What is the Average Hourly Wage for a Medical Assistant?

If you’re considering a career in medical assisting, you’re probably wondering what the average hourly wage is for this position. Here’s what you need to know.

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Introduction

Medical assistants are in high demand due to the increasing number of patients and the need for more efficient healthcare. They are an integral part of the medical team, providing support to doctors and other healthcare professionals.

While the duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the size and type of facility they work in, their average hourly wage is $15.49, or $32,280 per year.*

*According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates United States

What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient facilities such as medical offices and clinics. They perform both clinical and administrative duties, such as taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, scheduling appointments, answering phones, handling correspondence, preparing patients for examinations, assisting physicians during examinations, and collecting and preparing laboratory specimens. Medical Assistants also may instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, change dressings on wounds.

What are the duties of a medical assistant?

The duties of a medical assistant vary from office to office, but they generally include taking patient medical histories and vital signs, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting the physician during the examination. In some states medical assistants may be allowed to take X-rays and give injections. They also may do basic laboratory tests and collect specimens for more extensive testing.

What is the average hourly wage of a medical assistant?

There is no set answer to this question as wages for medical assistants can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including geographic location, place of employment, and years of experience. However, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for medical assistants nationwide was $16.03 in May 2019. This means that half of all medical assistants earned less than this amount per hour, while the other half earned more.

What are the benefits of being a medical assistant?

In addition to a competitive salary, medical assistants also enjoy a number of other benefits. These can include paid time off, health insurance and retirement plans. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement, which can be a great way to offset the cost of continuing education.

What are the drawbacks of being a medical assistant?

Being a medical assistant can be a very rewarding career, but it does have its drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks is the pay. Medical assistants make an average of $13.00 an hour, which is well below the national average for all occupations. This can be a major deterrent for people considering a career in medical assisting. Another drawback is the lack of job security. Because medical assistants are not licensed or certified, they can be replaced by less expensive employees with no medical training. Finally, medical assistants often work long hours, including evenings and weekends. This can make it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What are the skills needed to be a medical assistant?

To become a medical assistant, you will need to have some specific skills and knowledge. first, it is important to be able to effectively communicate with patients. You will need to be able to understand their concerns and effectively relay information to the doctor. You should also be able to work well under pressure, as the medical field can be fast-paced and sometimes chaotic. It is also important to have good organizational skills, as you will be responsible for keeping track of patients’ records and appointments. Finally, you should have basic computer skills, as you will be using computers frequently to update patient records and schedule appointments.

What is the training needed to be a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are in great demand and the career outlook is excellent. They play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing support to physicians and other medical professionals.

A medical assistant career typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require postsecondary education or certification. Most states do not regulate medical assistants, so there is no formal training required to enter the profession. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a medical assistant program at a community college, vocational school, or technical institute. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, Medical Terminology healthcare law and ethics, and computer applications. Many programs also include an externship component that allows students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world medical setting.

What are the job prospects for a medical assistant?

The job outlook for medical assistants is bright, with the occupation projected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029—much faster than the average for all occupations. This substantial growth is due in large part to an aging population and an increase in chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity. As the baby-boom generation grows older and lives longer, they will require more medical care. Furthermore, as chronic conditions become more prevalent, there will be a greater need for preventive care and health maintenance services, which medical assistants will help provide.

Conclusion

Based on the data collected, the average hourly wage for a medical assistant is $15.00. However, wages can vary based on experience, location, and other factors.