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Medical Assistant

Medical assistants keep clinics running — taking vitals, prepping patients, and handling records. It's one of the fastest-growing healthcare roles and a great entry point into medicine.

Median Salary
$45,690/yr
Typical Range
$36,050 – $59,310
Job Outlook
Much faster than average

What does a Medical Assistant do?

  • Take patient histories and vital signs
  • Prepare patients and rooms for exams
  • Schedule appointments and update records
  • Assist providers with basic procedures

Education & training

High school diploma plus a 9-month to 1-year certificate

How to become a Medical Assistant

  1. Finish high school (biology helps)
  2. Complete a medical assistant certificate program
  3. Earn the CMA or RMA certification
  4. Apply at clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices

Skills that help

EmpathyOrganizationCommunicationAttention to detail

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer, and experience.

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