Medical Assistant Jobs Hiring Now Across the United States

Types of Medical Assistant Jobs Available

Medical assisting is one of the most versatile roles in healthcare. Depending on the practice setting and employer, duties can range from entirely clinical to largely administrative, or a combination of both. The listings on this page cover the full range of medical assistant positions currently open across the country.

Clinical Medical Assistant

Take patient vital signs, prepare exam rooms, assist physicians during procedures, administer injections, and perform EKGs and phlebotomy.

Administrative Medical Assistant

Manage patient scheduling, insurance verification, medical billing, and front-desk operations in a physician office or clinic setting.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Holds a national certification such as CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT). Preferred by most employers and typically commands a higher starting wage.

Specialty Practice Medical Assistant

Works in a specific clinical environment such as orthopedics, dermatology, cardiology, or pediatrics, developing focused procedural skills.

Outpatient Clinic Medical Assistant

Provides support in community health centers, urgent care clinics, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), often serving high patient volumes.

Hospital-Based Medical Assistant

Assists in hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory care units. Often eligible for hospital benefits packages including tuition reimbursement.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook: One of the Fastest-Growing Roles in Healthcare

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. The demand is driven by an aging U.S. population requiring more medical services, a continued shift toward outpatient and ambulatory care, and the expansion of primary care access through federally qualified health centers and community clinics.

14%

Projected Job Growth (2022 to 2032)

114,600

Average Annual Job Openings

$37,190

Median Annual Wage (BLS, May 2023)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants.

How Much Do Medical Assistants Earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 in May 2023. Certified medical assistants, those employed in hospital settings, and those working in specialty practices consistently earn above the national median. The ranges below reflect typical rates seen across current U.S. job postings.

Entry-Level Medical Assistant$16 to $20/hr

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)$19 to $25/hr

Clinical Medical Assistant$18 to $24/hr

Specialty Practice Medical Assistant$20 to $28/hr

Hospital-Based Medical Assistant$21 to $30/hr

Lead or Senior Medical Assistant$24 to $32/hr

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023. Ranges are illustrative and vary by location, certification status, employer, and experience level.

Medical Assistant Certifications That Employers Look For

While no federal law mandates certification for medical assistants, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and other credentialing bodies offer nationally recognized designations that significantly improve hiring prospects and starting pay. Here are the four most widely recognized credentials in the field.

CMA (AAMA) — Certified Medical Assistant

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting program. Exam-based certification renewed every 60 continuing education hours.

RMA — Registered Medical Assistant

American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Available to graduates of accredited programs or candidates with qualifying work experience. Exam-based with continuing education renewal requirements.

NCMA — National Certified Medical Assistant

National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Open to graduates of accredited programs or those with documented work experience. Exam administered at testing centers nationwide.

CCMA — Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

No formal education prerequisite for candidates with healthcare work experience. One of the more accessible certification pathways for career changers.

HIPAA, OSHA, and Clinical Compliance Every Medical Assistant Must Know

Working in a clinical environment comes with federally mandated compliance obligations. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and OSHA, medical assistants are directly subject to several key regulatory frameworks from their first day on the job.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires all healthcare workforce members, including medical assistants, to protect the privacy and security of patient health information.

Medical assistants who improperly disclose protected health information (PHI) can expose their employer to civil and criminal penalties under HIPAA, and may be personally disciplined or terminated.

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, requires employers to provide medical assistants with appropriate personal protective equipment, training on exposure control, and access to hepatitis B vaccination at no cost.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), standard precautions including hand hygiene, PPE use, and safe injection practices are required for all patient care activities regardless of a patient's known or suspected infection status.

Where Can a Medical Assistant Career Take You?

Medical assisting provides a strong foundation for advancement within healthcare. Many professionals in nursing, health administration, and clinical specializations began their careers as medical assistants. The clinical exposure, patient communication skills, and regulatory knowledge gained in these roles translate directly into a wide range of higher-paying positions.

