Medical Assistants

Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Tasks Include:

Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +34.5%

National: +30.9%

Education

High School Diploma

Job Zone:

Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Mid Range ($28,000 - $35,999)

Average Earnings:

National

$29,760.00

State

$30,430.00

Regional

Medical Assistants

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Education

Required Level of Education

High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) = 41.02%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades) = 22.85%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 21.75%
Some College Courses = 13.80%
Bachelor's Degree = 0.57%

Related Work Experience

None = 40.92%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 23.48%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.81%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 7.04%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 6.30%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 6.12%
Up to and including 1 month = 3.49%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 1.84%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Up to and including 1 month = 32.38%
None = 30.66%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 15.93%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 12.77%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 7.50%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.76%

On-the-Job Training

Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 32.30%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 30.41%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 22.75%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 14.54%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
Change dressings on wounds.
Set up medical laboratory equipment.
Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
Schedule appointments for patients.
Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Audiometers or accessories (Audiometers)
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
Mercury blood pressure units (Baumanometers)
Binocular light compound microscopes
Chemistry analyzers (Blood chemistry analyzers)
Non vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Blood collection vials)
Alcohol analysers (Breathalyzers)
Butterfly needles
Canes or cane accessories (Canes)
Cast cutters or saws (Cast cutters)
Benchtop centrifuges (Centrifuges)
Crutches or crutch accessories (Crutches)
Specimen collectors (Culturettes)
Dictation machines (Dictation equipment)
Medical radiation films or badges (Dosimetry badges)
Electrocardiography EKG units
Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrocautery equipment)
Electronic blood pressure units (Electronic blood pressure measuring devices)
Endotracheal tubes (Endotracheal ET tubes)
Enema kits or accessories (Enema equipment)
Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Evacuated blood collection tubes)
Phlebotomy trays or accessories (Evacuated collection tube holders/adapters)
Flexible endoscopes or accessories or related products (Flexible sigmoidoscopy equipment)
Gait belts for rehabilitation or therapy (Gait belts)
Eye occluders (Handheld occluders)
Hearing aids for the physically challenged (Hearing aids)
Hypodermic needles (Intradermal needles)
Hypodermic needles (Intramuscular needles)
Combination refractor keratometers (Keratometers)
Lancets
Laser printers
Ophthalmic lensometers (Lensometers)
Mercury blood pressure units (Manual blood pressuring measurement equipment)
Lap mayo trays or mayo stands for surgical use or accessories (Mayo stands)
Mechanical stethoscopes or accessories (Mechanical stethoscopes)
Opticians tools or accessories (Metric rules)
Capillary or hematocrit tubes (Microcapillary hematocrit tubes)
Microscope slides
Nebulizers or accessories (Nebulizers)
Notebook computers
Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets (Opthalmoscopes)
Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets (Otoscopes)
Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies (Oxygen equipment)
Medical oxygen masks or parts (Oxygen masks)
Medical gas cylinders or related devices (Oxygen tanks)
Personal computers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
Dropping pipettes (Pipettes)
Body plethysmographs (Plethysmographs)
Bedside pulmonary function screeners (Pulmonary function measurement equipment)
Nebulizers or accessories (Pulmonary nebulizers)
Ophthalmic retinoscopes (Retinoscopes)
Scanners
Blood collection needles (Single draw needles)
Eye charts or vision cards (Snellen eye charts)
Spirometers or its accessories or its supplies (Spirometers)
Orthopedic splint systems (Splints)
Medical staple or clip removers (Staple removers)
Hypodermic needles (Subcutaneous hypodermic needles)
Medical suction or vacuum appliances (Suction machines)
Suction tube or tubing (Suction tubing)
Suture removers
Medical syringes with needles (Syringe needles)
Medical syringes without needles (Syringes)
Tablet computers
Ophthalmic tonometers or accessories (Tonometers)
Tourniquets
Tuberculin syringes (Tuberculin TB skin test equipment)
Spirometers or its accessories or its supplies (Vitalors)
Walkers or rollators (Walkers)
Wheelchairs
Medical imaging wet darkroom or daylight processors (X ray development equipment)
Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use (X ray machines)

Technologies Include:

Accounting software

Billing software
Bookkeeping software

Calendar and scheduling software

Appointment scheduling software

Categorization or classification software

Diagnostic and procedural coding software

Data base user interface and query software

Database software

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft Exchange

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Medical software

Patient management software
Visual electro diagnostic software

Network conferencing software

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS

Office suite software

Business software applications
Microsoft Office software

Operating system software

Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Spreadsheet software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Word processing software

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Special Requirements

Medical assistants generally do not need to be licensed although certification is available through the American Association of Medical Assistants by taking the CMA exam.

