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The differences between pathologist 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 a pathologist assistant and a registered medical assistant. Additionally, a pathologist assistant has an average salary of $50,079, which is higher than the $36,580 average annual salary of a registered medical assistant.
The top three skills for a pathologist assistant include ASCP, patients and PA. The most important skills for a registered medical assistant are patients, vital signs, and office procedures.
| Pathologist Assistant | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $50,079 | $36,580 |
| Hourly rate | $24.08 | $17.59 |
| Growth rate | 16% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 62,900 | 183,988 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A pathologist assistant is responsible for helping pathologists in conducting laboratory investigations by studying human specimens and surgical biopsies for diagnosis and identify a person's cause of death. Pathologist assistants perform autopsy functions under the supervision of the pathologist, following the strict safety protocols and regulations. They must have excellent organizational skills, especially in operating various equipment to prevent potential hazards and disease contamination. A pathologist assistant creates a comprehensive report of findings for the pathologist's review before releasing the final records.
The primary job of registered medical assistants is to perform clinical and administrative tasks in a healthcare setting. They offer support services to physicians, so the latter have plenty of time to care for patients. They carry out varied administrative, clerical, and clinical tasks that include taking vital signs, filing records, and scheduling patient appointments. Other responsibilities include discussing treatment procedures to patients, interacting with patients, and collecting laboratory specimens such as tissue and blood. Ideal characteristics to become a registered medical assistant include being compassionate, can work well with people, and adaptable.
Pathologist assistants and registered medical assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Pathologist Assistant | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Average salary | $50,079 | $36,580 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $101,000 | Between $26,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Essentia Health | Griffin Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a pathologist assistant and a registered medical assistant in terms of educational background:
| Pathologist Assistant | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Biology | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between pathologist assistants' and registered medical assistants' demographics:
| Pathologist Assistant | Registered Medical Assistant | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 39.4% Female, 60.6% | Male, 8.2% Female, 91.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.6% Asian, 9.7% White, 52.5% 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 Percentage | 6% | 6% |