Medical Assistants Description OES Code: 660050 Perform various duties under the direction of physician in examination and treatment of patients. Prepare treatment room, inventory supplies and instruments, and set up patient for attention of physician. Hand instruments and materials to physician as directed. Schedule appointments, keep medical records, and perform secretarial duties. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $7.00 minimum – $12.00 New, experienced: $8.50 minimum – $14.00 3 yrs+ experience: $10.00 minimum – $17.25 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. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits 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. Employment Trends Employment 1996 36,000 Projected Employment 2006 60,620 Growth Rate 1996-2006 68.4% Openings due to Separations 9,380 Employment Trends by California County 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. 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. Getting the Job & Other Information 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. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education 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. Skills & Other Requirements 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. 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. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Medical Assistants #513 Related Occupation: Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists #17, Dental Assistants #27, Veterinary Technicians #402, Hospital Admitting Managers & Clerks #409, Physical Therapy Aides & Assistants #451 Training: California State Training Inventory