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What does a Medical Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A medical assistant is a person who helps a doctor with patients. They may take vital signs, give injections, or help the doctor during an examination.

Medical Assistant job duties include:

  • Greet and escort patients to exam rooms
  • Measure patients’ vital signs, such as height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
  • Record patients’ medical history and symptoms
  • Prepare patients for examinations and assist with procedures
  • Collect and prepare laboratory specimens for testing
  • Perform basic laboratory tests
  • Assist physicians with office surgeries
  • Schedule patient appointments and surgeries
  • Handle correspondence, billing, and insurance paperwork
  • Answer patient questions and provide education on health maintenance and disease prevention

Medical Assistant Job Requirements

There are many job requirements for a Medical Assistant. Most importantly, they must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete an accredited medical assistant program and pass a certification exam. In some states, they may need to have a license. Medical assistants should have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as basic computer skills. They should be able to multitask and handle stress well. Prior experience working in a medical office is helpful but not required.

Medical Assistant Skills

  • Patient care
  • Taking medical histories
  • Recording vital signs
  • Preparing patients for examination
  • Assisting the physician during the examination
  • Collecting and processing lab specimens
  • Performing basic lab tests
  • Administering medications and injections
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Answering phones
  • Maintaining medical records

Related: Top Medical Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Medical Assistant

There are many ways to become a medical assistant. One can attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school, or an online program. There are also many community colleges that offer certification programs. The most important thing is to make sure that the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Once you have completed an accredited program, you will need to take and pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be a certified medical assistant and can begin your career in this rewarding field!

Related: Medical Assistant Resume Example

Related: Medical Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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