What is a Medical Assistant & What Do They Do?

What Is a Medical Assistant? Your Complete Guide to the Role, Training & Career Path

Medical assistants are the heartbeat of many healthcare teams—balancing clinical care and administrative tasks to ensure smooth and compassionate experiences for every patient that walks through the door.

Think back to your last visit to a doctor’s office or urgent care clinic. The friendly face who checked your vitals, prepped you for your appointment, or helped schedule your next visit?

Likely a medical assistant. These skilled professionals do much more than meet-and-greet—they’re an essential part of daily healthcare operations.

At Easy Draw Academy, we’re passionate about preparing the next generation of medical assistants. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the role: what medical assistants do, where they work, how to become one, and what to expect from a career in this high-demand field.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants (MAs) are multi-skilled healthcare professionals who support doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff by handling both hands-on patient care and back-office duties. Depending on their work setting, they may focus more on clinical or administrative work—or wear both hats every day.

Common Clinical Responsibilities

• Checking vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc.)

• Drawing blood and collecting lab samples

• Assisting with minor medical procedures

• Giving injections or immunizations

• Preparing patients for exams

• Recording medical histories and health updates

• Updating electronic health records (EHR)

Common Administrative Responsibilities

• Answering phones and greeting patients

• Scheduling appointments

• Coordinating insurance paperwork and billing

• Sending appointment reminders

• Managing patient files and office organization

Some medical assistants specialize in either clinical or administrative roles, while others become versatile “floaters” who handle both depending on the day’s needs.

Where Do Medical Assistants Work?

Medical assistants are most often found in outpatient and ambulatory care settings—anywhere patients come in for same-day services. Common work environments include:

• Doctor’s offices – Personalized, consistent schedules and smaller patient loads

• Hospitals – Fast-paced departments with exposure to many specializations

• Urgent care clinics – High-volume, quick-turnaround environments

• Specialty practices – Dermatology, cardiology, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, and more

• Travel roles – Temporary contracts across states for added flexibility and variety

Whether you prefer a structured office, the energy of a hospital, or the focus of a specialty clinic, there’s a workplace to match your pace and personality.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

The path to becoming a medical assistant is more accessible than many other healthcare careers—and can often be completed in under a year.

Step 1: Get a High School Diploma or GED

This is your starting point. High school courses in biology, anatomy, or health sciences can give you a strong foundation.

Step 2: Enroll in a Medical Assistant Program

Choose a quality training program—like Easy Draw Academy—that provides a mix of clinical theory, hands-on skills, and prep for national certification. Program lengths range from 4 months (certificate) to 2 years (associate degree).

Step 3: Complete an Externship (Optional but Recommended)

Many programs, including ours, offer externships where you’ll gain real-world experience in a clinical setting before graduating.

Step 4: Earn Your Certification

While not required in every state, certification makes you more competitive in the job market. Some popular credentials include:

• CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) – Focused on hands-on clinical care

• CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) – Well-rounded, nationally recognized

• RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) – Offered by AMT, also highly respected

Step 5: Apply for Jobs and Launch Your Career

With your training and credentials complete, it’s time to job hunt! Use job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor, check healthcare organizations' websites, and tap into your externship connections to land your first role.

Key Skills for Medical Assistants

Being a successful MA takes more than just medical know-how. Here are a few core competencies that make great medical assistants stand out:

• Adaptability – No two days are alike in healthcare

• Attention to detail – Vital for both patient care and recordkeeping

• Strong communication – Helps you explain procedures and build trust with patients

• Empathy and compassion – Especially when working with nervous or ill individuals

• Technical skills – Including using EHRs and understanding medical terminology

• Teamwork – You’re part of a larger care team and coordination is key

Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for medical assistants was around $42,000 in 2023, with top earners making upwards of $56,000. Your exact salary will vary based on your:

• Location

• Experience

• Certification

• Type of facility (e.g., hospitals tend to pay more than chiropractic offices)

What’s even more exciting? The demand is booming. Medical assistant jobs are projected to grow 15% over the next 10 years—much faster than the national average for all occupations. It’s a smart, stable career choice.

Why Choose a Career as a Medical Assistant?

Here’s why so many people are jumping into this growing healthcare field:

✅ Fast Entry – Start working in less than a year

✅ High Demand – More clinics, more patients, more job openings

✅ Versatility – No two roles are exactly the same

✅ Growth Potential – MAs often go on to become nurses, healthcare admins, or specialists

✅ Job Satisfaction – You’re helping people every single day

Start Your Journey with Easy Draw Academy

At Easy Draw Academy, we make becoming a medical assistant simpler, smarter, and faster. Our flexible online programs are built for real life—whether you’re fresh out of high school, switching careers, or looking to upskill.

✔️ Comprehensive training

✔️ Clinical simulations

✔️ Certification prep

✔️ Job-ready in just a few months

Your future in healthcare starts here.Ready to begin? Enroll today and take your first step toward a career you’ll be proud of.