Medical Assistants Entry-Level Career Resources

Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.

4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video .

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.

Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 426 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:

Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($137,380)

Anesthesiologist Assistants / 42.69% / 91.42% / ($130,020)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($111,970)

Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($103,800)

Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($102,420)

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($101,800)

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($101,750)

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($101,740)

Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($99,710)

Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($98,540)

Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($98,300)

Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($94,580)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($92,500)

Detectives and Criminal Investigators / 90.01% / 47.80% / ($91,100)

Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($91,100)

Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($88,670)

Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($87,530)

Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($87,290)

First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers / 86.62% / 40.47% / ($86,220)

Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($86,070)

Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($86,070)

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($85,420)

Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($84,960)

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($84,570)

Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($84,270)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($83,740)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($82,710)

Chemical Plant and System Operators / 63.22% / 34.85% / ($80,030)

Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($79,590)

Respiratory Therapists / 87.90% / 70.85% / ($77,960)

Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($76,760)

Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($76,250)

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($76,210)

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($75,670)

Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($75,670)

Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($75,660)

Locomotive Engineers / 100.00% / 43.70% / ($74,770)

Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($74,160)

Writers and Authors / 53.05% / 31.03% / ($73,690)

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($73,500)

Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($73,500)

Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling / 40.54% / 30.60% / ($73,460)

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians / 89.37% / 54.21% / ($73,410)

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers / 93.45% / 84.29% / ($72,280)

Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($72,280)

Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($72,250)

Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($71,830)

Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($71,140)

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($71,130)

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($70,530)

Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($69,260)

Park Naturalists / 40.02% / 56.05% / ($68,750)

Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($68,540)

Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($68,370)

Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($67,700)

Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($67,010)

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 73.61% / ($67,000)

Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($66,660)

Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($66,600)

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($66,170)

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($65,630)

Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($65,130)

Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($65,030)

Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($64,940)

Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($64,690)

Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers / 100.00% / 50.27% / ($64,640)

Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($64,080)

Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($64,070)

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners / 97.15% / 72.23% / ($63,940)

Tapers / 100.00% / 36.42% / ($63,350)

Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($63,060)

Real Estate Brokers / 46.07% / 36.44% / ($63,060)

Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($62,980)

Structural Iron and Steel Workers / 94.98% / 58.18% / ($62,760)

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($61,870)

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($61,800)

Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($61,770)

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($61,770)

Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($61,590)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($61,550)

Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($61,550)

Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($61,490)

Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,420)

Commercial Divers / 94.97% / 57.15% / ($61,300)

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers / 82.57% / 36.28% / ($61,270)

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($61,240)

First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($61,210)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($60,970)

Surgical Technologists / 100.00% / 57.33% / ($60,610)

Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($60,170)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($59,730)

Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($59,640)

Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($59,570)

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($59,300)

Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($59,240)

Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($59,080)

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,920)

Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($58,780)

Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($58,670)

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,620)

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($58,530)

Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($58,350)

Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,210)

Firefighters / 96.50% / 63.76% / ($57,120)

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($57,070)

Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($56,940)

Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($56,750)

Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($56,660)

Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($56,430)

Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($56,330)

Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($56,220)

Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($55,750)

Massage Therapists / 96.16% / 92.30% / ($55,310)

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($54,890)

Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers / 100.00% / 52.98% / ($54,850)

Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($54,690)

First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($54,580)

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($54,320)

Real Estate Sales Agents / 90.47% / 80.95% / ($54,300)

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare / 83.48% / 33.51% / ($54,290)

Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($54,080)

Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($53,920)

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($53,900)

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 86.60% / 52.66% / ($53,550)

Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($53,440)

Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($53,300)

Fallers / 100.00% / 44.59% / ($53,170)

Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($53,040)

Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($52,640)

Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($52,370)

Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($51,880)

Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($51,290)

Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($51,140)

Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($51,100)

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($51,030)

Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($50,840)

Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($50,720)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($50,660)

Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($50,440)

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($50,270)

Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($50,270)

Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($50,250)

Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($50,050)

Roofers / 93.40% / 50.59% / ($50,030)

Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($50,020)

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($49,990)

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic / 99.88% / 51.19% / ($49,670)

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($49,230)

Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($49,210)

Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($49,120)

Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($49,090)

Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($49,070)

Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($49,010)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($48,940)

Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($48,910)

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($48,900)

Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($48,890)

Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($48,840)

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($48,840)

Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($48,790)

Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($48,740)

Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($48,690)

Mechanical Door Repairers / 100.00% / 69.74% / ($48,650)

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($48,550)

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($48,480)

Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($48,460)

Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($48,410)

Sailors and Marine Oilers / 99.22% / 77.61% / ($48,400)

Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($48,380)

Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($48,380)

Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($48,330)

Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($48,240)

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 98.92% / 65.45% / ($48,120)

Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($48,010)

Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($47,950)

Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($47,760)

Meter Readers, Utilities / 97.61% / 65.98% / ($47,720)

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($47,710)

Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($47,700)

Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($47,690)

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($47,540)

Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($47,540)

Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($47,520)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($47,470)

Patient Representatives / 61.52% / 43.37% / ($47,470)

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($47,450)

Gem and Diamond Workers / 80.99% / 47.06% / ($47,450)

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($47,440)

Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($47,430)

Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($47,410)

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($47,390)

Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($47,380)

Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($47,360)

Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($47,330)

Hazardous Materials Removal Workers / 86.23% / 50.66% / ($47,280)

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($47,250)

Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($47,170)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($47,110)

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($47,040)

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 69.40% / ($46,990)

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($46,910)

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($46,900)

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($46,860)

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($46,850)

Parking Enforcement Workers / 98.56% / 96.81% / ($46,840)

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($46,730)

First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($46,650)

Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($46,540)

Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($46,530)

Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($46,500)

Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($46,480)

Word Processors and Typists / 100.00% / 52.51% / ($46,450)

Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($46,420)

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners / 100.01% / 61.51% / ($46,410)

Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,340)

Court, Municipal, and License Clerks / 85.74% / 37.43% / ($46,110)

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($46,100)

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($45,850)

Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($45,850)

Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($45,760)

Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers / 99.63% / 30.05% / ($45,760)

Farm Labor Contractors / 99.87% / 47.64% / ($45,730)

Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($45,660)

Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($45,640)

Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($45,600)

Billing and Posting Clerks / 98.04% / 34.59% / ($45,590)

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($45,560)

Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($45,520)

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($45,350)

Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($45,330)

Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($45,300)

Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($45,280)

Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($44,980)

Medical Appliance Technicians / 72.03% / 43.86% / ($44,960)

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($44,890)

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($44,890)

New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($44,630)

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($44,620)

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($44,510)

Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($44,490)

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($44,490)

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($44,470)

Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($44,410)

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 99.55% / 92.73% / ($44,390)

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 99.70% / 84.76% / ($44,310)

Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($44,300)

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($44,280)

Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($44,250)

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($44,240)

Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($44,170)

Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($44,140)

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation / 87.18% / 80.53% / ($44,070)

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($44,030)

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($43,740)

Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($43,540)

Pest Control Workers / 100.00% / 92.46% / ($43,470)

Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers / 100.01% / 40.93% / ($43,310)

Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($43,310)

Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($43,270)

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters / 100.00% / 35.91% / ($43,260)

Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($43,200)

Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($43,180)

Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($43,180)

Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($43,170)

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($42,800)

Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($42,730)

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($42,670)

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.01% / 61.62% / ($42,610)

Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($42,590)

Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($42,470)

Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($42,470)

Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($42,420)

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($42,400)

Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($42,000)

Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($41,860)

Phlebotomists / 95.46% / 54.55% / ($41,810)

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($41,780)

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($41,600)

Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($41,410)

Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($40,760)

Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($40,610)

Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($40,480)

Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($40,300)

Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($40,300)

Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($40,230)

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($40,200)

Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($40,040)

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($39,850)

Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($39,790)

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($39,780)

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($39,740)

Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($39,700)

Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($39,690)

Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($39,680)

Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($39,580)

Helpers--Carpenters / 100.00% / 94.63% / ($39,380)

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($39,360)

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($39,340)

Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($39,310)

Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($39,260)

Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($39,250)

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($39,210)

Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($39,160)

Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($38,980)

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($38,940)

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($38,870)

Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($38,810)

Helpers--Roofers / 83.98% / 61.91% / ($38,620)

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($38,550)

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($38,520)

Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($38,460)

Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($38,340)

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($38,330)

Bicycle Repairers / 100.00% / 49.78% / ($38,320)

Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($38,260)

Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($38,200)

Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($38,160)

File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($38,130)

Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($38,100)

Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($38,080)

Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($38,000)

Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($37,950)

Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($37,790)

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($37,720)

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($37,660)

Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($37,660)

Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($37,650)

Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($37,650)

Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($37,640)

Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($37,450)

Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($37,400)

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($37,380)

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers / 81.67% / 52.64% / ($37,360)

Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($37,150)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($37,130)

Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($37,130)

Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($37,070)

Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($37,060)

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($37,040)

Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($37,010)

