Medical Assistant Career Guide

Medical assistants are usually the first and last people patients encounter at a medical facility. But, what do they do? Is the field enjoyable? And can you really become a medical assistant in as little as 6 weeks? Read further for more information about medical assistants and their schooling.

Medical Assistant Job Description

First, before we launch into responsibilities, know that there are two main kinds of medical assistants: clinical and administrative.

Take the NCCT medical assistant practice exam to see if this career is a good fit for you.

• Clinical: Clinical medical assistants aren't qualified to provide the same type of care as a nurse or doctor, but you are still extremely beneficial to the medical profession. You'll help with patients by recording their medical histories, explaining procedures and care with patients and their families, preparing patients for their exams, and preparing and delivering medication. Other duties a clinical medical assistant may be qualified for are drawing blood and other specimens, completing tests on the samples collected, performing EKGs, stitch removals, and dressing wounds.
• Administrative: In some healthcare settings, medical assistants are tasked with strictly administrative duties. You'll greet patients, answer phones, update and file medical records, handle various insurance forms and correspondence, and set up appointments when needed. Often, medical assistants will also arrange hospital admission for a patient or manage laboratory services.

Medical Assistant Specialists

Like many other careers in the medical field, medical assistants have opportunities to specialize. Some specializations for medical assistants include but are not limited to:

1. Ophthalmic and optometric medical assistants: Provide eye care. You may have to show patients how to use contact lenses, or assist doctors in surgery.
2. Podiatric medical assistants: You'll help podiatrists make foot castings, aid with surgeries, and take x-rays.
3. EKG/cardiology medical assistants: EKG/cardiology medical assistants perform EKGs, holter monitor procedures, and stress tests.
4. Obstetrics and gynecology medical assistants: Hands-on training is especially necessary. You'll help the doctor with procedures such as PAP testing, breast exams, and caring for pregnant women. Medical assistants MUST be certified for this specialty.

And then, there are also medical assistant administrative specialties. These require additional coursework and certifications:

1. Medical billing and coding: Medical billers and coders work directly with the insurance agencies, ensuring the proper payment amounts are going to the right people, whether it’s the insurance company, doctor, or patient. Further specialization can occur within this field, as either hospital or ambulatory care coding. Certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders or Board of Medical Specialty Coding and Compliance is required.
2. Medical administrative assistant: As a medical administrative assistant, you’ll work directly alongside the management team. Medical administrative assistants will take notes during meetings, create documents and spreadsheets, and work on office policies and other administrative duties that are assigned to them.

Do you need a certificate or degree when choosing a medical program of any kind?

Medical Assisting Diploma vs Associate Degree

Students are required to have earned a high school diploma or GED before they can become a medical assistant.

Employers typically insist that medical assistants pursue post-secondary education — including receiving a certified medical assistant (CMA) qualification — but there are some medical facilities that may train you in-house.

Most community colleges around the country offer two-year associate degree programs for medical assisting. Students can also pursue trade school or vocational school, which typically have medical assistant programs taking a year or less to complete. Both community college, and trade/vocational school incorporate classroom learning with hands-on training.

Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Becoming certified is not required, but it’s highly recommended. Most employers prefer their medical assistants to be certified. Another benefit to medical assistant certification? The paycheck. CMAs end up earning more in the long run than medical assistants who are not certified.

To become a certified medical assistant, complete your certificate or associate degree training program. You'll then need to take the certifying test. Exams are given in January, June, and October of each year.

There are three requirements that must be met in order to sit for the exam. You must take the exam between 30 days before program completion and up to a year after the program completion and your diploma or degree had been earned. Non-recent graduates have up to a year after their course is completed. And you may also apply to be re-certified if you had already taken and passed the exam but need re-certification. Only those who graduated from an accredited program are qualified to sit for the certification exam.

Personality Traits of a Successful CMA

• People person: A medical assistant deals with a lot of people on a daily basis, and on a variety of levels. You need to go from patient to patient with a smile and an outgoing demeanor.
• Compassionate: Compassion is an essential quality when you are working with patients who aren’t feeling well. Medical assistants need to be supportive and give some emotional comfort to the patient while he or she is waiting to be seen by the physician.
• Strong communicator: You need to be excellent at effectively conveying information. Also, you need to be good at active listening to fully understand what is being told to or asked of you.
• Organized: On any work day, you will see multiple patients. This entails a lot of paperwork, patient files, and names to be organized and maintained. One little mistake can go a long way in the wrong direction, so medical assistants must be detail-oriented.
• Team player: You are part of a team that includes the physician, nurses, medical staff, and the patients and their families. Medical assistants must be effective communicators and great listeners.
• Detail oriented: To be an effective asset to the medical team, a medical assistant needs to pay attention to even the most minute details with patients. Anything you notice can help your team better assess the situation.
• Adaptable: Each day brings different experiences in the healthcare industry. Technology, procedures, and daily office life are in a constant state of movement, so a good medical assistant needs the flexibility to keep up with these daily changes.
• Ethical: Adherence to HIPAA laws is crucial, and medical assistants are bound to the same regulations as doctors to protect patient rights and confidentiality.

Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Program

Jump to: Find a local medical assistant school

It can seem like the options for medical assistant programs are limitless, which makes picking the right program difficult. From starting your search to making your final decision, there are a few factors to consider about programs:

1. Is the program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)? If not, then students who complete it will not be eligible for certification (to become a CMA).
2. Can you afford tuition and books? Consider your situation financially, and ensure the school you choose meets your needs. Be sure to look into any financial aid opportunities the school has/accepts, and see if you qualify.
3. What type of degree are you want to get? Both certificates and associate degrees are great choices — be sure to consider which will best align with your goals when deciding between the two.
4. What are the class sizes, and are you comfortable with those numbers? Some students thrive in large classroom settings, while others benefit from smaller classes. It’s strictly a personal preference.
5. Are internships offered with the medical assistant program you’re considering? Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn, and an internship may give you a competitive edge in the job market.
6. Does the school you’re considering have a job placement program for its graduates? A job placement program is an excellent way to land your first job and gain the necessary experience for your future jobs.
7. What is the graduation rate and CMA exam passing rate of the schools you’re looking at? The higher the number, the better!

How Much Will School Cost?

Of course, exact prices vary depending on the school, program (certificate or degree), and the state you're in. A medical assisting certificate or diploma program through a vocational school can cost between $1,200-$4,200. This may or may not include the price of books and lab supplies.

Medical assisting programs through community colleges typically cost $2,500-$10,000. It's also important to remember that programs will end up costing you more if you attend an out-of-state school.

Along with your books and supplies, an additional expense to consider is that of the certification exam given by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) if you choose to take it. If you are an AAMA member (or a member of CAAHEP or ABHES), the fee for taking the certification exam is $125. Non-members will pay $250 for the exam.

Employment Outlook for Medical Assistants

An increased growth in employment is projected for medical assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2032, demand for medical assistants will increase 14 percent. A couple of factors driving this large employment increase are the aging of the baby boomers and expanding physician practices to accommodate patient volume.

Because there is so much growth within doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, medical assistants are necessary to keep the administrative and clinical aspects running smoothly.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the 2023, average pay among medical assistants was $43,350. The top 10 percent of medical assistants made closer to $56,480 or more.

Keep in mind: These numbers are national averages, and factors such as geographic location, type of practice, and the amount of experience can make take-home pay look different across the nation.

Top Paying States for Medical Assisting Careers (2023)

The medical field is always filled with excellent opportunities, and one of the fastest ways to get involved is through a medical assisting program!