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Doctor assistant vs assistant

The differences between doctor assistants and assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a doctor assistant, becoming an assistant takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an assistant has an average salary of $37,363, which is higher than the $34,867 average annual salary of a doctor assistant.

The top three skills for a doctor assistant include patients, patient care and vital signs. The most important skills for an assistant are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Doctor assistant vs assistant overview

Doctor AssistantAssistant
Yearly salary$34,867$37,363
Hourly rate$16.76$17.96
Growth rate16%-8%
Number of jobs58,522557,900
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 27%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age3750
Years of experience122

Doctor assistant vs assistant salary

Doctor assistants and assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Doctor AssistantAssistant
Average salary$34,867$37,363
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $51,000Between $16,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Latham & Watkins
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between doctor assistant and assistant education

There are a few differences between a doctor assistant and an assistant in terms of educational background:

Doctor AssistantAssistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 27%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorNursingBusiness
Most common college-Western Carolina University

Doctor assistant vs assistant demographics

Here are the differences between doctor assistants' and assistants' demographics:

Doctor AssistantAssistant
Average age3750
Gender ratioMale, 16.3% Female, 83.7%Male, 40.7% Female, 59.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 24.0% Asian, 9.8% White, 50.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 3.8% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between doctor assistant and assistant duties and responsibilities

Doctor assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage communication between patients and doctor to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans and manage all triage calls.
  • Manage the movement of patient's through the ER from triage to discharge or to the floor once admit.
  • Demonstrate clinical competency and compassion in providing care, using technology, performing procedures and managing emergencies.
  • Maintain confidentiality with patients and follow HIPAA regulations.
  • Perform background physical evaluation with patients -assist physicians with daily patient care -Liaison between patients and attending physician.
  • Handle medical emergencies by employing knowledge of first aid and CPR.
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Assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage circulations, including educational textbooks and DVDS, video technology and supplies.
  • Manage branches providing information technology support, logistics, training and operational support.
  • Manage company's twitter account and communicate with multiple physical therapy providers around the country
  • Optimize productivity in prioritizing and managing special projects, PowerPoint presentations for classes, and proctore exams for undergraduate classes.
  • Assist in jewelry design and assembly, manage company Facebook page, participate in wholesale buying, and manage retail inventory
  • Manage and update company Facebook page with daily updates, finding/sharing relevant and interesting information, and encouraging fan engagement.
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Doctor assistant vs assistant skills

Common doctor assistant skills
  • Patients, 37%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Vital Signs, 5%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 4%
  • Lab Results, 3%
  • EKG, 3%
Common assistant skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Sales Floor, 5%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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