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($36,970)

Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($36,970)

Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($36,970)

Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($36,880)

Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($36,860)

Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($36,830)

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($36,750)

Couriers and Messengers / 100.00% / 83.57% / ($36,710)

Helpers--Production Workers / 100.00% / 85.58% / ($36,700)

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($36,650)

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($36,620)

Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($36,600)

Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($36,520)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($36,440)

Stockers and Order Fillers / 99.71% / 85.41% / ($36,390)

Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($36,370)

Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($36,300)

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($36,230)

Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($36,200)

Barbers / 97.06% / 74.52% / ($36,150)

Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($36,110)

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($36,020)

Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($35,840)

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($35,820)

Tire Repairers and Changers / 97.60% / 80.02% / ($35,790)

Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($35,780)

Passenger Attendants / 100.01% / 76.63% / ($35,620)

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($35,620)

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($35,530)

Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($35,420)

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($35,340)

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($35,320)

Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($35,160)

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($35,120)

Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($35,020)

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists / 100.00% / 60.71% / ($34,970)

Bakers / 100.00% / 78.42% / ($34,950)

Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($34,910)

Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($34,840)

Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($34,830)

Floral Designers / 92.09% / 49.74% / ($34,690)

Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($34,480)

Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($34,470)

Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($34,440)

Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($34,410)

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($34,360)

Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($34,250)

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($34,150)

Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($34,130)

Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($34,020)

Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($33,940)

Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($33,850)

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($33,820)

Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($33,680)

Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($33,520)

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 100.01% / 94.39% / ($33,450)

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($33,450)

Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($33,230)

Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($33,110)

Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($32,840)

Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians / 99.99% / 95.80% / ($32,580)

Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($32,420)

Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($32,240)

Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($32,240)

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($32,240)

Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($31,940)

Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($31,510)

Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($31,200)

Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($31,200)

Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($31,180)

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers / 100.00% / 95.07% / ($31,050)

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($30,790)

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($30,380)

Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($30,370)

Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers / 98.34% / 88.28% / ($29,780)

Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($29,720)

Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($29,540)

Baristas / 94.53% / 100.00% / ($29,540)

Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($29,530)

Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($29,390)

Cooks, Fast Food / 100.00% / 95.58% / ($29,260)

Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($29,220)

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($29,170)

Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Actors / 65.47% / 62.11% / (Salary Not Available)

Musicians and Singers / 40.26% / 34.04% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Medical Assistants.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Medical Assistants" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.

Medical Assistants

Description: Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

U.S. Total Employment (2023): 720,900	U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.): 853,500
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.): 132,600 (18.4%)	Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.): 104,400

Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Medical Assistants":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Importance: 100 (%)	Description: Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Importance: 99 (%)	Description: Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
Importance: 96 (%)	Description: Schedule appointments for patients.
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
Importance: 87 (%)	Description: Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
Importance: 84 (%)	Description: Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
Importance: 79 (%)	Description: Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Set up medical laboratory equipment.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
Importance: 68 (%)	Description: Change dressings on wounds.

Supplemental Duties

Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 53 (%)	Description: Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.

Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 98 (%)	Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 93 (%)	Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 92 (%)	Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 92 (%)	Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 88 (%)	Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 86 (%)	Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 78 (%)	Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 77 (%)	Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 76 (%)	Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 72 (%)	Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 71 (%)	Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 70 (%)	Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 67 (%)	Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 61 (%)	Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 61 (%)	Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
Clean medical equipment.
Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
Collect biological specimens from patients.
Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
Control prescription refills or authorizations.
Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
Explain technical medical information to patients.
Give medications or immunizations.
Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
Interview patients to gather medical information.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Operate medical equipment.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
Process medical billing information.
Provide customer service to clients or users.
Record vital statistics or other health information.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.

Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 94 (%)	Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 89 (%)	Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 85 (%)	Description: Medicine and Dentistry: Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Importance: 81 (%)	Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 74 (%)	Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 69 (%)	Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 63 (%)	Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance) These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 64 (%)	Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%)	Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 60 (%)	Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 56 (%)	Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 54 (%)	Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance) These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%)	Description
Importance: 66 (%)	Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 58 (%)	Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 52 (%)	Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.

Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?

Activity: Administer basic health care or medical treatments.

Activity: Administer diagnostic tests to assess patient health.

Activity: Assist healthcare practitioners during medical procedures.

Activity: Clean medical equipment or facilities.

Activity: Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas.

Activity: Collect environmental or biological samples.

Activity: Dispose of waste or debris.

Activity: Evaluate patient or client condition or treatment options.

Activity: Execute financial transactions.

