Q: Do medical assistants get paid well?

Yes, medical assistants get paid well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, medical assistants earned an average salary of $36,930 per year ($17.75 per hour). The range of income varies by location and time spent in the position. Salaries reported for medical assistants range between $29,000 - $50,000

Q: How hard is it to become a medical assistant?

It is not too awfully hard to become a medical assistant. It takes a combination of a little bit of schooling and some hands-on experience to become a medical assistant. Although it is possible to get a job as a medical assistant right out of high school and train as you go, it is not likely. Typically employers want you to have a certification or degree as a medical assistant. Some states require you to pass a certification via passing an exam. These certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant exams. Most programs take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete and involve classroom and hands-on training. Medical assistants are always in high demand. In today's society, there is always a need for more qualified medical professionals. This is a field expected to grow by 23%. The growth in this industry gives way to ample opportunity to find a position in nearly any location.

Question 1

Medical Assistant vs. Nurse

Accepted Answer

A medical assistant is a professional who focuses on scheduling, clerical, and billing tasks, while a nurse is more focused on patient care.

Medical assistants may work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Their job centers around many administrative duties. They may be tasked with reaching out to patients to schedule appointments or follow-up care. Medical assistants also have a role in bookkeeping and billing. Most of their duties are performed at a desk in a medical facility.

Question 2

Nurse assistant vs. Medical assistant

Accepted Answer

A nurse assistant provides basic care for patients in hospitals and nursing facilities, while a medical assistant completes clinical and administrative tasks in doctor's offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities.

Question 3

Do medical assistants get paid well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, medical assistants get paid well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, medical assistants earned an average salary of $36,930 per year ($17.75 per hour). The range of income varies by location and time spent in the position. Salaries reported for medical assistants range between $29,000 - $50,000

Question 4

How hard is it to become a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

It is not too awfully hard to become a medical assistant. It takes a combination of a little bit of schooling and some hands-on experience to become a medical assistant.

Although it is possible to get a job as a medical assistant right out of high school and train as you go, it is not likely. Typically employers want you to have a certification or degree as a medical assistant.

Some states require you to pass a certification via passing an exam. These certifications include the Certified Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant exams. Most programs take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete and involve classroom and hands-on training.

Medical assistants are always in high demand. In today's society, there is always a need for more qualified medical professionals. This is a field expected to grow by 23%. The growth in this industry gives way to ample opportunity to find a position in nearly any location.

Question 5

How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

It can take from six weeks to two years to become a certified medical assistant, depending on the type of certification. The shortest medical assistant programs are only six weeks to three months long and offer a Medical Assistant Certificate or a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding.

Question 6

Is a medical assistant better than CNA?

Accepted Answer

A medical assistant may be a better job than a CNA based on your personality. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) positions are more limited in the scope of their work; the focus of a CNA is helping with basic care in hospitals or nursing homes.

Question 7

Is being a medical assistant hard?

Accepted Answer

No, being a medical assistant is not hard if you are ready to be busy and care for patients. A medical assistant is considered a low-level entry position into the medical field.

It is not as hard to become a medical assistant as it is to become a doctor or nurse. However, as in any field in healthcare, there are rules, regulations, and serious responsibilities.

Question 8

What are the pros and cons of being a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a medical assistant relate to minimal education and training requirements, varied working environments and tasks, and long working hours.

Here are the top pros and cons of being a medical assistant:

Question 9

What is the career path for a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

The career path for a medical assistant includes jobs as a medical assistant, medical biller, and medical records coordinator. There are many different medical administrative roles available on the medical assistant career path.

Question 10

What is the first step to becoming a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

The first step to becoming a medical assistant is to find the right program that works for your budget and time frame. You'll need a high school diploma or GED to get started.

Some physicians will hire you and provide on-site training, but most medical assistants go through a formal training program. Shorter programs may take less than six months, whereas an Associates Degree for Medical Assistants will typically take two years.

Question 11

What is the role of a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

The role of a medical assistant is to assist the physician during examinations. Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics. They are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties.

Question 12

Where do medical assistants work?

Accepted Answer

Medical assistants work in physicians' offices, outpatient care centers, and hospitals. In physician's offices, medical assistants work amongst doctors, nurses, and patients. Here they tend to have a lot of interactions with patients, as they often deal with clerical work, such as scheduling and checking in patients.

