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undergraduate

Medical assistant


What is a medical assistant major?

Students of medical assisting are trained generally, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid. This includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, patient psychology and communications, medical office procedures, and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures. Subsets include pathology assistant, lactation consultant, clinical assistant, anesthesiologist assistant, respiratory therapy assistant, as well as radiologist assistant among others.

22%

of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.

41%

of students found this major to be difficult.

35%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

90%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

30%

of students said difficult exams/assessments were a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do medical assistant majors make?

median average salary

$60,000/yr

The national average salary for medical assistant graduates in the United States is $60,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $134,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $24,200 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, medical assistant graduates typically make between $40,000 and $91,000 per year.

How popular is medical assistant as a major?

Each year, around 620 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 11,100 students obtain an associate degree in medical assistant. In 2021, 739 students received a bachelor's degree and 7,496 students received an associate degree. This is 7% fewer medical assistant majors than there were in 2020. Medical assistant is one of the most popular majors within medical assistants and technician.

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