A Typical Day as a Medical Assistant: What to Expect
About the Role
A medical assistant's day-to-day tasks may vary depending on the type of facility where you work. Some MAs primarily see patients, while others spend more time in an office setting doing administrative work like scheduling appointments and processing insurance claims. Regardless of the setting, all medical assistants perform a variety of common tasks.
Responsibilities
- Meeting and greeting patients
- Measuring vital signs, including blood pressure and temperature
- Drawing blood or taking other lab specimens
- Preparing patients for exams and procedures
- Assisting doctors during exams
- Administering medications
- Recording patient symptoms and providing primary care
- Filling out insurance forms and other paperwork
Career Outlook
The demand for medical assistants is increasing, offering more employment opportunities in the profession. This growth provides flexibility in choosing roles, locations, and even remote work options depending on the position and employer.
Training and Qualifications
To become a medical assistant, most programs require an associate degree or certificate, which can often be completed online within two years. Clinical experience and on-the-job training are also necessary before taking state exams for certification and licensing. Certification can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.
Pay
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a medical assistant is $34,800 per year or $16 per hour. The median annual wage was around $33,000 in 2019, while experienced assistants earned an average income above $40,000.