Medical Assistant
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.
Annual openings
1,966
BLS median wage
$48,400
Typical education
One to two years post-secondary training.
10-year growth
+10%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
One to two years post-secondary training.
Credential requirement
A certification is expected, but not always required, for this job.
Credential detail
Organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) have Medical Assistant certifications. You will need to check job postings in your area to confirm which are valued by local employers.
Work experience
Entry-level
Experience detail
This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.
Work-based learning
Medical Assistants often work consistent hours in an office. To maintain that consistency as they move up the pathway, jobs as LPNs/RNs or jobs in a Lab may be of interest.
Employer competency information
Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job
- Communication, Interpersonal Skills, & Teamwork — Working very closely and effectively communicating with doctors, other clinical staff, and patients (in a tactful and culturally sensitive way) to provide appropriate care is critical.
- Customer Focus — Providing excellent customer service is critical, reimbursements are based on patient feedback and outcomes.
- Working with Tools and Technology — These are used consistently to take notes related to patient care and to complete paperwork and billing, though it is also important to be able to take vital signs manually.
- Mathematics — Accurate medical calculations are important.
- Checking, Examining, & Recording and Planning & Organizing — These are important when recording patient and billing information. Attention to detail and accuracy are needed because mistakes with this information can have bad consequences. They must also take what is learned with the physician and identify and complete the tasks in the appropriate detail and in the right order.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Healthcare
- Healthcare Technicians
Automation exposure
Moderate exposure
Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.
A typical day
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
- Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
- Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
- Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.