Medical Assistant

Career Description:

• Work in outpatient, ambulatory environment
• Assist nurses and physicians in a variety of clinical and administrative functions
• Administrative duties may include: computer tasks, answering phones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient records, scheduling appointments, correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
• Clinical duties may include: ting medical histories, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians during exam, collecting and preparing lab specimens, and performing basic lab tests, removing sutures and changing bandages
• Other duties may include: cleaning and stocking exam rooms, and ordering supplies
• Take patient vital signs
• Help with prescription refills under the direction of a physician
• Help to sterilize equipment based on hospital/facility policies

Work Environment:

• Hospital
• Private physician office
• Community health center

 Working Conditions:

• Work in teams with a high level of social contact (patients, physicians, nurses and others); must be an effective team player
• Work indoors
• Often exposed to disease and infection
• Wear masks, glasses, rubber gloves, and other protective attire
• Wear uniforms or scrubs
• May work full or part time; weekends, weekdays, or evenings

Job Outlook:

• Medical Assistant is ranked among the top 20 fastest growing positions in the US
• More than 387,000 Medical Assistants are employed in U.S.; over 7000 work in Massachusetts
• 273,000 job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 52% growth rate
• Approximately 510 Medical Assistant positions predicted to be open annually in MA through 2008; much faster than average growth rate expected through 2012

Career Advancement:

• May advance into supervisory or lead position
• May specialize in areas such as ophthalmology, podiatry, or others

• With further education and training, Medical Assistants can advance into other medical positions, including allied health roles, health information management practitioners, and office managers

Earnings:

• Nationally, the median wage for Medical Assistants is $2,030 per month or $24,360 annually; Half of all MTs earn between $1,700 and $2,400 per month, or $20,400 to $28,800 annually
• In Massachusetts, the average salary for MTs is $2,540 monthly, or $30,480 annually; half of the MTs employed in MA earn between $2,200 and $2,860 per month, or $26,400 to $34,320 annually
  
  Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.
  

 Education/Training Required:

• Certificate or diploma from a one-year program or an A.S. degree from a 2-year program that I accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health and Education Programs (CAAHEP) pr the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
• Training includes classroom work and an externship that provides hands-on experience in a healthcare facility

Certification/Licensure Required:

• Optional (but preferred) certifications are “Certified Medical Assistant (CMA); an national exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants is required to obtain this certification
• Advanced certification as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is available through the American Medical Technologists organization; this certification requires at least five (5) years experience in the field

Prerequisite Educational Requirements:

• H.S. diploma or GED
• H.S. classes in health, biology, math, and computer applications are helpful

 Is this career for you?

• Can you successfully complete required math and science courses?
• Do you enjoy working as part of a team?
• Are you able to provide good customer service, even in stressful situations?
• Do you enjoy a fast-paced environment?
• Are you a good communicator?
• Do you like working with computers?
• Do you enjoy learning and education on an ongoing basis?
• Do you have good time management and organizational skills?
• Can you perform multiple tasks simultaneously?

For more information on this career visit:

• American Association of Medical Assistants

Schools:
Schools for Medical Assistant-Mass Pulse