Salary Range
Low (10th %)$33,500
Median$42,000
High (90th %)$56,480
AI Prompt Guides for Medical Assistants
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Medical Assistants. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Medical Assistants
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
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.
The occupation "Medical Assistants" has an automation risk of 39.4%, which means that while a notable portion of their work can potentially be automated, a significant component still relies on uniquely human skills. The base risk, calculated at 40.0%, suggests that almost two-fifths of the tasks currently performed by medical assistants could be carried out by machines or AI in the near future. This risk reflects the increasing capabilities of automation technologies and artificial intelligence, especially as they become more adept at handling routine healthcare tasks and simple patient interactions. However, unlike some purely administrative roles, medical assistants also blend technical, interpersonal, and occasional judgment-based skills, lowering their full automation risk. Among the most automatable tasks for medical assistants are activities that are repetitive, rule-based, and require limited judgment. Firstly, "interviewing patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height" is increasingly being performed by digital kiosks or wearable devices capable of recording and transmitting health data without direct human intervention. Secondly, "cleaning and sterilizing instruments and disposing of contaminated supplies" is a process that fits the automation mold due to its repetitive nature and strict protocols, making it ideal for specialized robots and sterilization equipment. Thirdly, "recording patients’ medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records" can be largely automated through electronic health record (EHR) systems and voice recognition software, which streamline data entry and minimize human error. Conversely, some tasks within the occupation are much more resistant to automation. Maintaining financial records, performing bookkeeping duties, or handling credit and collections require a blend of trust, communication, and judgment that is not easily replaced by machines. Setting up medical laboratory equipment, while it may involve some repetitive steps, also demands situational awareness and the ability to adapt to specific patient or procedural needs. Additionally, operating x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other diagnostic equipment requires both technical know-how and immediate problem-solving when unexpected issues arise. These automation-resistant skills are further protected by bottleneck skills such as originality, which is measured at a level of 2.8%. This low rate of replacement for originality underlines the continued importance of human ingenuity and adaptability in the role, serving as a significant barrier to full automation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Partially Automatable
Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Non-Automatable
Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
Partially Automatable
Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
Partially Automatable
Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Non-Automatable
Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Non-Automatable
Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
Non-Automatable
Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
Partially Automatable
Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
Partially Automatable
Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
Partially Automatable
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
Non-Automatable
Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
Partially Automatable
Change dressings on wounds.
Non-Automatable
Schedule appointments for patients.
Automatable
Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
Partially Automatable
Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
Partially Automatable
Set up medical laboratory equipment.
Non-Automatable
Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
Partially Automatable
Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
Partially Automatable
Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsForeign LanguageEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking Creatively
Medical condition coding softwareMicrosoft ExchangeAppointment scheduling softwarePatient management softwareIDX Systems Patient Chart TrackingDiagnostic and procedural coding softwareMicrosoft SharePoint ServerMicrosoft Windows XP ProfessionalVisual electro diagnostic softwareHealthcare common procedure coding system HCPCSMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointWeb browser softwareDatabase softwareMicrosoft AccessMEDITECH softwareEpic SystemsIntuit QuickBooksData entry softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareGE Healthcare Centricity EMReClinicalWorks EHR softwareBusiness software applicationsBookkeeping softwareBilling softwareMedical condition coding softwareMicrosoft ExchangeDiagnostic and procedural coding softwareIDX Systems Patient Chart TrackingMicrosoft SharePoint ServerMicrosoft Windows Vista BusinessHealthcare common procedure coding system HCPCSMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointDatabase softwareMEDITECH softwareEpic SystemsData entry softwareGE Healthcare Centricity EMRBusiness software applicationseClinicalWorks EHR softwareBookkeeping softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Windows XP ProfessionalVisual electro diagnostic softwareWord processing softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareMedical procedure coding softwareMedical procedure coding softwareWord processing softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareAppointment scheduling softwarePatient management softwareBilling softwareMicrosoft Windows Vista BusinessEmail softwareEmail softwareIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Access
Physician Assistants
Medium41.05%
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.
