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Orthopedic assistant vs registered medical assistant

The differences between orthopedic assistants and registered medical assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an orthopedic assistant and a registered medical assistant. Additionally, an orthopedic assistant has an average salary of $55,766, which is higher than the $36,580 average annual salary of a registered medical assistant.

The top three skills for an orthopedic assistant include patients, patient care and EMR. The most important skills for a registered medical assistant are patients, vital signs, and office procedures.

Orthopedic assistant vs registered medical assistant overview

Orthopedic AssistantRegistered Medical Assistant
Yearly salary$55,766$36,580
Hourly rate$26.81$17.59
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs49,054183,988
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

Orthopedic assistant vs registered medical assistant salary

Orthopedic assistants and registered medical assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Orthopedic AssistantRegistered Medical Assistant
Average salary$55,766$36,580
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $86,000Between $26,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Griffin Hospital
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between orthopedic assistant and registered medical assistant education

There are a few differences between an orthopedic assistant and a registered medical assistant in terms of educational background:

Orthopedic AssistantRegistered Medical Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorBiologyMedical Assisting Services
Most common college--

Orthopedic assistant vs registered medical assistant demographics

Here are the differences between orthopedic assistants' and registered medical assistants' demographics:

Orthopedic AssistantRegistered Medical Assistant
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 45.4% Female, 54.6%Male, 8.2% Female, 91.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 9.0% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 8.7% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between orthopedic assistant and registered medical assistant duties and responsibilities

Orthopedic assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage patient files by making new charts, keying all encounters through ICD-9 coding procedures and posting in patient database.
  • Perform physical examinations of patients and conduct their medical interviews.
  • Apply and remove casts and splints to fractures.
  • Interpret radiographs, bone scans and MRI's.
  • Sterilize instruments and perform spore testing; ensure OSHA and HIPAA compliance.
  • Cast room technician, apply upper and lower extremity splints and braces to adults and children.
  • Show more

Registered medical assistant example responsibilities.

  • Generate referral letters for physician, manage and sort medical documents within the EHR system, and assist with e-prescribing.
  • Demonstrate clinical competency and compassion in providing care, using technology, performing procedures and managing emergencies.
  • Attain medical histories, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for examination, and assist during diagnostic examinations.
  • Front and back administrative duties, answering phones, scheduling appointments and compliance with HIPAA, CLIA, and OSHA regulations.
  • Conduct lab tests in the areas of hematology, coagulation, urinalysis and serology collections.
  • Run testing, calibration and controls of high complexity specialize in areas of chemistry and hematology.
  • Show more

Orthopedic assistant vs registered medical assistant skills

Common orthopedic assistant skills
  • Patients, 35%
  • Patient Care, 15%
  • EMR, 6%
  • Injections, 5%
  • Traction, 5%
  • Splints, 5%
Common registered medical assistant skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Vital Signs, 8%
  • Office Procedures, 5%
  • EKG, 4%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Exam Rooms, 4%

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