Certified Medical Assistant
Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) handle administrative tasks like scheduling, record-keeping, and billing, while also supporting clinical duties.
Overview
Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) perform tasks that fall into two main buckets: administrative and clerical. Administrative duties may include office jobs like answering the phone, greeting patients, scheduling appointments, updating and filing patient records, arranging for hospital admissions, and billing and bookkeeping tasks. CMAs also ensure patients are checked in and ready for their visit.
As part of their clinical responsibilities, Certified Medical Assistants take patients’ medical histories, record their vital signs like temperature and blood pressure, and explain different procedures and treatments. They help patients prepare for exams, and may assist doctors during those exams. CMAs also collect blood and urine samples, clean exam rooms, and sterilize equipment.
CMAs spend a lot of time talking with patients, doctors, and nurses, so a good candidate for this role would be someone comfortable having face-to-face conversations.
Work Environment
Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Demand
The need for certified medical assistants in New York State is expected to increase 14% between 2022 and 2032.
Salary
The median salary range, as stated by the New York State Department of Labor, for the Capital Region, Central New York, and the Finger Lakes, is $40,248 – $41,537.
Demand
+14%
Avg Salary
$40,892
Education Requirements
- High school diploma.
- These programs generally last one or two years, resulting in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
- Formal educational programs in medical assisting are offered in vocational technical high schools, post secondary vocational schools, and community colleges.
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