Medical Assistant

What do Medical Assistants do?

Medical assistants often take medical histories and record vital signs of patients. They are essential in the day-to-day operations of many medical practices. As their name suggests, they provide valuable support to doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals. In addition, medical assistants also often help with the administrative tasks of running an office, such as answering phones, making appointments, managing computer data and processing paperwork. In larger practices or hospitals, medical assistants may specialize in either administrative or clinical work.

Average Wage

Experienced Wage

As a Medical Assistant, you will

Greet and process incoming patients
Measure blood pressure
Measure height and weight and take temperature
Obtain vital signs
Perform routine clinical tasks
Prepare patients for exams
Take patient histories

Training & Educational Opportunities

You will have plenty of employment opportunities as a medical assistant, but first you will have to complete training and earn a certificate. Two well-known credentials in the industry are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certifications.

Training Providers

  • A Plus Healthcare Training
  • College of DuPage
  • Genesis Healthcare Institute
  • Harper College
  • Healthcare Training Institute
  • Joliet Junior College
  • Midwestern Career College
  • Rasmussen College
  • Tukiendorf Training Institute (TTI)
  • Waubonsee Community College

A WIOA grant can pay for training.

Types of Employers

  • Ambulatory care facilities
  • Dentist offices
  • Doctor offices
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient centers

Opportunities

After earning your medical assistant certificate, you will have many opportunities for advancement. Some opportunities include:

  • Clinical Team Leader
  • Lead Medical Assistant
  • Medical Assistant Instructor
  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Office Manager
  • Medical Records and Health Information Technician
  • Transcription Supervisor