Become a Medical Assistant

Are you passionate about healthcare and looking for a fulfilling career?

Choose medical assisting as a profession?

  • Make a difference: Directly impact patients' lives by providing essential care and support.
  • Diverse responsibilities: Enjoy a dynamic role that combines administrative and clinical tasks.
  • Career growth: Advance your skills and knowledge through continuing education and certifications.
  • In-demand profession: Meet the growing need for qualified healthcare professionals.

 

What do medical assistants do?

Medical assistants greet patients, prepare them for exams, and help doctors during procedures, as well as assist with lab tests, administer medications, and provide patient education. They also manage medical records, schedule appointments, and handle insurance claims.

Medical assistants are a critical part of the patient experience and management of the medical practice. They are instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office and often explain the physician's instructions.

Many employers of allied health personnel prefer, or even insist, that their medical assistants are CMA (AAMA) certified.

Clinical Duties

Duties may include the following: 

  • Taking medical histories
  • Explaining treatment procedures to patients
  • Preparing patients for examinations
  • Assisting the physician during examinations
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
  • Performing basic laboratory tests
  • Instructing patients about medication and special diets
  • Preparing and administering medications, including by intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections—including vaccinations/immunizations, as directed by a physician or other licensed provider (e.g., a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
  • Transmitting prescription refills as directed
  • Phlebotomy
  • Taking electrocardiograms
  • Wound care and changing dressings

Administrative Duties

Administrative duties may include the following: 

  • Answering telephones
  • Welcoming patients
  • Updating and filing patient medical records
  • Coding and filling out insurance forms
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
  • Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

What is a CMA (AAMA)?

The CMA (AAMA)® credential designates a medical assistant who has achieved certification through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). A CMA (AAMA) has been educated and tested in a wide scope of general, clinical, and administrative responsibilities as outlined in the Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam. The CMA (AAMA) Fact Sheet offers a quick take on the reasons a CMA (AAMA) credential attests to medical assistants’ high level of knowledge and competence.

The CMA (AAMA) is the only medical assisting certification that requires graduation from a postsecondary medical assisting program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Interested in learning more? Find a training program below. 

3 medical assistants

Find an Accredited Training Program

Graduates of medical assisting programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are eligible to take the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam.

Learn More

Ready to start your journey?

AAMA offers comprehensive resources to help you get started.

Learn about the CMA (AAMA)
Understand Compensation
View AAMA Member Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Assisting Careers

How is medical assisting different from other allied health professions?

Medical assistants are the most versatile allied health professionals. They are cross-trained to perform clinical and administrative responsibilities.

Where do medical assistants work?

Medical assistants work alongside physicians, mainly in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, such as medical offices and clinics.

How is a medical assistant different from a physician assistant?

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks under the direct supervision of a physician.

Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under a collaboration agreement with a physician, who may or may not be on-site.

What is the typical work week of a medical assistant?

Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. Some work part time, evenings, or weekends.