Medical Assistants
Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, working under physician supervision. They handle duties like scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and processing insurance information, alongside clinical work such as recording vital signs and patient histories. Most medical assistants work in physician offices, hospitals, or outpatient clinics.
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A day in the work
A medical assistant's day typically involves a mix of front-office and clinical tasks. This might include checking in patients, updating medical records on computers, taking blood pressure and temperature readings, documenting patient histories, scheduling follow-up appointments, and assisting with basic clinical procedures. Administrative work like processing insurance claims and maintaining patient files continues throughout the day alongside direct patient interaction.
Who this work suits
Holland code CSR. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
Medical assistants tend to be organized, detail-oriented people who enjoy helping others and working as part of a healthcare team. If you prefer structured environments with clear procedures, appreciate direct interaction with patients, and find satisfaction in supporting physicians and keeping operations running smoothly, this role may suit you well.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Regional Medical Scientific Director (aka Medical Science Liaison) - Myeloid - NY, CT, MA, NH, VT, RI, ME · Merck · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $136,972–$136,972
- Behavioral Health Medical Assistant · Optima Medical · United States · Remote
- Senior Data Engineer (REMOTE OR MA BASED) · The Hanover Insurance Group · United States · Remote
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - Brookline, MA · OptiMindHealth · United States · Remote
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) - Brookline, MA · OptiMindHealth · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $49,310 | $59,290 | $63,590 | 19,500 |
| Alaska | $48,930 | $52,560 | $61,510 | 2,140 |
| District of Columbia | $47,740 | $51,050 | $59,850 | 2,260 |
| Minnesota | $47,220 | $50,480 | $58,540 | 10,580 |
| Oregon | $47,170 | $50,410 | $59,160 | 11,840 |
| California | $46,240 | $49,660 | $61,870 | 117,060 |
| Massachusetts | $46,910 | $49,460 | $58,100 | 14,880 |
| Wisconsin | $46,370 | $48,680 | $55,000 | 13,810 |
| Hawaii | $45,290 | $48,410 | $55,940 | 3,890 |
| Colorado | $45,280 | $48,400 | $55,570 | 13,160 |
| New Hampshire | $45,090 | $48,020 | $51,580 | 3,000 |
| New York | $43,600 | $48,000 | $55,120 | 40,710 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Registered Medical Assistant — American Phlebotomy Association
- Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA) — National Center for Competency Testing
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) — National Healthcareer Association
- Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) — National Center for Competency Testing
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) — American Association of Medical Assistants
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) — National Healthcareer Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against medical assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-9092.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.