What is the Average Wage for a Medical Assistant?
Contents
- What is a medical assistant?
- What are the duties of a medical assistant?
- What is the average wage for a medical assistant?
- What are the benefits of being a medical assistant?
- What are the drawbacks of being a medical assistant?
- What are the job prospects for medical assistants?
- What is the job market like for medical assistants?
- What is the future of medical assistants?
- How can I become a medical assistant?
- What are the best schools for medical assistants?
If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant you’re probably wondering what the average wage for this position is. Here’s a look at the latest data on medical assistant salaries, so you can make an informed decision about your future.
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What is a medical assistant?
A medical assistant is a person who have been trained to perform both clinical and administrative tasks in a variety of healthcare settings. They may work in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team, and their duties can include taking medical histories, scheduling appointments, giving injections, checking vitals signs, and assisting with Minor office surgeries. Some Medical Assistants also perform basic laboratory tasks and help to educate patients about their health.
In order to become a medical assistant, one must complete an accredited training program. Most programs take between nine months and two years to complete, and offer both Certificate and Associate’s Degree options. After successfully completing a training program, most states require medical assistants to pass a competency exam before they can begin working.
The average wage for a medical assistant varies depending on a number of factors, including geographical location, experience level, and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019 . This means that half of all medical assistants earned less than this amount annually, while half earned more. However, wages can range from below $25,000 per year for those just starting out in the field to over $50,000 per year for those with significant experience or working in certain high-paying industries or locations.
What are the duties of a medical assistant?
The duties of a medical assistant are wide-ranging and may vary depending on state law and the policies of the specific medical office or clinic where they work. However, medical assistants typically perform administrative and clinical tasks that support the work of health care professionals.
Administrative duties may include answering phones, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records and handling billing and insurance paperwork. Clinical duties may include taking patient vital signs, recording patient medical histories, preparing patients for examination, assisting with routine office procedures such as giving injections or removing stitches, and collecting and prepare laboratory specimens. In some states, medical assistants may also be allowed to perform more advanced tasks such as drawing blood or administering certain medications under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.
What is the average wage for a medical assistant?
There are several factors that can affect the average wage for a medical assistant, including experience, location, and type of employer.
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 $25,670, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,610.
Experience is one of the biggest factors that can affect medical assistant salary. According to Payscale.com, medical assistants with 1-4 years of experience earn a median salary of $31,072 per year, while those with 5-9 years of experience earn a median salary of $35,040 per year. Medical assistants with 10-19 years of experience have a median salary of $39,168 per year.
Location is another important factor in determining medical assistant salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in the District of Columbia and Massachusetts have the highest average wages in the nation, at $44,610 and $41,030 respectively. Medical assistants in Mississippi have the lowest average wage in the nation at $28,890.
Type of employer can also play a role in how much medical assistants earn. According to Payscale.com, those employed by hospitals tend to earn more than those working in other types of healthcare facilities; hospital-employed medical assistants have a median salary of $36,728 per year compared to $33,296 for those working in doctor’s offices and $32,208 for those employed by clinics.
What are the benefits of being a medical assistant?
While the average wage for a medical assistant is often cited as one of the main benefits of the profession, there are actually several advantages to becoming a medical assistant. In addition to a competitive salary, medical assistants enjoy a number of other perks, including:
-The ability to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices
-A flexible schedule that can accommodate full-time or part-time work
-The opportunity to learn new skills and expand your knowledge base
-The satisfaction of helping others and making a difference in people’s lives
What are the drawbacks of being a medical assistant?
Some of the drawbacks of being a medical assistant include working long hours, shift work, and being on call. Medical assistants may also have to deal with angry or frustrated patients.
What are the job prospects for medical assistants?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for medical assistants are expected to be very good. The median wage for medical assistants in May 2012 was $29,370 per year, or $14.12 per hour. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $41,570 per year, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $21,280 per year.
What is the job market like for medical assistants?
The job market for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $30,590 in 2016. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
What is the future of medical assistants?
Keywords: medical assistants, job outlook, average wage
The future of medical assistants is looking bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of medical assistant jobs will grow by 19% from 2018 to 2028 — much faster than the average for all occupations. And, as the healthcare industry expands to meet the needs of an aging baby boomer population, the demand for medical assistants is expected to continue to grow.
The average wage for a medical assistant is $17.09 per hour, or $35,570 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, wages can range from $12.41 per hour at the low end to $24.52 at the high end.
How can I become a medical assistant?
In order to become a medical assistant, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete an accredited medical assistant program, which typically takes about one year to complete. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a certification exam in order to become certified.
What are the best schools for medical assistants?
There are many schools that offer medical assistant programs, but not all of them are created equal. Some schools may have better facilities or more experienced instructors, while others may be more affordable or offer more flexible scheduling. Choosing the right school is a personal decision, and you should consider your individual needs and preferences before making a decision.
To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best schools for medical assistants. These schools have all been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and they offer high-quality programs that can prepare you for success in your career.