Question 13

Why do you want to be a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

To answer, "Why do you want to be a medical assistant?" focus on your goals for your career and what you want to accomplish during your time as an assistant. Medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks in a doctor's office, from clerical work to assisting the doctor during exams.

Question 14

What is a good starting salary for a Medical Assistant?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a medical assistant is $27,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a medical assistant in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for medical assistants is $34,553, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a medical assistant can vary by state.

Question 15

Can you live off a medical assistant salary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can live off a medical assistant salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, medical assistants earned an average salary of $36,930 per year ($17.75 an hour). The range of income varies by state and time spent in the position. Salaries reported for medical assistants range between $29,000 - $50,000.

Question 16

How much should a medical assistant make an hour?

Accepted Answer

Medical assistants make $17.75 an hour, on average. This ranges between $16 to $18 dollars, with some entry-level jobs offering as little as $12 dollars to start.

Pay also vary based on background education, location, certifications, and work experience. There are additional increases for working overtime or night shift.

Question 17

Can a medical assistant make 100k?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot make $100,000 per year as a medical assistant. It is highly unlikely to earn over $100k because the average annual salary for a medical assistant is $34,553. Even medical assistants in higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $43,000 per year.

Question 18

Can a medical assistant work in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a medical assistant can work in a hospital. Medical assistants can work in many different medical settings, including hospitals.

In addition to hospitals, medical assistants also work in:

Question 19

Is a medical assistant a nurse?

Accepted Answer

No, a medical assistant is not a nurse. A medical assistant is a professional who focuses on scheduling, clerical, and billing tasks, while a nurse is more focused on patient care.

Medical assistants may work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Their job centers around many administrative duties. They may be tasked with reaching out to patients to schedule appointments or follow-up care. Medical assistants also have a role in bookkeeping and billing. Most of their duties are performed at a desk in a medical facility.

Nurses have a much more active role in the physical aspect of a patient's care. They may also work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Many times they are responsible for taking a patient's vitals and gathering other critical information that can then be passed on to a doctor.

In a hospital setting, nurses are usually the first point of contact when ill patients are convalescing there.

Here are the key differences between a medical assistant and a nurse:

A medical assistant works primarily behind a desk or at a medical station and spends a lot of time on the phone
A nurse primarily moves around a lot for their job, checking in on multiple patients
A medical assistant focuses on scheduling, clerical and billing tasks in a doctor's office
A nurse has a focus of hands-on patient care
Nurses generally have higher salaries than medical assistants
Medical assistants require less education and training than nurses

Question 20

Is a medical assistant the same as a CNA?

Accepted Answer

No, a medical assistant is not the same as a CNA. A medical assistant is mostly a clerical and administrative role, while a CNA is a nursing role focused on assisting in patient care. The two medical positions require different kinds of education, background, and skills.

Question 21

Do you need a certificate to be a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

No, medical assistants are not required to obtain a license or certification; however, many employers prefer certification. AAMA certification is not a state or federal requirement for working as a medical assistant. However, many employers do require that their medical assistants be certified.

Question 22

How long does a HIPAA certification last?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA certification lasts indefinitely. Once you earn the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), it does expire. However, given the rapidly changing landscape of regulations and technology, it is recommended that individuals complete periodic training to stay up to date on the latest regulations and best practices.

Question 23

How long does an MA certification take?

Accepted Answer

An MA certification takes one to two years, but this depends heavily on the program. To earn a Medical Assistant Certification (MA), you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass an exam.

Question 24

How long does it take to get MA certification?

Accepted Answer

There are many options for MA certification, but most will take anywhere from 8 months to two years for most aspiring medical assistants. Medical assistant programs are often offered in postsecondary education, such as vocational schools, community colleges, or universities.

These programs will generally include both traditional classroom learning as well as hands-on practice. Vocational schools generally take around 9 months to complete as they will focus solely on what is required to become a medical assistant and pass the certification exam.

In university and community college settings, aspiring medical assistants will receive all the necessary training to become a medical assistant, but will also be required to take additional courses such as Math or English. This will give you a broader degree once completed, and will also prepare you for the certification exam.

Question 25

How long does it take to get a medical assistant certification?

