Also called: MA, Clinical Assistant
Takes vitals, preps patients, gives shots, and keeps a doctor's office running.
Calls the next patient back, checks their blood pressure and weight, asks why they're here, and types it into the chart before the doctor walks in. Also draws blood, gives vaccines, and schedules follow-ups.
BLS May 2024.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Certificate or diploma (9-12 months) or on-the-job training; certification (CMA/RMA) helps.
Ways in: Certification, 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Medical Assisting (certificate).
Growing much faster than average (about 12% over 10 years). Much faster than average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI check-in, scheduling and notes will cut front-office tasks; vitals, shots and hands-on patient prep stay human.
Classes: Health science CTE, Medical terminology, Biology, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 31-9092.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.