What is a Medical Assistant Salary? - Jackalope Jobs (2023)

Medical assistants help physicians, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals carry out their duties. They may work in the office or outpatient settings, and are usually paid an hourly wage. In addition, they can earn supplemental pay.

The average medical assistant salary is $33,490. However, some states may pay medical assistants more than others. These are based on the job, location, and experience of the assisting professional.

One of the best ways to increase your medical assistant salary is to become certified. This will give you more credibility, and make you more marketable.

Other benefits of being a medical assistant include paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans. Also, many healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement programs.

One of the most important factors in determining your hourly rate is your training and experience. You can improve your chances for a raise by asking for a promotion, making suggestions to improve efficiency, and keeping up with industry trends.

It’s also a good idea to keep your CMA certification current. While it isn’t required, it will add to your resume, and will likely be a deciding factor in your next job interview.

What is the Highest Paying Medical Assistant Job?

If you are interested in working as a medical assistant, you should know that salaries vary by city and state. However, you should be aware that the average salary for the profession is around $37,000 per year.

There are a variety of benefits available to help medical assistants achieve their financial goals. These include paid vacation days, sick leave, and health insurance. Also, you may be able to access tuition reimbursement programs in your area.

Medical Assistants can earn more money if they obtain additional training or certification. This can help them to meet the growing demand for health professionals.

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Medical assistants who work in hospitals are typically better paid than those who work in physician offices. The salaries for these jobs can range from $15 to $18 an hour.

Medical assistants who have a specialty in OB/GYN can make up to $38,940 a year. Their duties may include helping doctors with Pap tests, breast exams, and sample collections. In addition, their on-the-job training can pay off.

Medical assistants can work evenings and weekends. They typically have forty hours of work per week.

What are the 3 Types of Medical Assistants?

A medical assistant’s salary is generally lower than the average American worker. However, the occupation is one of the fastest-growing in the country. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow by 18 percent between 2020 and 2030.

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Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty medical centers. They can work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, and enjoy some of the best benefits.

Medical assistants may receive supplemental pay, a retirement account, health insurance, and paid time off. Some facilities also offer tuition reimbursement.

A medical assistant’s salary is a function of their level of education and training. The more advanced the education, the more likely they are to earn a higher salary.

Getting certified is a good way to improve your earnings. Certified Medical Assistants are eligible to train other assistants. As a result, more employers are requiring certification.

There is also a wide range of opportunities for advancement within the healthcare field. For example, medical assistants can move to positions that pay more or have a better work-life balance.

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Is Medical Assistant Better Than Nurse?

Medical assistants and nurses both have important roles in the health care industry. They have different duties, skills, and educational requirements. However, both professions spend a large amount of time in the clinic, helping patients. Both jobs require at least 40 hours of work per week, but there are differences in their salaries.

Registered nurses have more specialized training and education. They also have a leadership role in patient care. In addition to administering medications and making clinical decisions, they write care plans for their patients.

RNs earn much more than medical assistants. Their salary can reach close to twice as much. But, despite their higher pay, RNs still spend a great deal of their time in the clinic.

The healthcare industry is growing and the need for nurses and medical assistants is increasing. While both professionals can provide excellent care to patients, they have different roles.

Many medical assistants specialize in clinical or administrative tasks. Some medical assistants work in the lab, performing tests, taking samples, and updating patient records. Others prefer administrative roles.

Is Medical Assistant Harder Than Nursing?

Medical assistants and nurses are both essential to the healthcare industry. However, they are also different from one another. Each requires a different set of education and licensing requirements.

Medical assistants typically work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and medical practices. They are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical tasks.

Registered nurses, on the other hand, work with physicians to provide care for patients. Nurses are considered the most ethical professionals in the field. They are often responsible for general patient care, such as taking blood pressure and drawing blood. They are also the first responders to emergencies.

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Medical assistants usually have a high school diploma or an associate degree. Several doctor’s offices offer on-the-job training. In addition, some states require national certification. The medical assisting program can take just a year or two, while the registered nursing program may take up to four years.

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Both positions require 40 hours a week. They are both subject to irregular work schedules, which can contribute to stress.

Medical assistants and nurses perform many tasks in tandem, including collecting vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and providing basic care. Medical assistants tend to be more involved in administrative tasks, while nurses have more clinical experience.

Is Medical Assistant a Stressful Job?

If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, you might wonder what the stress of the job is like. Fortunately, there are ways to ease the stress of your job.

Medical assistants are responsible for a wide variety of tasks. Some of these include helping patients by taking their vital signs, recording their health histories and obtaining blood samples. Others involve interacting with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and technicians.

