing Patients for Exams: Prepare examination rooms and patients for physical examinations and other procedures.
• Collecting Patient Samples: Collect and prepare specimens such as blood or urine for laboratory testing, depending on state regulations and workplace requirements.
• Assisting With Minor Procedures: Prepare equipment and assist healthcare providers during certain examinations and minor procedures.
• Performing Basic Laboratory Tests: Conduct routine laboratory tests that are within the medical assistant’s scope of practice.
• Providing Patient Instructions: Explain basic care instructions, medications, and follow-up steps as directed by the healthcare provider.
• Cleaning and Preparing Equipment: Disinfect examination rooms and equipment and prepare supplies for patient care.

NOTE: What medical assistants can do might differ in each state, so it’s essential to know the rules where you want to work. 

Factors that Influence Medical Assistant Job Responsibilities

An important thing to keep in mind is that every workplace is different, and medical assistants may be expected to perform a combination of duties specific to the needs of their medical office. Here are a few examples of how different needs can change the job description:

Size of the Medical Team

In a smaller private practice, a medical assistant may be expected to schedule patient appointments and provide patient care, such as taking weight and height measurements. Meanwhile, a medical office with a large staff, such as a group practice, may separate the roles of patient care and administrative work.

Workplace Structure and Patient Volume

While a small private practice may assign a medical assistant to take X-rays or perform blood draws, a high-volume practice in a hospital may direct its patients to the radiology or diagnostic center within their building. A large hospital will most likely have a billing department, while in private practice, a medical assistant may oversee the processing of billing and insurance claims.

Type of Practice

The specialty or subspecialty of a medical facility affects the expertise and daily duties of its medical assistant. For example, an administrative medical assistant at an urgent care clinic will frequently encounter work-related injuries and workers’ compensation, while administrative medical assistants at a dermatology or other specialty clinic may be required to send and receive referrals.

Where Do Medical Assistants Work the Most?

Medical assistants work in various healthcare settings, and here’s what they do:

• Doctor’s Offices: MAs help doctors in their private offices.
• Hospitals: They assist in different parts of hospitals, like the emergency room and clinics.
• Clinics: In outpatient clinics, they support patients who don’t need to stay in the hospital.
• Urgent Care Centers: They provide quick care for non-serious health issues.
• Specialized Clinics: MAs work in dermatology, cardiology, or orthopedics.
• Nursing Homes: Some work in homes for the elderly, caring for older people.
• Medical Laboratories: They do basic tests and help collect and handle samples.

The need for medical assistants is increasing because there are more older people. Also, it’s getting easier to get healthcare, and medical technology is improving.  

For a more in-depth analysis, check our guide on common places where MAs work. 

How’s the Salary and Job Outlook for Medical Assistant?

The earning potential for a medical assistant is decent. According to the BLS, the median salary for this role is about $45,690 annually. However, senior MAs can command a salary well above $50,000 per year.

As for the job outlook, employment is projected to grow at a decent 13% rate till 2035, which translates to roughly 109,700 job openings each year. 

To understand actual salary ranges, check how much medical assistants get paid. 

What are the Work Hours for Medical Assistants?

Medical assistants work in various healthcare settings, and their work hours can vary depending on the facility’s operating hours and patient demand. Some of the typical work schedule options for medical assistants include:

Full-time: Typically 40 hours per week, with a set schedule.

Part-time: Usually less than 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options.

Shift work: Medical assistants may be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays to ensure round-the-clock patient care.

For a more detailed look at working hours, check our guide on MA work schedule. 

What Are The Requirements to Become a Medical Assistant?

To become a certified medical assistant, you need certain skills, credentials, and proof of training by an accredited school. 

Skills Required

Specific skills and qualifications are required to excel as a medical assistant. These include:

• Strong Communication Skills: Medical assistants need to talk well with patients (usually in pain or distress), doctors, and other staff. They also need to be good at listening and explaining medical things clearly to patients.
• Attention to Detail: Medical assistants have to pay close attention to details, like writing things down correctly and handling medical tools and samples carefully.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to multitask, focus on tasks, and manage time efficiently is crucial in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using electronic health record systems, medical billing software, and essential office equipment is necessary for medical assistants.
• Compassion and Empathy: Medical assistants often work with patients experiencing physical or emotional distress. Compassion and empathy are essential in providing quality patient care.

Highly Recommended: Explore non-negotiable soft skills for MAs.

Qualification

To become a medical assistant, you must complete a training program and obtain a recognized certification like CCMA.

Now, there are different types of programs available. You can become an MA by completing either of the following:

1. Online Medical Assistant Programs (teacher-led)

• Structured online programs 
• They provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers both administrative and clinical skills.
• Provide hands-on training to help you sharpen your skills. 

Explore MA Training Program

2. Associate Degree Programs

• These programs generally take 2-3 years to complete.
• These programs give you more learning and also include regular school classes along with medical assistant training.
• Associate degree programs are often offered at community colleges and technical schools.

Learn more about the difference between MA certificate and degree programs.

Who Is This Role For?

Because the role combines office and patient-care responsibilities, medical assisting can suit people who want to work in healthcare without pursuing a longer clinical degree. The next step is to understand the training, certification, and state-specific requirements that apply to the type of medical assistant role you want to pursue.

For step-by-step guide, check how to become a medical assistant.