What’s the Average Salary for a Medical Assistant?

Find out the average salary for Medical assistants in the United States as well as how experience and location can affect earnings.

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Job Description

Medical Assistants are key members of the healthcare team. They work in physician’s offices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, performing a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the facility running smoothly and supporting the work of physicians and other medical professionals.

Most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, although some have completed formal medical assisting programs. Formal training programs typically last one year or less and may lead to a certificate or diploma. Some medical assistants also earn associate degrees in medical assisting.

Training and Education

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team who perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities running smoothly. If you’re interested in a career as a medical assistant you’re probably wondering about training and education requirements, as well as what kind of salary you can expect to earn.

Medical assistants must complete an accredited medical assisting program, which typically takes about one year to complete. Some programs award a certificate or diploma, while others offer an associate degree in medical assisting. Many community colleges offer medical assisting programs, and some hospitals offer training programs as well.

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to pass a certification exam to earn your certification as a medical assistant Certification is not required in all states, but it may give you an advantage in the job market. Medical assistants who are certified have demonstrated their knowledge and skills to employers and patients alike.

The average salary for a medical assistant is $32,480 per year, or $15.60 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Medical assistants who are certified can earn up to 20% more than those who are not certified. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Certification

While certification is not required for all medical assistants, some employers prefer to hire those who have completed a certified medical assistant (CMA) program. The CMA credential is awarded by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To qualify for certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited CMA program and pass a national exam.

Salary

The average salary for a medical assistant is $15 per hour, or $30,000 per year. The salary range for medical assistants can vary depending on experience, education, and location.

Job Outlook

The number of jobs for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2014 and 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent during that time period, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging baby-boom population will need more medical care as they live longer and more active lives. This increase in demand for healthcare services will create new jobs for medical assistants, as well as all other healthcare workers.

Pros and Cons

When researching a career, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each option. This will help you to make an informed decision about which field is right for you. Medical assisting is a popular career choice, but it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a commitment.

As a medical assistant, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks. These tasks may include administrative duties, such as answering phones and scheduling appointments, or clinical duties, such as taking medical histories and assisting with examinations. Medical assistants must be able to multitask and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

One of the biggest advantages of becoming a medical assistant is the potential for job security. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. This means that there should be plenty of job opportunities available for qualified candidates. Medical assistants also have the potential to earn a good salary. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,480 in 2017, meaning that half of all medical assistants earn more than this amount and half earn less.

There are also some disadvantages to consider before becoming a medical assistant. One downside is that medical assisting can be a physically demanding job. You may be required to lift patients or equipment, stand for long periods of time, or work long hours on your feet. Another potential downside is that you will be working closely with sick people on a daily basis. This means that you may be exposed to dangerous diseases or other health risks. You will need to take precautions to protect yourself from these risks.

Overall, becoming a medical assistant can be a great career choice if you are interested in helping others and are willing to work hard. Just make sure that you are aware of the potential downsides before making your decision.”

Working Conditions

Most medical assistants work in outpatient care centers, physician’s offices, and hospitals. In general, they work a standard 40-hour week, although some may have to work evenings or weekends to meet the needs of their patients. Many medical assistants are expected to travel to other facilities to provide care or take on additional shifts when needed.

Advancement Opportunities

In addition to the many job opportunities available to medical assistants, there are also opportunities for career advancement. With experience, medical assistants may also find positions such as office manager, medical records administrator or insurance billing specialist. Some medical assistants take on additional responsibilities such as patient education or community outreach. Some may also choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine such as pediatrics, optometry or orthopedics.

Key Skills

Medical assistants are critical members of the healthcare team. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that support doctors and other medical professionals. Key skills for medical assistants include excellent written and verbal communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task. If you are thinking about becoming a medical assistant, you may be wondering what the average salary for this career is.

In general, medical assistants earn a median hourly wage of $15.31. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $21.22 per hour, while the bottom 10 percent earn less than $10.73 per hour. salaries vary widely depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and employer type. For example, medical assistants who work in hospitals tend to make more than those who work in private physician offices.

Education is another important factor that affects earnings potential. Medical assistants who have completed a certified medical assistant program generally earn more than those who have not. In addition, medical assistants who hold an associate degree often earn more than those with a certificate or diploma.

Another important factor that affects earnings is experience. Medical assistants who have worked in the field for several years tend to make more money than those who are just starting out their careers. In general, medical assistants with 1-4 years of experience earn a median hourly wage of $13.72, while those with 5-9 years of experience earn a median hourly wage of $16.50 . Those with 10-19 years of experience earn a median hourly wage of $18.50 , while those with 20 or more years of experience earn a median hourly wage of $19 .

Making the most of your Medical Assistant career

As a medical assistant, you can expect to earn a median yearly salary of $31,540. Salaries typically start from $24,370 and go up to $40,190. With bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions, your total pay could range from $24,370 to $40,190.