THE JOB

MEDICAL ASSISTANTS do simple lab work and clinical duties in doctors' offices or other medical offices. They record patients' weight, height, temperature, blood pressure and medical history. Medical Assistants help doctors examine and treat patients and do routine chores needed for good office operation. They sterilize instruments and equipment used in treatment and diagnosis. They may also give shots and run routine lab tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts and take electrocardiograms.

Other clinical duties may include telling patients about medication and self- treatment and applying bandages. Medical Assistants may also arrange instruments and equipment in the examining rooms, check office and lab supplies and keep the waiting, consulting and examination rooms neat and orderly.

Medical Assistants may also have a variety of clerical duties, depending on the size of the office in which they work. Medical Assistants employed in hospitals or outpatient facilities may help doctors in emergencies. They may process paperwork without the direct supervision of a doctor, for example, in admissions or medical records departments. Those in small offices usually handle both clerical and clinical duties. They schedule appointments and log in patients, get information from them, set up hospital admissions, and schedule surgeries. 

Medical Assistants also record and file information on patients and medical records, answer phone calls, order supplies, send out letters, bill patients, complete insurance forms, and write down dictation. In some offices, they keep financial records and handle credit, collections and other bookkeeping duties. More and more, assistants do routine clerical work, such as record keeping and billing.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Medical Assistants usually work in well-lit, air-conditioned offices. When they work they have to lift, stand, stoop and walk. Assistants often work under pressure, answering phones and always having to be ready to handle emergencies. Uniforms are usually required and may be supplied by employers. Medical Assistants may join the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or other groups like it.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Medical Assistants in California will reach 52,390 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 21,510 over the number there was in 1993. 

There will also be an estimated 9,480 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 21,510 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 30,990 job opportunities through 2005. (These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

The number of jobs for Medical Assistants is expected to grow more than twice as fast as the average for all jobs through 2005 because of expected growth in the health services industry. In fact, Medical Assistants is one of the fastest growing jobs in California. 

Chances for jobs are expected to be best in small offices where employers train on-the-job or hire trainees from community colleges or private vocational training school programs. Medium size to large hospitals or clinics prefer graduates of accredited training programs and licensed medical workers. 

Most job opportunities will come from growing public and private health care programs. In addition, many jobs will open up each year to replace workers who die, retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Experienced Medical Assistants will enjoy the best opportunities; beginners can expect competition for jobs.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS 

Salaries for Medical Assistants depend on where they work and the size of the business they work for. Small towns and small employers, tend to pay lower wages than bigger ones. Medical Assistants with no prior experience may start from minimum wage to $12.50 per hour. Assistants with some experience can make from the minimum to $13.00. Fully experienced assistants can earn up to $21.00 an hour. The workweek for Medical Assistants is usually 40 hours, Monday through Friday, but some Saturday work may be required. Many employers hire applicants part-time. Fringe benefits include paid vacations, holidays, health and other types of insurance and retirement plans.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING 

A high school diploma or GED is preferred by most employers. Helpful high school courses include English, mathematics, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers and office practice. Some doctors will train on the job, but most prefer to hire those who have gone through an accredited medical assisting program. These are offered in some community colleges and vocational schools. 

The programs provide students with a basic knowledge of examination room procedure and lab techniques. Those who meet the qualifications of the American Association of Medical Assistants may get certified after passing a written test. Doctors usually consider certified Medical Assistants to be highly qualified. 

Another distinction in this field is to be a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). This title is awarded by the American Medical Technologists if you meet their qualifications and pass a written test. RMAs are respected for their training and skill. Assistants should be in good health, neat, clean, well-groomed and courteous. They should also use good judgment in dealing with patients' confidential records. Tact and good communication skills are also necessary. Many employers prefer English/Spanish speaking ability. Most require a pre-employment physical exam. Experience is helpful.

ADVANCEMENT 

Promotion for Medical Assistants is usually limited to raises and more responsible duties. In big hospitals and clinics, those with leadership abilities may get to the position of office manager. In general, though, promotional opportunities are few, especially in small offices.

FINDING THE JOB 

Jobs as Medical Assistants may be found by applying to doctors' offices, government personnel offices, college placement centers, private employment agencies, and the California Employment Development Department Job Match Program. There is information about job openings in newspaper classified ads. Those looking for a civil service job must pass a test.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Medical Assistants Association 
PO Box 121755 Chula Vista, CA 91912 
(619) 482-9303 

American Association of Medical Assistants 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1575 Chicago, IL 60600 
(312) 899-1500

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES 

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists No. 17 

Dental Assistants No. 27 

Veterinary Technicians (Animal Health Techs.) No. 402 

Hospital Admitting Managers & Clerks No. 409 

Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants No. 451

Information from: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/medasst.htm