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for the exam, you must be in one of three enrollment categories described below.

Category 1: Completing students and recent graduates of CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting programs.

You are a candidate in this category if you have graduated from or are about to complete a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

· Completing students may take the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination no more than 30 days prior to completing their formal education, including an externship.

· Recent graduates are those who apply for the exam within 12 months of graduation.

Category 2: Nonrecent graduates of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting program.

You are a candidate in this category if you are a graduate of a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health (CAAHEP) or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) whose graduation date is more than 12 months prior to the date your application is postmarked.

Category 3: CMA (AAMA) recertificant

You are a candidate in this category if you have previously passed the CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination and were awarded the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Required Fees:

AAMA members and CAAHEP/ABHES graduating students and recent graduates pay a $125 candidate fee. All others pay $250.

For More Information, Contact:

American Association Of Medical Assistants
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.899.1500
http://aama-ntl.org/

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Medical Assistants

Additional Resources

Information about career opportunities, CAAHEP-accredited educational programs in medical assisting, and the Certified Medical Assistant exam is available from:

The American Association of Medical Assistants
20 North Wacker Dr.
Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
http://www.aama-ntl.org

Information about career opportunities and the Registered Medical Assistant certification exam is available from:

Registered Medical Assistants of American Medical Technologists
710 Higgins Rd.
Park Ridge, IL 60068-5765
http://www.amt1.com/

For a list of ABHES-accredited educational programs in medical assisting, contact:

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
803 West Broad St.
Suite 730
Falls Church, VA 22046
http://www.abhes.org

Information about career opportunities, training programs, and the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam is available from:

Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
2025 Woodlane Dr.
St. Paul, MN 55125-2995
http://www.jcahpo.org

Information about careers for podiatric assistants is available from:

American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants
2l24 S. Austin Blvd.
Cicero, IL 60650

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Medical Assistants

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
81.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
75.00	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
65.25	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
64.00	Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
51.75	Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
50.00	Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Skills

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
68.75	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
65.50	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
65.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
62.50	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
62.50	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
56.25	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56.25	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
56.25	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
50.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
68.75	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
68.75	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
65.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
65.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
62.50	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
59.50	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
59.50	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
56.25	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50.00	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
50.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
97.00	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
93.25	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
90.25	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
89.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
79.50	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
75.75	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
75.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
74.75	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
71.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
70.75	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
70.25	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
69.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
68.50	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
68.25	Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
65.75	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
63.25	Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
63.00	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
62.00	Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
58.00	Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
53.75	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
53.00	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
52.50	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
51.25	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
50.00	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
94.75	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
92.75	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
92.75	Self Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
92.75	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
92.25	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
91.25	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
90.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
85.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
81.00	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
80.50	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
78.75	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
76.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
73.75	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
71.50	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
66.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
58.50	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
77.83	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
77.83	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
61.17	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
52.83	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
96.80	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
92.40	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
91.20	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
90.80	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
88.60	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
86.60	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
86.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
84.60	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
79.60	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
78.40	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
78.20	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
78.00	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
77.80	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
77.20	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
76.00	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
76.00	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
76.00	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
74.80	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
73.60	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
73.00	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
72.60	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
70.60	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
69.80	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
69.20	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
62.20	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
61.00	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
58.60	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
54.80	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
54.20	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
53.00	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
50.80	Degree of Automation	How automated is the job?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Earnings Benefits

Region	Entry Level	Average	Experienced
United States	$20,880.00	$30,170.00	$40,810.00
Virginia	$21,130.00	$30,430.00	$41,350.00

