Example Medical Assistant Job Description for 2022

Free medical assistant job description. A medical assistant is an allied health professional who assists physicians, physician assistants, and other medical health professionals in a clinical health setting. A medical assistant helps to perform administrative and clinical duties. These duties include answering telephone calls, greeting patients, filing medical records, assisting with medical insurance form filings, scheduling appointments, arranging admissions to hospitals or laboratory services, and more.

A medical assistant has various job titles depending on the area of focus and certification. These titles are clinical medical assistant, certified medical assistant, registered medical assistant, administrative medical assistant, ophthalmic medical assistants, certified clinical medical assistant, dermatology medical assistant, and more.

What is a Medical Assistant

A medical assistant takes and records patients’ personal information. They must be able to keep that information confidential and discuss it only with other medical personnel (like physicians, doctors, and healthcare practitioners) who are involved in treating the patient.

Electronic health records (EHRs) and software are changing some medical assistants’ jobs. More physicians are adopting EHRs, moving all their patient information from paper records to electronic records. Assistants need to learn the EHR software that the healthcare office uses during training.

Medical Assistant Job Description Sample

Our medical facility (or doctor’s office) is seeking a medical assistant to assist our physician assistant, physician, registered nurse, and other staff with patient care. This includes assisting with general administrative duties, administrative tasks, clinical tasks, patient examination, clinical responsibilities, and other treatment room needs. The medical assistant should be familiar with general medical procedures and medical equipment to fully assist our medical staff.

Medical Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Below are sample job duties and medical assistant responsibilities:

• Assist physicians by pulling patient records before treatment.
• Greet patients as they enter the treatment room and medical practice.
• Assist with a medical procedure as instructed by the registered nurse, physician, or physician assistant.
• Assist with administrative tasks and duties as required by the medical office.
• Provide medical history information to the primary physician before treatment.
• Prepare the examination room for patients.
• Check a patient's vital signs before treatment begins.
• Prepare exam rooms, review medical histories, and review health care plans with patients.
• Ensure that insurance forms are filled out from patients.
• Assist with administering medications.
• Practice excellent interpersonal skills at all times.
• Read test results to patients and explain their outcomes.

Medical Assistant Requirements

Qualified candidates should have the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completed medical assistant school.
• Completed medical assistant program and certification (American Association of Medical Assistants preferred).
• Previous experience in medical assisting preferred.
• Previous experience in medical assisting at a healthcare facility preferred.
• Ability to stand on your feet for long hours.
• A high degree of customer service skills and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with most medical terminology.
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists is a plus.
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing is a plus.
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association is a plus.
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association is a plus.

Medical Assistant Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average salary for a medical assistant position is $34,800 per year. With the top percentile of workers earning upwards of $48,720 per year. And entry-level workers earning $25,820 per year.

Medical Assistant Skills

Top candidates in the medical assistant field have the following skills as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Analytical skills. Medical assistants must be able to understand and follow medical charts and diagnoses. They may be required to code a patient’s medical records for billing purposes.
• Detail-oriented. Medical assistants need to be precise when taking vital signs or recording patient information. Physicians and insurance companies rely on accurate records.
• Interpersonal skills. Medical assistants need to be able to discuss patient information with other medical personnel, such as physicians. They often interact with patients who may be in pain or in distress, so they need to be able to act in a calm and professional manner.
• Technical skills. Medical assistants should be able to use basic clinical instruments so they can take a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

In addition to this, Hunter Business School says that there are five qualities that make a top medical assistant candidate. They define them as "appearance, communication, competency, initiative, and integrity." And explains why appearance is part of their qualifications, saying "professional appearance is one that reflects good personal health habits and proper hygiene. The medical assistant will want to take regular showers, use deodorant as necessary, and keep healthy-looking skin, teeth, hair, and nails."

Medical Assistant Education Requirements

Most employers prefer that a medical assistant has a high school diploma. In addition to a high school diploma, employers prefer that the medical assistant is a registered medical assistant or a "certified" medical assistant. This means the candidate has completed an accredited medical assisting program. And the certified medical assistant has passed an examination, providing them the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification (usually provided by the American Association of Medical Assistants).

Medical assistant clinical training is completed through a vocational college or technical institute. Completion of these clinical hours ensures the candidate is qualified for medical assistant jobs and the remaining training that is provided by the employer.

Medical Assistant Certifications

Top candidates have one or more of the following certifications:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association

Medical Assistant Similar Occupations

Medical assistants may decide these alternative career paths for themselves:

• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
• Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
• Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides

Medical Assistant Job Boards

Employers, administrators, and hospitals who are looking to post a job description or job advertisement should use the following "niche" job boards for the industry. Finding a job seeker using these job boards can increase the chances of a more qualified candidate applying for the position. As well as a "more passionate" candidate, considering their interest in the industry and desire to advance their career.

Top medical assistant job boards

• ANA Enterprise
• Healthcare Source
• CareerVitals
• Health eCareers
• HealthJobsNationwide.com

Tip: If posting a medical assistant job opening, publish the job advertisement on the job boards listed above before posting on major national job boards like Ladders, Monster, Dice.com, or others. The national job boards tend to attract candidates who aren't as "savvy" in the industry.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical assistant occupation is expected to grow by more than 19% between 2019 and 2029. Much faster than most occupations. They state an "increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities will also need support workers, particularly medical assistants, to complete both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work mostly in primary care, a steadily growing sector of the healthcare industry."

And the American Association of Medical Assistants feel the role will grow in the United States due to:

• Predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities.
• Technological advancements.
• Growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment.

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