Medical Assisting (NOCC)

About this Career

Job Description

Medical assistants work with patients alongside other medical staff. They collect and perform basic tests, prepare laboratory specimens, dispose contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They also arrange medical instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.  

Medical Duties

  • Take medical histories and record vital signs

  • Explain treatment procedures to patients

  • Prepare patients for examination

  • Assist the physician during the examination.

Administrative Duties

  • Answer phones, greet patients, update and file medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments

  • Arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, 

  • Handle billing and bookkeeping.

How do I know if this is a good fit for me?

  • You enjoy working with people

  • You like caring for others, especially during difficult times

  • You enjoy following directions

  • You pay attention to detail

Soft Skills

  • Social Awareness: Put patients at ease

  • Verbal Communication: Explain physicians’ instructions and work with other medical staff

Technical and Academic Skills

  • Medical assistant-specific skills, including Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology

  • Ability to perform medical and administrative duties

How much will I be paid hourly?

  • $13.38 Entry Level

  • $18.85 Typical

  • $27.31 Experienced

How do I start training during high school?

To start training for this career, students must complete a sequence of courses during high school to earn credentials and/or secure course credits. Learn more about signing up by reaching out to school leaders, your counselor, or the CTE lead at your school.

  • Course: Human Anatomy & Physiology

  • Course: Medical Assistant I

  • Course: Medical Assistant II

  • Course: Medical Assistant III

    Advanced Credential: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Schools that Partner with NOCC on this Pathway

  • Booker T. Washington High School

  • Edna Karr High School

  • Eleanor McMain Secondary School

  • Frederick A. Douglass High School

  • George Washington Carver High School

  • International High School of New Orleans

  • John F. Kennedy High School

  • L.B. Landry High School

  • Livingston Collegiate Academy

  • Morris Jeff Community School - High School

  • Sarah T. Reed High School

  • Sophie B. Wright Charter School

  • The NET: East

  • Warren Easton Charter High School

 
Previous
Previous

Pre-Nursing (NOCC)

Next
Next

Emergency Medical Services (GEMS)