What Are the Job Requirements for Medical Assistants?

Medical assistants help medical offices and clinics operate efficiently. With an increasing demand for health care services, the profession is growing significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for medical assistants is expected to grow by 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average, resulting in approximately 118,000 new job openings each year.

There are about 783,900 medical assistants employed in the U.S. as of 2023, highlighting the importance of this role in health care and it's promising future. This guide will explore the job requirements for medical assistants, including their day-to-day responsibilities, education, and certification, so students can decide if it's the right career move for them.
 

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants perform a range of clinical and administrative tasks. The exact duties vary based on the workplace and state regulations. The role typically includes the following tasks.

Clinical Duties

Medical assistants are responsible for a range of clinical duties: 

• Recording patient information: Accurately documenting the patient's medical history
• Preparing treatment rooms: Ensuring examination areas are clean and well stocked
• Measuring vital signs: Gathering essential health information and recording vital signs
• Assisting physicians with examinations: Supporting doctors during patient assessments
• Administering medications and injections: Safely providing medication or injections as directed
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens: Ensuring lab samples are labelled correctly and ready for testing
• Performing phlebotomy: Drawing blood from the patient for various tests
• Assisting with bedside procedures: Helping other medical professionals with minor surgeries or treatments
• Applying dressings and treatments: Managing wound care and follow-up appointments

Administrative Duties

An office medical assistant job description includes the following: 

• Scheduling appointments: Scheduling patient visits and managing calendars
• Updating and filing medical records: Keeping patient information accurate and accessible
• Handling insurance forms and billing: Assisting with processing health insurance claims
• Managing correspondence: Overseeing patient communication via phone and email
• Answering phones and emails: Providing information and support to patients
• Welcoming and directing patients: Ensuring a positive experience for patients when they arrive for treatment
• Maintaining office organization: Keeping the workspace efficient and orderly
• Using computer applications for various tasks: Using software for scheduling and record-keeping

Related: Medical Assistant Duties
 

Work Environment

Medical assistants work in a variety of health care settings, with the employment distribution as follows:

• Offices of physicians: 56%
• Hospitals: 15%
• Outpatient care centers: 9%
• Offices of chiropractors: 8% 

Most medical assistants work full time, eight hours a day, with some positions requiring nonstandard hours during evenings and weekends.
 

Education and Training Requirements

To become a medical assistant, candidates typically need to complete post-secondary education, which may include a certificate or diploma that takes approximately 12 months to complete or an associate degree program that lasts approximately two years. The Medical Assistant Program at Concorde Career College provides a diploma and associate degree options can be completed in as little as nine months. 

Typical course subjects include the following:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Pharmacology
• Clinical procedures

Hands-on Training

Some employers may provide on-the-job training, enabling high school graduates to learn while they work. This approach helps them acquire essential skills while earning a salary during their training period. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement for this role. Graduates can then choose to enroll in an accredited medical assistant program that typically lasts nine to 12 months, combining classroom instruction with practical medical assistant experience. Many programs also offer externships, allowing students to gain valuable experience in medical settings. 

Who Is Responsible for the Work Performed by Medical Assistants?

The professional responsible for the work performed by a medical assistant is usually the physician-employer. The physician-employer directs and oversees the medical assistant's work. As they provide a supervisory role, they can be held legally accountable for the care a medical assistant provides.
 

Certification

While certification is not always mandatory for a medical assistant role, many employers prefer certified candidates. Certification may set candidates apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Major certifying organizations include: 

• Registered Medical Assistant offered by the American Medical Technologists
• Certified Medical Assistant offered by American Association of Medical Assistants
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant offered by the National Healthcareer Association
• National Certified Medical Assistant offered by the National Center for Competency Testing
• Clinical Medical Assistant Certification offered by the American Medical Certification Association

Related: RMA vs. CMA: Comparing Medical Assistant Certifications
 

Skills and Qualities

Medical assistants require a combination of technical skills and soft skills.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for medical assistants is promising, with a projected 15% growth rate from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Approximately 119,800 new job openings for medical assistants are expected annually across the decade. Many of those openings are likely a result of replacing medical assistants who change occupations or retire from the workforce. This increase reflects the ongoing demand for health care services, particularly in outpatient settings, where medical assistants are essential for running an efficient operation.

Ready To Take the Next Step?

Medical assistants are vital to the health care system, supporting both clinical and administrative functions. With a promising job outlook and plenty of opportunities for advancement, this profession is an ideal choice for those interested in working closely with people in a health care setting. Consider a career as a medical assistant if you're passionate about making a difference in patient care. Learn more about the Medical Assistant education program at Concorde Career College by contacting our admissions team today.