Medical Assistant duties and responsibilities
Some Medical Assistants help with a wide range of tasks. The duties and responsibilities in a Medical Assistant job description may include:
- Updating patient records
- Cleaning and preparing exam rooms before patient appointments
- Administering medications under a Physician’s supervision
- Sending tissue and fluid samples for laboratory analysis
- Scheduling and confirming appointments
- Calculating billing amounts
- Explaining medical procedures to patients
- Maintaining medical inventory by ordering new supplies and equipment as needed
Medical Assistant skills and qualifications
Successful Medical Assistants usually have a combination of social and technical skills. They can adapt quickly to changing conditions and technologies, be professional, meet the needs of a busy office, and help everyone stay organized. Top skills and qualifications for Medical Assistants include:
- Customer service skills
- Inventory management skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Computer and data entry skills
- Planning and organizational skills
- A basic understanding of biology, human anatomy, and the benefits of the procedures that healthcare providers perform
Medical Assistant experience requirements
Most Medical Assistant jobs require one or two years of experience at a medical practice or hospital, but many positions are entry-level. You can also expand your hiring options by considering candidates who’ve worked in related fields such as office management or customer service.
Medical Assistant education and training requirements
Most Medical Assistant positions require an associate-level degree or higher in a medical field and a high school diploma. Ideal areas of study include medical administrative services and healthcare administration, and many employers prefer bachelor’s degrees. Professional licenses or certifications aren’t typically required, but candidates should be willing to complete on-the-job training.
Medical Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Medical Assistant is $17.93 per hour. Pay rates for individuals depend on location, experience and education levels, and the employer.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Medical Assistant isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, here are some other job description samples that may fit your needs: