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Pathway: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
Job: Medical Assistant
Job Description
Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. Their duties may vary – depending on the location, size, and specialty of the practice
Necessary Education
Graduates of formal Medical Assisting Programs are preferred, High School Diploma or equivalent is minimum
Helpful High School Courses
English, Mathematics, Biology, Health, Business courses, Computer Applications
Working Conditions
- Most work a regular 40-hour week
- Work in a well-lit and clean environment
- Constantly interact with other people
- May have to handle several responsibilities at once
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$25,720
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$12.36
Career Ladder Information
- Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices; others work in hospitals, nursing homes, offices of other health practitioners, and other health care facilities
- Volunteer experience in the healthcare field is helpful for job entry
- Employers typically prefer to hire experienced workers or certified applicants who have passed a National examination, available from several different associations
- Although there is no licensing for medical assistants, some States have particular requirements
- Assistants who specialize have additional duties (such as in Podiatry or Ophthalmology)
- May advance to office manager, a variety of administrative support occupations, or teach medical assisting
- With additional education, may enter other health occupations
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Have good manual dexterity and visual acuity
- Are neat and well-groomed
- Have a courteous, pleasant manner
- Are able to communicate well
- Respect the confidential nature of medical information
Did you know?
- This field is expected to be one of the fastest growing occupations through the year 2010
- Clinical duties vary according to State law
- Medical assistants should not be confused with physician assistants who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician
Additional Information
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