How Much Do Medical Assistants Earn?
The job of a medical assistant involves scheduling appointment at the doctor's office, greeting patients, taking vitals and filling out a patient's chart in the exam room. How much medical assistants earn depends on their level of education and the state where the job is located. As one of the fastest growing professions, medical assisting is a stable and an in-demand job.
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Types
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Though the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 62 percent of medical assistants work in physicians' offices, other professions utilize them as well. Podiatrists, chiropractors, urgent care clinics, hospitals and optometrists all employ medical assistants as members of their staff.
Hospitals rank among the highest-paying employers, with an annual average wage of $29,840, followed closely by outpatient care centers at $28,660.
Features
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The job description of a medical assistant is very broad and depends on the size of the office. In a small practice, the job can entail everything from clinical work to filing insurance claims and scheduling appointments. State laws dictate the clinical activities of medical assistants. Normally, they are allowed to record vital signs and perform prep duties under a physician's supervision. However, they are not allowed to examine or diagnose patients.
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Considerations
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Medical assistants may enter the field with varied educations. Some offices will hire medical assistants with just a high school diploma, while others look for a certificate or an associate's degree.
Training is as broad as the job itself, involving administrative courses, medical-related classes and general education electives. Some employers will train medical assistants on the job in return for their continued employment.
Geography
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Medical assistant salaries are also dictated by geography. The top five states in number of medical assistants employed are California, Michigan, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Utah. However, the top five highest-paying states (in order) are the District of Columbia, Alaska, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Washington. The highest reported annual wage is $35,640.
Benefits
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The medical field is virtually recession-proof, and sustains its workforce through difficult economic times. The medical assistant profession is ranked above average in the field for job growth and future potential. Over 400,000 individuals were employed as medical assistants in 2006. It is expected to remain one of the market's fastest-growing jobs for years to come.
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