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Career Overview

Entry Level Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Patient Interaction

Very High

Body Fluid Interaction

High

Salary

$25,080

Job Growth

23.50%

Job Description:

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

What Medical Assistant Do:

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.

How to Become One:

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and then there are several options available if you wish to enter the medical assisting field: unofficial on-the-job training, on campus training, online training, and hybrid programs. Those who want to earn certification must have some level of formal education in order to do so. Though certification is not required in order to work as a medical assistant, many students opt for certification in order to look more attractive to potential employers.

Additional Information:

American Association of Medical Assistants