Accepted Answer

It takes less than a year to get a medical assistant certification. While many certifications in the medical field take years of education, experience, and skills to gain, a medical assistant certification normally only takes a few months.

Question 26

How long is a medical assistant course?

Accepted Answer

A medical assistant course takes anywhere from four months to two years to complete. This depends on whether you choose to just take one course or a whole medical assistant program that can earn you an associate's degree.

Question 27

How long is the medical assistant certification?

Accepted Answer

The time to earn a medical assistant certification varies depending on the program, which lasts anywhere from one to two years to complete. To earn a medical assistant certification (MA), you must complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass an exam.

Question 28

What is an MCSE certification?

Accepted Answer

A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification in the technology industry proves an individual has skills in Microsoft Windows NT operating system, networking, Microsoft BackOffice server products, and other related desktop systems. Microsoft administers this certification.

Question 29

What is an NHA certification?

Accepted Answer

An NHA, or National Healthcareer Association certification, is a certification in the healthcare field that proves an individual has skills in a wide variety of medical areas, such as medical assisting, pharmacy technician work, and EKG technician work. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) administers all NHA certifications.

Question 30

What is an RMA certification?

Accepted Answer

A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification for a medical assistant proves an individual has skills in medical assistant knowledge, tasks, and ethics. This certification is administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMTs).

Question 31

What states accept the NCCT certification?

Accepted Answer

All states accept the NCCT certification. The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) has seven NCCT healthcare certification programs that are nationally recognized and have been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Question 32

What percentage of Medical Assistants are female?

Accepted Answer

87.4% of medical assistants are female in the United States. This is -1.8 percentage points lower than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female medical assistants has decreased by -5.6 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 598,450 female medical assistants in the U.S. and 86,276 male medical assistants in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 684,726 people with the specific job title of medical assistant and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 33

What are soft skills for a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

Soft skills for a medical assistant include empathy, communication, and teamwork.

Empathy
A medical assistant must be able to be empathetic. They are often working with clients who are suffering in some way. Being able to convey that you share in their feelings and concerns is part of the comfort in their care.
You can read and understand their concerns and feelings as an empath to respond with compassion and care.
Communication
Effective communication in the medical field is required. Communication occurs between the patient and the medical assistant, often from the medical assistant to the doctor.
Being able to listen and effectively relay this in either direction is essential. It ensures that instructions are accurately given and understood.
Teamwork
Teamwork is another must for a medical assistant. They constantly work alongside doctors and nurses to run the office effectively and efficiently, all while giving the best patient care possible. Collaborating with team members is the key to doing this successfully.
Work Ethic
Work ethic is another key element of being a medical assistant. They should be honest and confidential in all of their work. Learning is a constant and can become demanding. However, a strong work ethic, passion for continued learning, and facing challenges can prevent burnout.

Question 34

Can a medical assistant draw blood?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a medical assistant can draw blood, but only if they are working under a doctor's license. Certain states require a phlebotomist certification for medical assistants to be able to draw blood, including:

Question 35

Can a medical assistant give injections?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a medical assistant can give injections. This is the case if the medical assistant has had the proper training.

A trained medical assistant is allowed to administer injections of scheduled drugs when a licensed medical professional, such as a doctor, has verified the appropriate medication and its amount, or dosage.

Medical assistants are only allowed to give injections that are considered:

Intramuscular
Intradermal
Subcutaneous

Question 36

Can a medical assistant start an IV?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a medical assistant can start an IV, but only if they are working under a doctor's license. Certain states require certifications for medical assistants to be able to start an IV, including:

Question 37

Can a medical assistant work from home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a medical assistant can work from home. Medical assistants provide patient care, which includes a number of tasks. Remote medical assistants typically focus on administrative tasks. However, some tasks may be impossible or extremely difficult for medical assistants to complete when working remotely. Medical assistants often greet patients, perform vital tests, and explore treatment options with patients.

Question 38

How many hours does a medical assistant work?

Accepted Answer

Most medical assistants work traditional work weeks of 40 hours per week. This normally consists of a five-day workweek with medical assistants working eight hours daily.

Most medical assistants work full-time, but some work part-time. Part-time medical assistants might work anywhere between 20 to 35 hour work weeks.

Question 39

Is a medical assistant considered a nurse?

