# Medical Assistant jobs and career guide

Category: Clinical Support
Page: https://medroles.com/roles/medical-assistant/
Also called: Certified Medical Assistant, CMA, RMA, CCMA, Clinical Medical Assistant, Back Office Medical Assistant, MA

Medical assistants keep the clinic moving. They room patients, take vitals and histories, assist providers and handle clinical and front office tasks in doctors' offices and outpatient clinics.

## Typical US pay
$36k–$50k per year (approximate, entry level to experienced).

## What they do
- Room patients, take vital signs and update medical histories
- Assist providers with exams and minor procedures
- Give injections, draw blood and run point-of-care tests where state law allows
- Document in the electronic health record and handle refills and referrals

## Key skills
- Vital signs
- EHR documentation
- Injections
- Phlebotomy
- Patient communication

## Training
Most medical assistants complete a certificate or diploma program (about 9 to 12 months) or an associate degree. Some practices train on the job.

## Licensing & certifications
Most states don't license medical assistants, but many employers require certification: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from AAMA, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT, or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from NHA. A few states, such as Washington, require MA registration or certification.

## Open jobs (0)
None posted right now.