A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is an allied health professional who supports physicians and other healthcare providers. Trained to perform a wide range of duties, CMAs are often the first point of contact for patients and help ensure that medical offices operate efficiently. Their role involves both direct patient care and administrative tasks.
What a Certified Medical Assistant Does
The responsibilities of a Certified Medical Assistant fall into two categories: administrative and clinical. This dual capability allows them to adapt to the needs of their workplace, from a large hospital to a small private practice. Many CMAs perform a combination of these tasks daily.
Administrative Duties
CMAs handle the operational aspects of a medical office, including managing the front desk, scheduling appointments, and handling phone calls. They are tasked with updating and maintaining patient electronic health records (EHRs). Their administrative work also involves billing and insurance. CMAs may code diagnoses for insurance claims, handle correspondence with insurance companies, and manage patient billing. They also help arrange hospital admissions and coordinate with laboratories for test results.
Clinical Duties
Under a physician’s supervision, a CMA’s clinical duties involve direct patient care. They take and record vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and prepare patients for examinations by taking their medical histories. CMAs assist physicians during exams and minor procedures. Their responsibilities can include preparing and administering medications or injections as permitted by state law. Many are trained in phlebotomy to draw blood and collect other lab specimens, and they may also explain treatment plans to patients.
How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant
Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant requires formal education and passing a certification exam. The first step is to complete a medical assisting program from an institution accredited by a recognized agency, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs are offered at vocational schools and community colleges, lasting one to two years and resulting in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. The curriculum covers subjects like human anatomy, medical terminology, and clinical procedures.
Upon graduating, candidates must pass a national certification exam to earn the CMA credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Eligibility requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited program. The multiple-choice exam assesses knowledge in general, administrative, and clinical areas, and passing it officially confers the “Certified” title.
Essential Skills for Success
To thrive as a Certified Medical Assistant, a blend of technical abilities (hard skills) and interpersonal attributes (soft skills) is required. Technical proficiency is learned through education and is needed to carry out the clinical and administrative tasks of the role. This includes competence with medical equipment like EKG machines, understanding sterilization techniques, and using electronic health record (EHR) software.
Soft skills are just as important for effective patient interaction and teamwork. Strong communication is needed to clearly explain procedures to patients and relay information accurately to other members of the healthcare team. Compassion and empathy are valuable when working with patients who are anxious or in distress, while the ability to multitask with attention to detail helps prevent errors.
Career Outlook and Salary
The career prospects for Certified Medical Assistants are positive. Demand is driven by the needs of an aging population and the expansion of physicians’ practices. More assistants are needed to handle routine duties, allowing doctors to see more patients.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for medical assistants will grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in about 119,800 job openings each year. These openings will come from new job creation and the need to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $44,200 in May 2024, though salaries vary. Factors influencing pay include geographic location, experience, and work setting. For instance, CMAs in outpatient care centers may earn more, and holding a certification can also lead to better salary opportunities.
Where Certified Medical Assistants Work
Certified Medical Assistants are employed in a wide variety of healthcare settings. The most common workplace is physicians’ offices, where more than half of all CMAs are employed, handling both front-office and back-office tasks.
Hospitals are another major employer, offering a fast-paced environment with exposure to various medical specialties. CMAs also work in outpatient care centers and urgent care clinics, which are growing sectors in healthcare. These facilities rely on CMAs to help manage patient flow and provide support.
Beyond these common settings, CMAs can be found in specialized practices like cardiology or dermatology. Other employment locations include:
- Nursing homes
- Chiropractic offices
- Insurance companies
- Medical research centers
This array of options allows CMAs to find a work environment that aligns with their career goals.