Registered Nurses
Medium37.38%
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Nurse Practitioners
Medium43.76%
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Cardiologists
Medium38.46%
Diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases or conditions of the cardiovascular system. May further subspecialize in interventional procedures (e.g., balloon angioplasty and stent placement), echocardiography, or electrophysiology.
Emergency Medicine Physicians
Medium39.71%
Make immediate medical decisions and act to prevent death or further disability. Provide immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of patients. May direct emergency medical staff in an emergency department.
Family Medicine Physicians
Medium43.08%
Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
General Internal Medicine Physicians
Medium37.53%
Diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a wide range of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults and adolescents, and are based primarily in an outpatient care setting.
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
Medium38.21%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Low31.67%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Pediatric Surgeons
Low27.78%
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat fetal abnormalities and birth defects, diseases, and injuries in fetuses, premature and newborn infants, children, and adolescents. Includes all pediatric surgical specialties and subspecialties.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Medium45.83%
Conduct tests on pulmonary or cardiovascular systems of patients for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. May conduct or assist in electrocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, pulmonary functions, lung capacity, and similar tests.
Paramedics
Low19.23%
Administer basic or advanced emergency medical care and assess injuries and illnesses. May administer medication intravenously, use equipment such as EKGs, or administer advanced life support to sick or injured individuals.
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Medium34.66%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Low29.14%
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Medical Records Specialists
High73.53%
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Medium43.00%
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
Surgical Assistants
Low14.08%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site.
Nursing Assistants
Low27.74%
Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.
Physical Therapist Aides
Low24.73%
Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.
Dental Assistants
Medium35.48%
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medium49.14%
Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
Coroners
Low30.77%
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Chiropractors
Medium44.77%
Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.
Dentists, General
Low23.33%
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Pharmacists
Medium49.30%
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
Anesthesiologist Assistants
Low29.30%
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.
Podiatrists
Low26.84%
Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Veterinarians
Low30.46%
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Dental Hygienists
Low12.35%
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Emergency Medical Technicians
Low25.00%
Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.
Dietetic Technicians
Medium45.45%
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Pharmacy Technicians
Medium58.91%
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Surgical Technologists
Low32.40%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Low30.19%
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Opticians, Dispensing
Medium52.78%
Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
Hearing Aid Specialists
Medium35.90%
Select and fit hearing aids for customers. Administer and interpret tests of hearing. Assess hearing instrument efficacy. Take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.
Patient Representatives
Medium47.37%
Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
Medium57.81%
Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.
Home Health Aides
Low19.72%
Monitor the health status of an individual with disabilities or illness, and address their health-related needs, such as changing bandages, dressing wounds, or administering medication. Work is performed under the direction of offsite or intermittent onsite licensed nursing staff. Provide assistance with routine healthcare tasks or activities of daily living, such as feeding, bathing, toileting, or ambulation. May also help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry depending on the patient's abilities.
Orderlies
Low22.50%
Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.
Psychiatric Aides
Low20.31%
Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Low32.46%
Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, direct activity programs, and document the progress of treatments. Generally requires formal training.
Occupational Therapy Aides
Low32.90%
Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patient and treatment room.
Physical Therapist Assistants
Low22.30%
Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. Generally requires formal training.
Medical Transcriptionists
High67.76%
Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.
Pharmacy Aides
Medium60.20%
Record drugs delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform the supervisor of stock needs. May operate cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Low30.03%
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
Phlebotomists
Medium36.54%
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Medium51.47%
Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.
Endoscopy Technicians
Low20.63%
Maintain a sterile field to provide support for physicians and nurses during endoscopy procedures. Prepare and maintain instruments and equipment. May obtain specimens.
Embalmers
Low12.34%
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
Skincare Specialists
Low30.11%
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
High79.20%
Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Low11.24%
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting patients.