How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?

Medical assistants are in high demand! How much do Medical assistants make? It depends on their experience, location, and the type of facility they work in. The average medical assistant salary is $33,610 per year.

Checkout this video:

Job Description

Medical assistants are allied health professionals who perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health professionals. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, often serving as the first point of contact with patients.

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks. Administrative tasks may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records billing and coding for insurance purposes, and handling correspondence. Clinical tasks may include taking and recording medical histories, preparing patients for examinations, assisting with procedures, performing basic laboratory tests, and instructing patients on health care and medications.

In some states, medical assistants may be allowed to perform more advanced procedures such as giving injections or removing sutures under the supervision of a licensed physician or nurse.

Duties

Medical assistants are unlicensed individuals who perform non-clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners. They also perform administrative and certain clinical duties such as taking medical histories, drawing blood, handling lab specimens and giving injections under the direction of a physician. (1)

There are many different types of medical assistants, each with their own set of duties and responsibilities. Here are some of the most common:

-Clinical medical assistants perform basic clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, measuring patient weight and height, and recording patient medical histories. They may also prepare patients for examination, assist the physician during the exam, and collect lab samples.

-Administrative medical assistants handle office duties such as scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, billing and coding insurance forms, and handling correspondence. They may also answer patient questions about medication or treatment regimen.

-Specialty medical assistants work in specific areas of medicine such as ophthalmology or cardiology. Their duties vary according to the specialty but may include measuring eye pressure or administering electrocardiograms (EKGs).

Education

Education is the most important factor in determining how much medical assistants make. Medical assistants with a certificate or diploma from an accredited program make the most, on average. Those with an associate’s degree also earn a higher income than those without any formal education.

Certification

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,720. Most medical assistants worked in physicians’ offices, followed by hospitals; outpatient care centers; and state, local, and private hospitals. A smaller number worked in general medical and surgical hospitals, dental offices, colleges and universities, management companies, and employment services.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,930.

Job Outlook

Medical assistants hold one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 29% from 2019 to 2029—much faster than the average for all occupations.2 Job prospects should be especially good for those who have completed formal education programs in medical assisting and for those who are bilingual.

Pros and Cons

There are many factors to consider when thinking about a career as a medical assistant Some things to think about include: the training and education required, the job outlook, and of course, salary. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at medical assistant salary, including the pros and cons of this important career choice.

As of May 2019, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, salaries can range from $25,760 to $49,920, depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Overall, medical assistant salary is considered good relative to other occupations. In addition, medical assistants have good job prospects. The BLS projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 19% from 2018 to 2028—much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in large part to an aging population and advances in medicine that allow patients to live longer and healthier lives.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to consider when thinking about a career as a medical assistant. For example, working as a medical assistant can be stressful at times due to the nature of the job. Medical assistants may also have exposure to contagious diseases and sometimes have to work long hours or irregular shifts.

Overall, medical assistant salary is good relative to other occupations. There are also many job opportunities available due to the growing healthcare industry. However, there are some drawbacks to consider before making your decision.

Career Paths

Medical assistants can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more. With the right experience and credentials, medical assistants can advance their careers by becoming certified medical assistants or registered medical assistants. Some medical assistants may also choose to pursue a career in management or administration.

Advancement Opportunities

In addition to increased salary, medical assistants may also receive benefits such as paid time off, health insurance and retirement plans. They may also have opportunities for advancements in their careers. Some medical assistants may become office managers, while others may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine such as pediatrics or ophthalmology.

Key Skills

There are a few key skills that every medical assistant should have:
-People skills: Medical assistants will be interacting with patients on a daily basis. They need to be able to build rapport, put people at ease, and handle sensitive information with care.
-Organizational skills: Medical assistants will often be responsible for managing patient files, scheduling appointments, and keeping the office running smoothly. They need to be able to stay organized and keep track of important details.
-Attention to detail: Medical assistants will be responsible for taking accurate medical histories, recording vital signs, and performing administrative tasks like billing and coding. They need to be able to pay close attention to detail in order to avoid errors.
-Physical stamina: Medical assistants may be on their feet for long periods of time, and some may have to lift or move patients. They need to be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job.