Medical Assistant Job Description

Summary

A medical assistant supports clinicians and patients in a medical office. The job combines clinical tasks such as recording vital signs with front-office tasks such as records and scheduling.

What a medical assistant may do differs by state, practice and training. Describe the tasks you need so candidates can see whether they qualify.

Duties and responsibilities

• Greet and room patients, and record their history, vital signs and reason for the visit.
• Prepare exam rooms and set up supplies and equipment.
• Assist clinicians during exams and procedures.
• Perform clinical tasks that your state and training allow, as the clinician directs.
• Update patient records accurately and protect patient privacy.
• Follow infection control and safety steps.
• Help with scheduling, referrals, phone calls and supplies as needed.

Skills and qualities

• Caring and calm with patients, including those who are unwell or anxious.
• Careful, accurate and organized.
• Comfortable with both clinical tasks and computer records.
• Clear communication with patients and clinicians.
• Steady in busy, changing moments.
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality.

Typical requirements

• Any medical assisting training, certification or registration that your state or office requires for the tasks in the job.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, which many offices require.
• Ability to stand, lift and assist patients as your work requires.
• Willingness to complete the health and safety steps your practice requires.

Requirements differ by state, city and employer. Check the licensing, age, safety and pay rules that apply to your business before you post. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.

Schedule and conditions

Medical offices usually run daytime weekday hours, and some include evenings or Saturdays. Give the schedule, the number of days a week and whether the job is full time or part time.

Say how coverage works for lunch and busy days.

Nice to have

• Experience in the specialty of your practice.
• Experience with the electronic records system you use.
• Experience drawing blood or giving injections, where your state allows it.
• A second language, if your patients need it.

Tips for posting this job

• Describe the practice and the care it provides.
• List the credentials you require and any you will help earn.
• Name the tasks the assistant will do, in plain words.
• Give the schedule and the team the assistant will join.
• Explain how training and orientation work.

Put your real pay, schedule and location in the posting. Candidates skip posts that leave them out.