How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make an Hour?

How much does a medical assistant make an hour? This is a question that a lot of people have. The answer may vary depending on experience and location, but we have some insight that may help you out.

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Job Description

Most Medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. They must complete an accredited program and pass a standardized national exam to earn certification. Pay for Medical Assistants varies by geographic location and employer, but generally, hourly wages range from $14 to $20.

Duties

The duties of a medical assistant are wide-ranging and include everything from administrative tasks to more clinical duties. Most medical assistants work in outpatient care centers, doctor’s offices, or hospitals. They might also be employed by clinics, long-term care facilities, or other healthcare organizations.

The specific duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the size and location of the employer, but there are some common duties that are typically included in the job description. These might include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork, taking patient medical histories,preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, and performing basic laboratory tests. Additionally, medical assistants might also be responsible for instructing patients on how to take medication or how to care for themselves after a procedure.

Education

There are many different routes you can take to become a medical assistant, but most will require formal training. certificate or diploma from an accredited institution. Some programs may last as little as four weeks, while others may take up to a year to complete. You can also earn an Associate’s degree in medical assisting, although this is not always necessary.

Certification

There are several different types of medical assistant certification, but the most common is the Certified Medical Assistant, or CMA. This certification requires passing an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, or AAMA. The AAMA offers study materials and practice exams to help candidates prepare for the exam.

Skills

There are a variety of skills that a medical assistant may use on any given day. These skills can be grouped into three categories:

Clinical skills: These are the hands-on skills that a medical assistant uses to provide direct patient care. They include taking vital signs, drawing blood, administering injections, and performing basic diagnostic tests.

Administrative skills: These are the skills that a medical assistant uses to keep the office running smoothly. They include scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and maintaining patient records.

Interpersonal skills: These are the people skills that a medical assistant uses to interact with patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. They include answering phones, greeting patients, and providing emotional support.

Salary

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.

Generally, medical assistants perform basic clerical tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. They also may take and record patients’ medical histories and vital signs. In addition, they explain treatment procedures to patients and provide instruction on taking medications or other special treatments. Many medical assistants have expanded their roles to include assisting with minor office surgical procedures, such as removing sutures and changing dressings.

Job Outlook

The medical assistant field is expected to grow by 19% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for medical assistants is growing as the Baby Boomer population ages and requires more medical care. In addition, as more physicians enter into group practices and healthcare facilities increasingly provide more outpatient services, they will need additional support staff, such as medical assistants.

In May 2018, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $33,610. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,720.

Pros and Cons

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to become a medical assistant. One of the most important is salary. So, how much does a medical assistant make an hour?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for medical assistants was $16.05 in May 2019. The top 10 percent earned $22.14, while the bottom 10 percent earned $11.54.

While medical assistants do not earn as much as physicians or other health care professionals, they do earn more than many other occupations. In addition, medical assistants often receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation days.

There are some drawbacks to being a medical assistant, however. The job can be stressful, and medical assistants often work long hours. In addition, they may be required to work weekends and holidays.

FAQs

How much does a medical assistant make an hour?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on a number of factors including experience, qualifications, employer and location. Generally speaking, medical assistants can expect to earn between $10 and $20 per hour.

Resources

There are several resources available to help you calculate how much a medical assistant makes an hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a good place to start, as they provide detailed information on wages for all occupations. You can also use an online calculator, such as the one found on the website of the Medical Assistants Education Association.