5.3 Medical Assistant
Karen Piette, MHS, CMA and Kristen Hosey
Anyone who has visited a primary care provider in the United States has likely interacted with a medical assistant (MA). MAs perform tasks ranging from managing medical offices and assisting with exams to scheduling appointments, handling billing and coding, and verifying patient insurance. The scope of practice for MAs is broad, and most states allow them to perform a wide variety of duties in medical offices.
Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices. Clinical duties include recording patient history, measuring vital signs (such as blood pressure, temperature, respiratory and heart rates, and oxygen saturation), administering injections, performing phlebotomy, assisting with patient exams and minor surgical procedures, preparing blood samples for laboratory tests, and entering patient information into medical records.
In addition to clinical duties, MAs also perform administrative tasks, such as billing and coding, front desk check-in, managing referrals, and scheduling patient appointments. The versatility of MAs in medical offices is one of the reasons they are in high demand.
Medical assistants may also manage medical offices. MAs in management roles typically have at least an associate degree in addition to their required certification. Successful MA office managers often possess leadership, planning, and organizational skills, as well as strong human resource abilities and efficiency.
Employment Opportunities for Medical Assistants
Medical assisting is a high-demand career. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) projects that employment for MAs will grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
MAs are commonly found in ambulatory care clinics, doctors’ or other providers’ offices, and outpatient clinics. They can work in a variety of medical specialties, including pediatrics, orthopedics, primary care, and dermatology, among others. In some rural areas, MAs may even float between multiple facilities with their provider. While MAs are typically found in outpatient settings, post-COVID-19 staffing shortages have led some to work in long-term care facilities as well, although this has not been common practice.
A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant
A typical day for a medical assistant can vary significantly, requiring adaptability and teamwork to handle the diverse tasks that arise. MAs mainly work in healthcare facilities that operate during traditional business hours, although some work in medical facilities, such as urgent care centers, that offer evening and weekend hours.
Upon arrival at the facility, the MA checks their patient schedule and prepares for the day. This includes checking supplies in exam rooms, stocking items as necessary, prepping supplies, and sterilizing instruments. When patients arrive, the MA brings them to the exam room, takes their medical histories and vital signs, and records their chief complaint. After the MA documents this information in the patient’s electronic record, they notify the provider that the patient is ready.
The MA may remain in the exam room with the provider or may be called in periodically, depending on the patient’s needs. They assist with examinations and minor surgical procedures as needed.
MAs also perform other duties regularly, such as setting up and breaking down operating rooms and sterilizing instruments in the autoclave to prepare for the next day. A thorough understanding of sterilization procedures and autoclave operation is important for this aspect of their job.
MAs are responsible for making patients feel comfortable throughout their visit, which allows the provider to conduct a productive examination. A friendly and kind demeanor is essential to put patients at ease. Since medical providers see numerous patients in one day, MAs also help providers stay on schedule through clear communication and efficient support.
At the end of the day, MAs ensure that their exam rooms are well stocked, instruments and equipment are sterilized, and they review the next day’s schedule to prepare for upcoming tasks.
Medical Assistant Requirements and Qualifications
MA training programs typically last 12 to 15 months, depending on the state and the educational institution. Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, first aid, medical law and ethics, coding and insurance processing, medication administration, and computer skills. Some programs may have a minimum age requirement of 18 years before starting the program or practicum, and a background check is generally required.
After completing the clinical and administrative coursework, MA students participate in a practicum in a physician’s office for a minimum of 160 hours. Following practicum, they graduate with a certificate. Many MA programs also offer the option to earn an associate degree.
A certified medical assistant (CMA) typically completes a certification or associate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. Following graduation, MA candidates must pass a national licensure examination, such as the one offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA AAMA exam is a computer-adaptive test that must be completed at a testing center. Successfully passing the exam grants the CMA credential, which allows MAs to work anywhere in the United States.
Some states require licensure to practice as a medical assistant. For example, Washington state mandates licensure, with two classifications: medical assistant certified (MA-C) and medical assistant-registered (MA-R). The MA-R is an apprentice who gains qualification through on-the-job training or sponsorship from a licensed medical provider. An MA-R does not hold formal certification or a degree in medical assisting and may be restricted to certain roles within Washington state.
An excellent training program will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation allows graduates to sit for the CMA AAMA examination. Since the AAMA certification is internationally recognized, it provides MAs with great flexibility in movement and work.
Continuing Medical Education
AAMA certification requires an MA to complete Continuing Education Credits (CEU) to stay credentialed. A total of 60 CEUs must be earned within 5 years to stay certified. Alternatively, the certification can be renewed by retaking the examination. The AAMA offers CEU opportunities online, and many local chapters provide CEUs to community members. Additionally, state and national conferences also offer CEU credits.
Attributions
- Figure 5.4: image released under the Pexels License
- Figure 5.5: image released under the Pexels License
A physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services.
Measurements of the body’s most basic functions including body temperature, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse rate.
The process of collecting blood from a patient by puncturing a vein with a needle.
A confirmation granted by a professional organization to recognize an individual who has met certain qualifications.
Also known as presenting complaint. Medical term used to describe the primary problem of the patient that led the patient to seek out medical attention.