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.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.45
25th Percentile $10.45
50th Percentile $13.00
75th Percentile $15.66

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.07
25th Percentile $9.39
50th Percentile $10.66
75th Percentile $13.16

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS 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, California
Employment 1998 39,500
Projected Employment 2008 70,000
Percent Change 1998-2008 77.2%
Separations 1998-2008 13,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 430
Projected Employment 2006 560
Percent Change 1999-2006 30.2%
Separations 1999-2006 90

Employment Trends by California County

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.

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 a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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 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
California Occupational Guide: #513

Related Occupations: Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists, Dental Assistants, Veterinary Technicians

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)