While there are numerous positives about a career as a medical assistant, there are some negatives, too. First, a medical assistant isn’t given complete control over their day. You may be expected to work a lot of hours, or even overnight. In addition, you may have to deal with challenging patients, or deal with death and dying.

Thankfully, most healthcare employers offer some type of benefits on top of your base pay. These benefits can be anything from paid vacation time to dental and vision insurance.

Another good thing about being a medical assistant is that you will always have a job. This is especially true in today’s world where aging baby boomers are putting pressure on health care providers.

What Do Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants are the first point of contact between patients and doctors. In addition to being a liaison between physician and patient, they also help to streamline processes and cut costs in the healthcare industry.

As part of a medical team, they can perform lab work, administer medications, and record results. They may also interview patients to find out if they have any symptoms or problems. Some medical assistants have special training in an area of medicine, such as cardiology or dermatology.

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Many assistants may be cross-trained for both clinical and administrative duties. Administrative tasks can include updating patient records, filing forms, billing, and completing insurance forms.

These tasks can be time-consuming and require excellent organizational skills. For example, it is necessary to ensure that urgent lab samples get to the lab on time. Medical assistants must ensure that test results are faxed to the pharmacy, and must verify that prescriptions are received by the pharmacy.

Medical assistants can also prepare patients for exams. These duties vary by clinic, but in general, they can assist with physical examinations.

How Do I Become a Certified Medical Assistant?

If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, you have a lot of options. You can work at hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, or single-practitioner practices. In addition to providing hands-on care, you may also perform administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.

Medical assistants are in high demand, and there are a lot of jobs for them. However, becoming a certified medical assistant can be a complicated process. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the certification process easier.

First, you will need to earn a high school diploma or GED. Next, you will need to complete an approved medical assistant program. Then you will need to pass the certification exam.

The exam can be taken online. It can be difficult to pass, though, and can cost a lot of money. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources to help you prepare for the exam. Some agencies will provide you with free practice questions.

Another way to prepare is to take an externship. An externship gives you a chance to observe and practice your skills in a medical setting. This experience will help you get a feel for the job and which type of office you are interested in.

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FAQs

What is the salary for a certified medical assistant in Texas? ›

How much does a Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) make in Texas? The average Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) salary in Texas is $37,900 as of December 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $35,000 and $41,000.

Who pays the best for medical assistants? ›

Below are the top 5 states where Medical Assistants get paid the most:
  • Washington. Average Hourly Wage: $22.75. Average Annual Salary: $47,320.
  • District of Columbia: Average Hourly Wage: $22.45. ...
  • Alaska: Average Hourly Wage: $22.30. ...
  • California: Average Hourly Wage: $21.53. ...
  • Massachusetts: Average Hourly Wage: $21.25.
Dec 18, 2022

Is a medical assistant job worth it? ›

Becoming a medical assistant is a good career choice because it is an in-demand career with many opportunities. The demand for medical assistants is expected to increase by 18.9 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average compared to other occupations.

Is medical assistant harder than nursing? ›

Medical assistants (MA) require much less training than nurses. This might include on-the-job training or a certified program, which can range from nine months to two years. Associate degrees and certification courses for MAs are offered online and at traditional schools.

What's the next step after medical assistant? ›

Medical assistants can advance to RN by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, then passing the NCLEX-RN. Often, medical assistants can earn credit for previous coursework and professional healthcare experience, accelerating their transition to a new career.

Is it hard to pass the certified medical assistant exam? ›

The exam is challenging and requires some preparation. The better you prepare, the more likely you will pass the exam on your first try. The CMA exam pass rate from July 2020 to July 2021 was 62%. A total of 8,870 CMA exams were administered during this time.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant? ›

Although the exact amount of time can vary, it typically takes nine months to two years for most aspiring medical assistants. Becoming a medical assistant involves a number of steps, including graduating from high school, acquiring medical assistant training, and obtaining certifications.

What are the benefits of being a medical assistant? ›

TOP PROS OF BEING A MEDICAL ASSISTANT
  • Positive job outlook. ...
  • You are capable of performing so many duties. ...
  • You could specialize. ...
  • It is not a lengthy training program. ...
  • You have the option of an online program. ...
  • Financial Aid may be an option. ...
  • You can become certified. ...
  • Flexible schedule.

Whats the highest a medical assistant can make an hour? ›

The highest 10% of medical assistants earned more than $48,170 in 2021, or about $23 per hour.

What is the strongest skill as a medical assistant? ›

A medical assistant's strongest skill should be compassion. More than the sympathy we feel for those who struggle, compassion is the willingness to take action to meet others' needs and ease their pain. It's empathy in motion.