Medical Office Manager

Oversee the administrative and operational functions of a physician practice or clinic. Often requires additional education or years of MA experience.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Many medical assistants use their clinical exposure as a foundation to pursue LPN licensure through an accredited nursing program.

Phlebotomy Technician

Specialize in venipuncture and blood collection. A separate credential that can increase hourly pay and expand job options.

Healthcare Administrator

Advance into practice management, coding and billing, or health information management with additional training or a degree.

Scope of Practice: What Medical Assistants Cannot Do

According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and individual state medical boards, medical assistants must operate strictly within their authorized scope of practice. The following tasks are generally outside the legal scope of a medical assistant in most U.S. jurisdictions:

Diagnosing a patient or interpreting diagnostic test results independently

Prescribing, dispensing, or independently administering medications without physician direction

Performing procedures that require a nursing or physician license

Ordering laboratory tests or imaging studies without a provider order

Providing medical advice or treatment recommendations to patients

Signing or countersigning medical orders or prescriptions

Operating as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse without the appropriate license

Disclosing patient health information in violation of HIPAA regulations

Tips for Landing Your Next Medical Assistant Job

Earn a National Certification Before Applying

Even if a posting does not require it, holding a CMA (AAMA), CCMA (NHA), or RMA (AMT) credential sets your application apart immediately and opens access to higher-paying roles at hospitals and specialty practices.

Complete a HIPAA Training Course

Free and low-cost HIPAA training courses are available online through the HHS Office for Civil Rights. Listing HIPAA compliance training on your resume signals professionalism and readiness to work in a clinical environment.

Highlight Both Clinical and Administrative Experience

Medical assistant roles are uniquely dual-function. Employers value candidates who can move between the front desk and the exam room. Be specific about both skillsets on your resume and in your interview.

Apply to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs, which receive federal funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are among the largest employers of medical assistants in the country. They often offer loan repayment programs, strong benefits, and mission-driven work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Assistant Jobs

Do I need to be certified to work as a medical assistant?

Certification is not federally required to work as a medical assistant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, most medical assistants are trained on the job or complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program. However, many employers strongly prefer or require a national certification such as the CMA (AAMA) or CCMA (NHA). Certification typically results in higher starting pay and a broader selection of job opportunities.

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?

The job outlook is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 114,600 openings for medical assistants are projected each year on average. Growth is driven by an aging population, expanding primary care demand, and the ongoing shift toward outpatient care settings.

How much do medical assistants earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $37,190 in May 2023. Certified medical assistants, those working in hospital settings, and those with specialty practice experience typically earn above the median. Geographic location also has a significant impact, with states such as Alaska, Washington, and California reporting the highest average wages.

What duties can a medical assistant legally perform?

The scope of practice for medical assistants is determined at the state level and varies across jurisdictions. According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), medical assistants typically perform both administrative tasks such as scheduling and insurance verification and clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination, and administering medications as directed by a physician. Some states restrict or require physician supervision for specific clinical procedures. Always verify the rules in your state before accepting duties that exceed your training.

Is HIPAA training required for medical assistants?

Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), all members of a covered healthcare entity's workforce must receive HIPAA training. As a medical assistant, you will be required to complete HIPAA privacy and security training before or shortly after starting a new position. Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can result in disciplinary action and, in serious cases, federal civil or criminal penalties.

Can I become a medical assistant without a degree?

Yes. While many medical assistants complete a formal certificate or associate degree program, some employers hire candidates without a degree and provide on-the-job training. According to the BLS, training for medical assistants can range from employer-based programs to one-year certificate programs and two-year associate degrees. Earning a national certification such as the CCMA from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) does not require a formal degree and can be pursued by candidates with relevant work experience.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or professional advice. Medical assistant scope of practice, certification requirements, and workplace regulations vary by state, employer, and clinical setting. Always consult your state medical board, the American Association of Medical Assistants at aama-ntl.org, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at hhs.gov, and OSHA at osha.gov for the most current and applicable standards. Oh My Job is a job aggregation platform and is not responsible for the accuracy of individual job listings.

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