Region	Entry Level	Average	Experienced
Bay Consortium	$21,889.52	$30,870.48	$45,077.08
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$24,818.99	$31,428.81	$38,465.24
Central VA/Region2000	$20,649.22	$27,667.41	$35,772.87
Crater Area	$17,439.06	$25,672.20	$36,482.19
Greater Peninsula	$20,823.51	$27,473.87	$37,627.23
Hampton Roads	$20,954.23	$26,907.43	$33,263.92
New River/Mt. Rogers	$18,901.27	$25,694.49	$33,178.80
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	$26,946.94	$36,060.65	$47,962.99
Piedmont Workforce	$20,544.85	$30,036.53	$38,007.22
Shenandoah Valley	$21,919.91	$31,010.32	$41,366.34
South Central	$18,022.73	$23,357.80	$29,080.97
Southwestern Virginia	$16,413.59	$23,174.39	$31,484.54
West Piedmont	$17,731.91	$25,386.45	$34,208.32
Western Virginia	$21,263.29	$28,328.09	$36,879.41

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Medical Assistants

Employment Projections

National	2010	2020	% Change
United States	527,600	690,400	+ 30.9%

State	2008	2018	% Change
Virginia	9,758	13,128	+ 34.5%

Region	2008	2018	% Change
Bay Consortium	393	534	+ 35.9%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	1,326	1,806	+ 36.2%
Central VA/Region2000	191	259	+ 35.6%
Crater Area	155	210	+ 35.5%
Greater Peninsula	796	1,079	+ 35.6%
Hampton Roads	2,556	3,386	+ 32.5%
New River/Mt. Rogers	259	353	+ 36.3%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	2,458	3,363	+ 36.8%
Piedmont Workforce	337	438	+ 30.0%
Shenandoah Valley	387	522	+ 34.9%
South Central	160	217	+ 35.6%
Southwestern Virginia	89	121	+ 36.0%
West Piedmont	93	128	+ 37.6%
Western Virginia	377	502	+ 33.2%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.

Medical Assistants

Related Occupations

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

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Health Science (7.03 Mb)
Medical Assistants (2.81 Mb)

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En Español:

Medical Assistant (2.44)

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The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

Medical Assistants

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Biomedical Laboratory Services
Medical Care and Treatment, General
Not Occupationally Qualified, General
Operating Room Services
Physiology
Undersea/Aviation Medicine

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.

Medical Assistants

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Documenting/Recording Information	5.0
Assisting and Caring for Others	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	3.5
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	3.5
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.5
Interacting With Computers	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	3.5
Performing General Physical Activities	3.0
Analyzing Data or Information	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Handling and Moving Objects	2.5
Thinking Creatively	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Selling or Influencing Others	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Titles

Autopsy Assistant
Certifed Medical Assistant (CMA)
Certified Coding Specialist
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Chiropractic Assistant
Chiropractor Assistant
Clinic Assistant
Clinical Assistant
Clinical Medical Assistant
Clinical Office Technician
Doctor Assistant
Doctor's Assistant
Eye Technician
Health Information Coder
Health Services Information Specialist
Health Unit Clerk
Hemodialysis Patient Care Specialist
Hospital Clinic Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Billing Coder
Medical Billing Specialist
Medical Department Secretary
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist
Medical Office Assistant
Medical Office Technician
Medical Office Worker
Morgue Attendant
Morgue Technician
Ocular Care Aide
Ophthalmic Aide
Ophthalmic Assistant
Ophthalmic Technician
Optometric Aide
Optometric Assistant
Optometric Technician
Optometrist Assistant
Optometry Assistant
Orthopedic Assistant
Orthopedic Cast Specialist
Outpatient Surgery Assistant
Phlebotomist
Physician's Aide
Podiatric Aide
Podiatric Assistant
Podiatrist Assistant
Registered Medical Assistant
Respiratory Therapist Assistant
Sleep Technician
Sterile Processing Technician
Surgery Scheduler
Vein Access Technician
Visual Training Aide

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Medical Assistants

Related Schools

Bryant & Stratton College-Hampton
Bryant and Stratton College-Richmond
Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
Centura College-Alexandria
Eastern Shore Community College
Everest College-McLean
Kaplan College-Chesapeake
Medtech Institute
Miller-Motte Technical College
Sanford-Brown College-Tysons Corner
Tidewater Community College
Virginia College-Richmond