What medical assistants should not do? ›

Medical assistants are not allowed to perform such invasive procedures as:
  • placing the needle or starting and disconnecting the infusion tube of an IV.
  • administering medications or injections into the IV line.
  • charting the pupillary responses.
  • inserting a urine catheter.
  • independently performing telephone triage.

Is medical assistant better than nurse? ›

The greatest difference between the two careers involves the level of care each is able to provide to patients. Specifically, medical assistants tend to spend more time performing scheduling, clerical and billing tasks, while nurses spend most of their time focusing on patient care.

Is becoming a medical assistant Difficult? ›

While it does take some hard work, determination, and plenty of focus, the road to becoming a medical assistant is not impossible. Medical assisting, rather, is one of the most straightforward paths to a career in the healthcare field. In fact, it is now easier than ever to become a medical assistant!

What education is required to be a medical assistant? ›

Who makes more money MA or CNA? ›

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for medical assistants is $45,760 per year. CNAs earned a median annual wage of $30,310.

What is the difference between CNA and medical assistant? ›

CNAs support and assist nurses while medical assistants support and assist doctors. This means CNAs take on patient care tasks like showering, dressing, and eating. Medical assistants take on tasks that help doctors conduct exams, such as preparing exam rooms or administering vaccines.

How much do medical assistants make? ›

Salary range for the majority of workers in Medical assistants - from R5 476 to R29 501 per month - 2023. A Medical assistants typically earns between R5 476 and R14 253 net per month at the start of the job. After 5 years of service, this is between R7 515 and R18 545 per month for a working week of 45 hours.

What is the shortest time to become a medical assistant? ›

The quickest medical assistant program is six weeks long, but most medical assistant training is three months or longer. Medical assistant courses vary from 5 days to two years, depending on the certificate or diploma you are earning.

What is lower than a medical assistant? ›

Nursing assistants have a more physical job than medical assistants, often being asked to help patients with basic tasks like bathing, moving or repositioning patients and monitoring patients' vital signs. Unlike medical assistants, nursing assistants work solely on the clinical side of health care.

What are the three fields of medicine medical assistants work in? ›

Medical assistants can work in clinics, doctors offices, care centers, and hospitals. Some medical assistants specialize in clinical or administrative roles.

How many times can you fail the CMA exam? ›

If the candidate does not pass the exam after three (3) attempts, the candidate is no longer eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential unless verification (an official transcript) is provided that the candidate enrolled in the same or another accredited medical assisting program again and completed all requirements for ...

Is CMA easier than CNA? ›

So CNA vs CMA: What is the Difference? The first difference comes with time requirements to get your certification. A Certified Nursing Assistant Certification requires 76 hours of curriculum and training, while it only takes 40 hours to get a CMA Certification.

How much is medical assistant training? ›

One-year certificate programs through a community college average cost can range from $2,500-$10,000 [3]. Community College: At community college students can earn an Associate's Degree in medical assisting.

How can I become a medical assistant fast? ›

Enroll in a medical assisting course (4 months to 2 years).

If you choose an online certificate program, you can have your medical assisting certificate in as little as 4 months. If you would prefer to graduate with a diploma, you'll spend about 2 years in school.

What is a typical day of a medical assistant? ›

MAs are responsible for preparing, maintaining, and updating the medical records of the patients. They will also schedule their visits for examination or treatment, and send them phone, message, or email reminders. Additionally, they will check, maintain, and order office and medical supplies.

What's the most a CMA can make an hour? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $27.40 and as low as $11.54, the majority of CMA wages currently range between $15.38 (25th percentile) to $18.03 (75th percentile) across the United States.

How can I make more money as a Medical Assistant? ›

How Can I Earn More as a Medical Assistant?
  1. Go where the jobs are.
  2. If you have a certificate or diploma, earn an associate degree.
  3. Volunteer to teach and tutor aspiring medical assistants.
  4. Earn a medical assisting credential.
  5. Earn credentials in complementary fields to add to your skills.

What is the strongest skill as a Medical Assistant? ›

A medical assistant's strongest skill should be compassion. More than the sympathy we feel for those who struggle, compassion is the willingness to take action to meet others' needs and ease their pain. It's empathy in motion.

How much does a CMA make in Ohio? ›

The average Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) salary in Ohio is $37,700 as of December 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $34,800 and $40,700.

Is CMA better than CNA? ›

CMAs have a wider range of job opportunities as they can work in medical facilities that don't provide long-term care. CNAs can work in all medical facilities that provide direct patient care and comfort, that includes nursing homes, hospices, and assisted living centers.

What is CMA starting salary? ›

An Entry Level CMA with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹7.8 Lakhs per year. A mid-career CMA with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹14.9 Lakhs per year, while an experienced CMA with 10-20 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹5.9 Lakhs per year.

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