Medical Assistant Job Description: How To, Definition & more

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team, supporting physicians and other clinical providers with both administrative functions and hands-on patient care tasks. As one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States, medical assisting offers rewarding career opportunities in physician offices, hospitals, urgent care clinics, and specialty practices nationwide.

A medical assistant helps to manage patient files, take and record vital signs, prepare tests, and collect information. The specific duties of the medical assistant will vary by location, as they may work in practices with different specialties and of varying sizes.

Whether you’re drawn to direct patient interaction or the organizational side of healthcare operations, a medical assistant career places you at the center of the healthcare delivery system.

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What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants perform a dual role, handling clinical duties that support patient care and administrative tasks that keep healthcare practices running efficiently. The specific scope of practice varies by state regulation and clinical setting, but most medical assistants are cross-trained in both areas.

Common job duties include:

Taking and recording patient vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate
Documenting patient medical histories and preparing patients for examinations
Assisting physicians and nurse practitioners during procedures and examinations
Collecting and processing laboratory specimens such as blood draws and urinalysis samples
Administering medications and injections as authorized and directed by a physician
Scheduling patient appointments and managing electronic health records (EHR)
Handling medical billing, coding, and insurance authorizations
Maintaining exam room cleanliness, organization, and supply inventory

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical Assisting Associate Degree

Under 2 years

Approximate Program Length

62 credits

Total Credits

May 06

Next Start Date

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Most employers require medical assistants to have completed a postsecondary medical assisting program—typically a diploma or associate’s degree from an accredited institution. Many employers prefer or require professional certification. The most widely recognized credentials are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) designation offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) designation offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Passing the appropriate certification exam typically requires completing an accredited program and, in some cases, a period of clinical experience.

Bryant & Stratton College offers accredited medical assisting programs that prepare graduates for both the clinical and administrative responsibilities of the role. Our programs combine hands-on clinical training with classroom instruction, equipping students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that today’s healthcare employers expect. Flexible scheduling options, including online coursework, make it possible to pursue your education while managing your current commitments. Contact an admissions advisor today to learn more.

Next Start Dates

Our flexible delivery model is designed to cater to diverse schedules and preferences, offering many different terms to accommodate the unique needs of our students. With starts available every 8 to 16 weeks, you have the freedom to choose a timeline that aligns with your lifestyle and commitments.

This approach ensures that you can embark on your educational journey at a time that suits you best, providing the convenience and accessibility necessary for a successful learning experience.

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Where Do Medical Assistants Work?

A young Medical Assistant in blue scrubs with a pink stethoscope smiles while writing on a clipboard, standing in a bright, sunlit hallway with large windows behind her.

The majority of medical assistants work in physician offices and outpatient care centers. Other common employment settings include hospitals, urgent care facilities, specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics, community health centers, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).

The field offers strong geographic flexibility, with demand for medical assistants in urban, suburban, and rural communities across all 50 states.

Medical Assistant Career Outlook

The BLS projects 14% growth in medical assistant employment from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

This robust growth is fueled by an aging U.S. population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the continued expansion of outpatient care facilities.

The BLS estimates approximately 114,600 new medical assistant positions will be created over the decade, making this one of the most in-demand allied health careers in the country.

A Medical Assistant in blue scrubs sits at a desk, focused on working on a laptop in a bright office setting with shelves and office supplies in the background.

Administrative vs. Clinical Medical Assistants

There are some specializations within the field of medical assistants. If you prefer one type of task over another, working within a specialty field can help you ultimately log more hours doing the type of work you love. If you prefer the clerical side of this position, consider a career as an administrative medical assistant. In this role, you’ll focus on medical coding, record management, appointment setting, and other duties associated with a receptionist or administrative assistant. When you compare medical assistant degrees, or other types of programs, be sure you consider the curriculum details. Some programs may not offer these types of skills.

If you’re more interested in the clinical side of the job, look for a position as a clinical medical assistant. These professionals work more closely with lab testing, equipment sterilization and prep, and routine tests. A clinical medical assistant may even perform basic medical duties such as drawing blood, changing wound dressings, or removing stitches. That is why we equip our Albany, New York and Richmond, Virginia campuses with medical assisting labs for students to get experience and confidence performing essential patient care.

Gain Real World Experience at Bryant & Stratton College

Through our partnership network, students are provided with opportunities to actively apply their learnings in real-world settings.

There are several benefits to internship experiences that can impact your career success. Internships can provide insight into the hiring process, help you sharpen your professional skills, and learn to work with confidence in real-world situations.

Plus, internships are a valuable way to prove yourself to potential employers who may want to hire you as a result. You can also start developing a network of peers and mentors you can lean on for guidance and support. If you want to learn how we connect students with local internships that align with their goals, request info today.

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What Are Students Saying?

Smiling person with a bun hairstyle and headband, standing outdoors in front of a building.

I always tell anyone who may be considering the MA program at Bryant & Stratton College not to be discouraged. It is likely that you will walk in not knowing much of anything on your first day, but if you stand your ground and follow through nothing can hold you back.
Jessica Yanik AAS Medical Assisting

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If you have been considering attending Bryant & Stratton College for the Medical Assisting program, take the leap. Your skills will be top notch and the bonds you create with the staff and your peers are amazing, especially because they want to see you succeed.
Oudie Williams AAS Medical Assisting

Amanda M Harris - AAS Medical Assisting Testimonial

Bryant & Stratton College’s blended medical assisting courses offer the best of both technology training and hands-on in-person training.
Amanda M Harris AAS Medical Assisting

A woman with long brown hair wearing a dark jacket and an ID badge stands indoors in a modern, bright office building with large windows.

My time at B&SC helped me become a great Medical Assistant, everyone there really helped me reach my full potential and learn some great information pertaining to my career. It also really helped me with being more comfortable around/with people.
Haley Turley AAS Medical Assisting

Browse our Blogs and Unlock Valuable Insights

For insights into a career in the healthcare industry, please visit the Healthcare Degrees section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about nursing and healthcare careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Healthcare Degree Programs page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Medical assistants primarily work in physician offices and outpatient settings, supporting clinical care and administrative operations. Nursing assistants (CNAs) typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings, providing hands-on direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses. Both are valuable entry-level healthcare careers with distinct scopes of practice.

Medical assistants are trained to perform both clinical and administrative functions, including taking vital signs, assisting with procedures, and administering medications under physician supervision. Medical office assistants typically focus solely on administrative duties such as scheduling, billing, and patient communication without clinical responsibilities.

Certification is not federally required, but it is strongly preferred by the majority of healthcare employers. Earning the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) credential demonstrates competency, enhances job prospects, and is associated with higher starting wages. Many states are moving toward stronger credentialing standards for medical assistants.

Most medical assisting diploma programs can be completed in approximately one year. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years. Program length may vary depending on the institution, the format (full-time vs. part-time), and whether clinical externship hours are included.

Medical Assistant

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