Activity: Explain medical information to patients or family members.

Activity: Interview people to obtain information.

Activity: Maintain health or medical records.

Activity: Monitor resources or inventories.

Activity: Operate medical equipment.

Activity: Perform administrative or clerical activities.

Activity: Prepare medical equipment or work areas for use.

Activity: Prescribe medical treatments or devices.

Activity: Provide general assistance to others, such as customers, patrons, or motorists.

Activity: Provide information to guests, clients, or customers.

Activity: Schedule appointments.

Activity: Transport patients or clients.

Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?

High-Priority Tech Skills

Medical software:

Epic Systems

Office suite software:

Microsoft Office software

Emerging Tech Skills

Accounting software:

Intuit QuickBooks

Data base user interface and query software:

Microsoft Access

Document management software:

Microsoft SharePoint

Electronic mail software:

Microsoft Outlook

Medical software:

eClinicalWorks EHR software
MEDITECH software

Presentation software:

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software:

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software:

Microsoft Word

General Software Tools

Accounting software:

Bookkeeping software

Billing and invoicing software:

Billing software

Calendar and scheduling software:

Appointment scheduling software

Categorization or classification software:

Diagnostic and procedural coding software

Data base user interface and query software:

Data entry software
Database software

Document management software:

IDX Systems Patient Chart Tracking
Microsoft SharePoint Server

Electronic mail software:

Email software
Microsoft Exchange

Internet browser software:

Web browser software

Medical software (scroll table below):

Electronic medical record EMR software

GE Healthcare Centricity EMR

Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS

Medical condition coding software

Medical procedure coding software

Patient management software

Visual electro diagnostic software

Office suite software:

Business software applications

Operating system software:

Microsoft Windows Vista Business
Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Preparation Required

Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.

Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 44.7 (%)	Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 20.5 (%)	Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 17.5 (%)	Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 17.2 (%)	Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 0.1 (%)	Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 40.7 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 20.2 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 17.7 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 10.7 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 9.8 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 0.9 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 0.1 (%)	Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month

Local Salary Information

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Please select a State to see State and National Salaries

Certifications

Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Certified Colon Hydrotherapist - Intermediate
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Certified Medical Assistant
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Certified Outpatient Coding
Clinical Medical Assistant Certification
Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
MEDIC First Aid
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant Certification
Medical Assistant Certification
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Pathologist Assistant
Registered Medical Assistant

Professional Associations

Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants (ASPMA)

Job Listings

Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings

Medical Assistants

Autopsy Assistant

Bilingual Medical Assistant

Cardiology Medical Assistant

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Chiropractic Assistant

Chiropractor Assistant

Client Services Coordinator

Clinic Assistant

Clinic Medical Assistant

Clinical Medical Assistant

Dermatology Medical Assistant

Doctor Assistant

Family Medicine Medical Assistant

Health Assistant

Health Unit Clerk

Hospital Clinic Assistant

Medical Assistant (MA)

Medical Office Worker

Medical Support Assistant

Medical Technician Assistant (Medical Tech Assistant)

OB/GYN Medical Assistant (Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Assistant)

Ocular Care Aide

Ophthalmic Aide

Ophthalmic Assistant

Ophthalmological Assistant

Optometric Aide

Optometric Assistant

Optometrist Assistant

Optometry Assistant

Orthopedic Assistant

Orthopedic Medical Assistant

Outpatient Surgery Assistant

Pediatric Medical Assistant

Podiatric Aide

Podiatric Assistant

Podiatrist Assistant

Primary Care Medical Assistant

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Respiratory Therapist Assistant

Urgent Care Medical Assistant

Related Careers to Consider

Related Careers to Consider This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Medical Assistants" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Surgical Assistants
2 - Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
3 - Registered Nurses
4 - Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
5 - Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
6 - Physical Therapist Aides
7 - Nursing Assistants
8 - Dental Assistants
9 - Medical Records Specialists
10 - Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
11 - Pediatric Surgeons
12 - Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
13 - Cardiologists
14 - Physician Assistants
15 - Emergency Medicine Physicians
16 - General Internal Medicine Physicians
17 - Family Medicine Physicians
18 - Paramedics
19 - Nurse Practitioners
20 - Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Medical Assistants". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.

Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.

Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.

Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.

Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.

Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Medical Assistants". Use these links to find a job.

Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Medical Assistants". Use these links to find a job.

Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.

Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Medical Assistants

Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...

LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.

Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Medical Assistants" occupation.