Medical assistants keep doctors’ offices running smoothly

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October 26, 2010

Medical assistants keep doctors’ offices running smoothly

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Outlook: Employment of medical assistants is expected to increase 34 percent over the 2008-18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Pay: The 5,120 medical assistants in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area earned a median wage of $33,510 in 2008.

The job: Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical duties to keep the offices of doctors running smoothly. Administrative medical assistants update and file patients’ medical records, fill out insurance forms, arrange for lab services, schedule appointments and answer phones. Clinical medical assistants take medical histories, record vital signs, explain treatment procedures, prepare patients for exams, draw blood and change dressings. There is constant interaction with people.

Training: Some are trained on the job, but many complete one- or two-year training programs.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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