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Occupation AtlasMedical Assistants

O*NET · 31-9092.00

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.

Also called Autopsy Assistant · Bilingual Medical Assistant · Cardiology Medical Assistant · Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) · Chiropractic Assistant · Chiropractor Assistant · Client Services Coordinator · Clinic Assistant
39 more

Clinic Medical Assistant · Clinical Medical Assistant · CMA · Dermatology Medical Assistant · Doctor Assistant · Doctor's Assistant · Family Medicine Medical Assistant · Health Assistant · Health Unit Clerk · Hospital Clinic Assistant · MA · Medical Assistant (MA) · Medical Office Worker · Medical Support Assistant · Medical Tech Assistant · Medical Technician Assistant (Medical Tech Assistant) · OB/GYN Medical Assistant · OB/GYN Medical Assistant (Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Assistant) · Ocular Care Aide · Ophthalmic Aide · Ophthalmic Assistant · Ophthalmological Assistant · Optometric Aide · Optometric Assistant · Optometrist Assistant · Optometry Assistant · Orthopedic Assistant · Orthopedic Medical Assistant · Outpatient Surgery Assistant · Pediatric Medical Assistant · Physician's Aide · Podiatric Aide · Podiatric Assistant · Podiatrist Assistant · Primary Care Medical Assistant · Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) · Respiratory Therapist Assistant · RMA · Urgent Care Medical Assistant

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CSR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CSRConventional · Social · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.75
  • S Social4.80
  • R Realistic4.06
  • I Investigative3.80
  • E Enterprising1.98
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent21%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate45%
  • Some College Courses17%
  • Bachelor's Degree18%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (41%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (48%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (66%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Social Perceptiveness4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Speakingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Service Orientation3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Coordination3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Writingbasic3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Instructing3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Persuasion2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Mathematicsbasic2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Sciencebasic2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Negotiation2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Monitoring2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Systems Analysis2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Quality Control Analysis2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Troubleshooting1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Selection1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Repairing1.50.8
  • Programming1.50.6
  • Technology Design1.50.6
  • Equipment Maintenance1.50.5
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

19 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.4.8
  2. Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.4.8
  3. Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.4.7
  4. Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.4.7
  5. Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.4.7
  6. Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.4.7
  7. Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.4.6
  8. Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.4.6
  9. Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.4.6
  10. Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.4.6
  11. Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.4.5
  12. Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.4.5
Show the other 8
  1. Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.4.4
  2. Change dressings on wounds.4.4
  3. Schedule appointments for patients.4.2
  4. Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.4.1
  5. Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.4.0
  6. Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.4.0
  7. Set up medical laboratory equipment.3.7
  8. Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language4.84.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service4.55.8
  • Medicine and Dentistry4.33.8Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Administrative4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and Electronics3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Public Safety and Security3.22.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Psychology3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
Show all 33
  • Therapy and Counseling3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Administration and Management2.92.7
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Mathematics2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Biology2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Law and Government2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Foreign Language2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Communications and Media2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Chemistry2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and Accounting2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Telecommunications2.11.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Sales and Marketing1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Fine Arts1.7—
  • Physics1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Design1.5—
  • Mechanical1.5—
  • Production and Processing1.5—
  • Transportation1.5—
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Engineering and Technology1.4—
  • Food Production1.4—
  • Geography1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Recognition3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Speech Clarity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Expression3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.53.5Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Memorization2.92.8
  • Number Facility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.9
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.8
  • Originality2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Selective Attention2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Trunk Strength2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Speed of Closure2.52.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Static Strength2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Response Orientation2.01.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Stamina2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth Perception1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Reaction Time1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.8
  • Rate Control1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.6
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.6
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.4
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.3—
  • Night Vision1.3—
  • Sound Localization1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.94.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.74.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Working with Computers4.74.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Assisting and Caring for Others4.65.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.65.8
  • Processing Information4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.45.6
Show all 41
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.45.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Performing Administrative Activities4.13.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.95.7
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Training and Teaching Others3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.14.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Developing and Building Teams3.02.8
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.82.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others5.0
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Telephone Conversations4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Physical Proximity4.3
  • Written Letters and Memos4.2

Technology

32 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Epic Systemshot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (9; 2 more marked hot above)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (21)
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Billing software
  • Bookkeeping software
  • Business software applications
  • Data entry software
  • Database software
  • Diagnostic and procedural coding software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Email software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • IDX Systems Patient Chart Tracking
  • Medical condition coding software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft SharePoint Server
  • Microsoft Windows Vista Business
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Patient management software
  • Visual electro diagnostic software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Surgical Assistants
  2. Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
  3. Registered Nurses
  4. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
  5. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  6. Physical Therapist Aides
  7. Nursing Assistants
  8. Dental Assistants
  9. Medical Records Specialists
  10. Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.