Accepted Answer

No, a medical assistant is not considered a nurse. A medical assistant focuses on scheduling, clerical, billing tasks, and some forms of patient care, while a nurse primarily focuses on patient care.

Question 40

Is medical assistant a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a medical assistant is a good job. To be a medical assistant, you only need to get an associate's degree in medical assisting. This role serves as a great foundation for starting a career in the medical industry.

Question 41

What can a nurse do that a medical assistant cannot?

Accepted Answer

Both nurses and medical assistants provide patient care, but nurses work under their own licenses, which allows them to do many things that medical assistants cannot, such as perform procedures and administer advanced medications.

Medical assistants are required to work under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor or nurse, which limits their functions and abilities. Unlike medical assistants, nurses can perform procedures that include starting intravenous medications. They also can administer advanced medications such as chemotherapy.

Question 42

What degree do you need to be a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

You need an associate's degree in medical assisting to be a medical assistant. You may also become a medical assistant with a certificate accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educations Programs (CAAHEP).

Question 43

What does a medical assistant do on a daily basis?

Accepted Answer

A medical assistant performs administrative tasks, clinical tasks, and communicates with patients on a daily basis. Here are some details on the common daily activities of a medical assistant:

Question 44

What hours do medical assistants work?

Accepted Answer

Typically, medical assistants work around 40 hours per week. Most medical assistants work shifts that are either 8 hours or 12 hours long. These shifts can be during the daytime, evening, or overnight depending on the location of where they work and their specific availability.

Question 45

What to wear for a medical assistant interview.

Accepted Answer

You should wear business casual clothes for a medical assistant interview. Slacks with a button-up shirt, tie optional, and a pair of dress shoes. Women can also wear dress pants or skirts with a nice blouse.

Question 46

Where can I work as a medical assistant?

Accepted Answer

As a medical assistant, you can work in doctor's offices, hospitals, in-patient clinics, out-patient clinics, urgent-care clinics, and many other medical facilities.

Medical assistants may work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Their job centers around many administrative duties. They may be tasked with reaching out to patients to schedule appointments or follow-up care. Medical assistants also have a role in bookkeeping and billing. Most of their duties are performed at a desk in a medical facility.

Question 47

Who do medical assistants work with?

Accepted Answer

Medical assistants work with doctors, nurses and nurse assistants, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Here is a closer look at the variety of medical professionals that a medical assistant works with:

Frequently asked questions about medical assistants

Questions about becoming a medical assistant

Medical Assistant vs. Nurse

Nurse assistant vs. Medical assistant

Do medical assistants get paid well?

How hard is it to become a medical assistant?

How long does it take to become a certified medical assistant?

Is a medical assistant better than CNA?

Is being a medical assistant hard?

What are the pros and cons of being a medical assistant?

What is the career path for a medical assistant?

What is the first step to becoming a medical assistant?

What is the role of a medical assistant?

Where do medical assistants work?

Why do you want to be a medical assistant?

Questions about medical assistant salaries

What is a good starting salary for a Medical Assistant?

Can you live off a medical assistant salary?

How much should a medical assistant make an hour?

Questions about medical assistant jobs

Can a medical assistant make 100k?

Can a medical assistant work in a hospital?

Is a medical assistant a nurse?

Is a medical assistant the same as a CNA?

Questions about medical assistant certification

Do you need a certificate to be a medical assistant?

How long does a HIPAA certification last?

How long does an MA certification take?

How long does it take to get MA certification?

How long does it take to get a medical assistant certification?

How long is a medical assistant course?

How long is the medical assistant certification?

What is an MCSE certification?

What is an NHA certification?

What is an RMA certification?

What states accept the NCCT certification?

Questions about medical assistant demographics

What percentage of Medical Assistants are female?

Questions about medical assistant skills

What are soft skills for a medical assistant?

Questions about medical assistant what they do

Can a medical assistant draw blood?

Can a medical assistant give injections?

Can a medical assistant start an IV?

Can a medical assistant work from home?

How many hours does a medical assistant work?

Is a medical assistant considered a nurse?

Is medical assistant a good job?

What can a nurse do that a medical assistant cannot?

What degree do you need to be a medical assistant?

What does a medical assistant do on a daily basis?

What hours do medical assistants work?

What to wear for a medical assistant interview.

Where can I work as a medical assistant?

Who do medical assistants work with?