Medical assistants work with patients and help doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers, and the demand for them is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 119,800 new medical assisting jobs are expected to be available each year, on average, leading up to 2033. This translates to a predicted growth rate of around 15 percent over the next decade. Most medical assistants work in doctors' offices and hospitals.
In this Article
What Are Medical Assistants?
Medical assistants are the people who first see you when you visit your doctor. Job responsibilities vary by the facility and practice, but most medical assistants perform an array of clerical and clinical duties. They take and record your blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight. They may even take your temperature, and if it’s necessary, they check your blood sugar level.
If you're considering going to school to become a medical assistant, you may be wondering just what kind of subjects you'll be studying and what type of training you'll receive.
What You Will Learn
While every program is slightly different, most include coursework in natural sciences such as biology, anatomy, basic patient care, communication skills, healthcare record keeping, bookkeeping, the basics of medical insurance, and basic laboratory procedures and protocols. In addition to classroom work, you'll have an opportunity to do supervised work in an actual clinical setting, working with patients and healthcare professionals.
Most medical assistant training programs last for nine months to one year. At the end, you’ll get a certificate of completion. As a whole, it’s easier to find employment with a certificate, but some offices do offer on-the-job training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in 2024 made an average salary of $44,720. Pay varies depending on your state and the facility you work in. The top 10 percent of medical assistants in 2024 earned $57,830 or more.
A Helping Profession
As a medical assistant, you’ll get to make lives better every day. If you're interested in making a difference every day, find training to become a medical assistant here!
