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What does a Medical Assistant do?

Medical assistants are caregivers who support doctors or healthcare professionals mainly in clinics or medical offices. They assist with administrative and clinical duties like taking a patient's history and personal information, scheduling appointments, answering the phone or even checking a patient's vitals. Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers because of the growing elderly population and the surge in doctors' offices and outpatient care facilities.

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Working as a Medical Assistant

Depending on the specific role, a medical assistant's duties may vary, in fact, each day may be very different, and that is why many people love being a medical assistant. But, almost every medical assisting position will include the following tasks:

  • Welcoming patients, taking their medical history and filling out medical records
  • Answering the phone, filling out medical insurance forms, handling correspondence and bookkeeping related tasks
  • Scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission or laboratory services
  • Teaching patients about special diets, medication and treatment procedures
  • Preparing patients for their examination and then assisting the doctor during the examination
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How much does a Medical Assistant make in the United States?

Average base salary

$18.87
Average $18.87
Low $14.19
High $25.09
Non-cash benefit
401(k)
View more benefits

The average salary for a medical assistant is $18.87 per hour in the United States. 109k salaries reported, updated at September 21, 2023

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Where can a Medical Assistant earn more?

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How much do similar professions get paid in United States?

Certified Medical Assistant

Job openings

Average $19.18 per hour

Medical Office Assistant

Job openings

Average $17.38 per hour

Back Office Medical Assistant

Job openings

Average $18.20 per hour

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Common questions about for a Medical Assistant

What are the types of medical assistants?

The three basic types of medical assistants are:

  • Clinical medical assistants
  • Administrative medical assistants
  • General medical assistants
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Where can a medical assistant work?

A medical assistant can work in:

  • Drug clinics
  • Medical offices
  • Hospitals
  • Patients' homes
  • Outpatient facilities
  • Surgical and operating centers
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What is the hardest thing about being a medical assistant?

The hardest thing about being a medical assistant is when unexpected clinical and administrative emergencies arise during a shift.

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What is the most important role of a medical assistant?

What other jobs can medical assistants do?

What is the difference between working in medical billing and coding and being a medical assistant?

What are the job duties of a medical assistant?

What can a medical assistant not do?

What kind of benefits do medical assistants get?

Do medical assistants work holidays?

Can a medical assistant work in any state?

Can medical assistant work with patients in their homes?

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