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Medical Assistants - 31-9092.00

O*NET-SOC 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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Chiropractor Assistant
  • Clinical Medical Assistant
  • Doctor's Assistant
  • Health Assistant
  • Ophthalmic Assistant
  • Ophthalmological Assistant
  • Optometric Assistant
  • Outpatient Surgery Assistant
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
  • Change dressings on wounds.
  • Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
  • Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
  • Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
  • Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
  • Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
  • Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
  • Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
  • Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
  • Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.
  • Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
  • Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
  • Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
  • Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
  • Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
  • Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
  • Schedule appointments for patients.
  • Set up medical laboratory equipment.
  • Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.

Detailed Work Activities

  • 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.
  • Interview patients to gather medical information.
  • Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
  • Operate medical equipment.
  • Perform clerical work in medical settings.
  • Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
  • Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
  • Process medical billing information.
  • Record vital statistics or other health information.
  • Schedule patient procedures or appointments.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced X-ray Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aeromedical Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Physiology Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cardiovascular Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Combat Medic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Conversion NEC HM Hospital Corpsman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Deep Sea Diving Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dermatology Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Field Medical Service Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Hemodialysis Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hemodialysis/Apheresis Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospitalman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Hospitalman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospitalman Recruit (Navy - Enlisted)
  • International Health Specialists (IHS) (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Mammography Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Medical Administration Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Medical Specialist Corps Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Special Operations Tactical Medic (SO-TM) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Naval Special Warfare Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Medicine Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nuclear Medicine Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Ocular Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Operating Room Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Operational Medicine (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Opthalmic Surgical Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Orthopedic Cast Room Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Orthopedic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Orthopedic Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Otolaryngology Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Patient Administration Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Physician Assistant (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant (Coast Guard - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, Aeromedical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, Emergency Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, General Surgery (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, Orthopedic Surgery (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, Otolaryngology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, Otoloyngology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician Assistant, Psychiatry (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Physician's Assistant (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Practical Nursing Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Preventive Medicine Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Radiology Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Search and Rescue Medical Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Special Forces Medical Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Warfare Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Sugical Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Apprentice, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Apprentice, Otolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Apprentice, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Craftsman, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Craftsman, Otolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Craftsman, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Helper, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Helper, Otolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Helper, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Journeyman, Orthopedics (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Journeyman, Otolaryngology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Journeyman, Urology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Ultrasound Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Urology Technician (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Medical Assistant
  • Podiatric Assistant

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Chiropractor Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
  • Podiatric Assistant