How Much Does a Certified Medical Assistant Make an Hour?

Certified Medical assistants (CMAs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They are responsible for performing many clinical and administrative tasks in hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices. So, how much does a certified medical assistant make an hour?

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Job Description

A certified medical assistant job description may vary slightly from one employer to another, but there are certain core duties that are always going to be expected of those working in this role. The most important duty of a certified medical assistant is to provide support to the physician. This may involve anything from taking patient history and vital signs to prepping patients for examination and assisting with procedures.

In addition to their work with the physician, certified Medical Assistants also have many responsibilities when it comes to patient care. This may include anything from scheduling appointments and answering phones to handling billing and insurance paperwork. In some cases, certified medical assistants may also be responsible for handling lab work and administering medication.

Duties

The duties of a certified medical assistant may include, but are not limited to, taking patient medical histories and recording vital signs, assisting physicians with examinations, explanations of procedures and treatments to patients, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, handling office finances, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and coding medical reports.

Salary

The median hourly wage for a certified medical assistant was $15.21 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of all medical assistants earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.71, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $20.73.

Education

To become a certified medical assistant, you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer you to have completed a postsecondary medical assistant program. Once you have your education, you then need to pass an exam administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants to earn your certification.

Certification

There are many different types of medical assistants, with different levels of experience and training. The most important factor in determining how much a medical assistant makes is certification.

Medical assistants who are certified can earn up to $17 an hour, while those who are not certified earn an average of $11 an hour. This difference in pay is due to the fact that employers are willing to pay more for employees who have demonstrated their skills and knowledge through certification.

In addition to certification, other factors that can affect how much a medical assistant makes include experience, location, and the type of employer. Medical assistants who have more experience tend to earn higher wages, as do those who work in metropolitan areas or for large hospitals or clinics.

Job Outlook

As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so does the demand for medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, certified medical assistants make a median hourly wage of $17.31. The top 10% of medical assistants make more than $24.00 an hour, while the bottom 10% make less than $12.00 an hour. In addition to their hourly wages, medical assistants may also receive benefits such as health insurance retirement savings plans, and paid time off.

Pros and Cons

Medical assistants are in high demand due to the rise in technological advances and the need for patient care. The role of the medical assistant is important in any healthcare setting, as they are responsible for providing support to both patients and medical staff.

There are many pros and cons to becoming a certified medical assistant. One of the biggest pros is the salary. Medical assistants make an average of $15 an hour, with some making as much as $19 an hour. This is a great wage for a career that only requires a few years of schooling.

However, there are some cons to consider before becoming a certified medical assistant. One of the biggest is that the job can be very demanding, both physically and emotionally. Medical assistants often work long hours, and may be on their feet for most of the day. They also deal with sick patients and difficult medical procedures. If you are not sure if you can handle this type of environment, it may be best to look into another career option.

Different types of Medical Assistants

There are several types of medical assistants, each with their own unique set of responsibilities. Here is a brief overview of the most common types of medical assistants:

Clinical medical assistants are responsible for performing basic clinical tasks in a medical office or clinic setting. These tasks may include taking patient medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians with routine office procedures.

Administrative medical assistants are responsible for performing administrative tasks in a medical office or clinic setting. These tasks may include scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and billing and coding insurance forms.

Registered medical assistants (RMAs) are certified by an accredited institution such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). RMAs are qualified to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office or clinic setting.

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) are certified by the Certifying Board of the AAMA. CMAs are qualified to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office or clinic setting, as well as certain limited diagnostic and therapeutic procedures prescribed by physicians.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in high demand. They are crucial members of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and nurses and keeping medical facilities running smoothly. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, here’s what you need to know.

Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some have completed postsecondary education, and all must complete a period of on-the-job training. Many states require medical assistants to be certified, and certification may be helpful in getting a job or advancing in one’s career.

While certification is not required in all states, it may be beneficial to become certified anyway. Certification demonstrates that a medical assistant has the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job and can be helpful in getting a job or advancing in one’s career. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers certification for medical assistants who meet its eligibility requirements, which include completing an accredited medical assisting program and passing the Certification Examination for Medical Assistants.

Once you have completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed the AAMA’s Certification Examination for Medical Assistants, you will be credentialed as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). This credential is recognized nationwide and shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality patient care.

FAQs

How much does a certified medical assistant make an hour?

The average hourly wage for a certified medical assistant is $16.48, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.