What is the Salary of a Medical Assistant in a Hospital?

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant you’re probably wondering what the average salary is for this position. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical assistants was $33,610 in 2017. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of employer.

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Job Description

Medical Assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient settings such as medical offices and clinics. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. Their formal training generally lasts about one year, although some education programs may last up to two years. Medical Assistants who complete a one-year program earn a certificate, while those who complete a two-year program earn an Associate’s degree.

A medical assistant performs many duties such as taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explain office procedures to patients and schedule appointments. They also collect laboratory specimens, perform routine laboratory tests, dispose of contaminated supplies, prepare patients for x-rays, change dressings and assist with minor surgery. Some Medical Assistants also administer medications as directed by a physician or other health care professional.

Duties

The duties of a medical assistant working in a hospital may vary depending on the size of the facility and the specific needs of the patients. However, there are some common tasks that are typically performed by medical assistants in hospitals. These duties may include taking patient medical histories, family histories and performing basic laboratory tests. Medical assistants may also responsible for scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork and performing other clerical duties as needed. In some cases, medical assistants may also be responsible for providing basic patient care, such as checking vital signs and administering medications.

Qualifications

The salary of a medical assistant in a hospital setting will vary depending on the qualifications of the individual. Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some have completed post-secondary training. Medical assistants who have completed an accredited medical assisting program will usually earn a higher salary than those who have not. Additionally, individuals with experience working in a hospital setting will typically earn more than those without any experience.

Education

Medical assistants are an important part of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and other medical staff. They typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus postsecondary training from a vocational school, community college, or medical assistant program. Some states require certification or licensure. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,680.

Training

Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Some programs take as little as 1 semester to complete, but many last 2 years or longer. Programs typically include courses such as medical ethics, psychology, and medical law. Many medical assistants also learn on the job.

Certification

There are different ways to become a certified medical assistant. The most common way is to attend an accredited program and then take a national certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Alternatively, some states have their own certification exams. Typically, certification is not required for medical assistants, but it may be preferred or required by some employers.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics report the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,630.

Job Outlook

Medical assistants hold an important role in the medical field. They often times act as the first point of contact with patients and are responsible for greeting them, taking their vital signs, and updating their medical records Medical assistants also schedule appointments, help with billing and insurance paperwork, and may even perform basic laboratory tests. With such a wide range of responsibilities, it’s no wonder that medical assistants are in high demand.

Job outlook for medical assistants is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029— much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population will continue to need more medical services as they live longer and stay active later in life. This growth will lead to an increase in the number of physician office visits. As a result, physician offices will hire additional medical assistants to perform routine tasks, so that physicians can see more patients.

Pros and Cons

Working as a medical assistant in a hospital can be a very rewarding experience. You will be working with patients and their families on a daily basis, and you will have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. However, there are also some drawbacks to this career choice. Here are some pros and cons of working as a medical assistant in a hospital:

Pros:
-You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of different patients.
-You will gain invaluable experience working in a fast-paced environment.
-You will be able to work with a team of medical professionals.

Cons:
-Hospitals can be stressful places to work.
-You may be required to work long hours.
-You may have to deal with difficult family members of patients.

FAQs

There is no formal education requirement to become a medical assistant, although many candidates have at least a high school diploma. Some states require certification or licensure, but this is not always necessary. Medical assistants can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on their experience and location.