Occupations: Medical Assistants
Medical Assistants
Overview of the profession:
Medical Assistants (MAs) play a crucial role in healthcare facilities' smooth functioning, often overseeing clinical and administrative responsibilities. They are usually the first point of contact for patients, handling appointment scheduling and recording patient history and vitals. MAs also assist doctors during procedures, perform basic laboratory tests, and administer medications as directed by a physician. On the administrative side, medical assistants manage patient records, handle billing and insurance claims, and ensure that the healthcare office runs efficiently. MAs are not required to be certified to work in Michigan. However, employers may require, or individuals may choose to pursue a credential as either a Certified Medical Assistant or a Registered Medical Assistant. MAs typically work in outpatient settings like doctor's offices and clinics. However, they also work in hospitals or health systems. MAs' versatility and broad skill set make them indispensable healthcare team members, supporting patient care and the practice's administrative and operational needs.
Policy Highlights
Includes recent proposed legislation
Current Medical Assistant Workforce Data
We've provided the latest data from Lightcast below. Click on the images to enlarge them and review them in further detail.
2024 Hourly Wages
10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15.12 | 17.51 | 18.40 | 21.23 | 22.17 |
Top Posted Job Titles
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Medical Assistants
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Family Medicine Medical Assistants
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Clinic Medical Assistants
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Certified Medical Assistants
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Urgent Care Medical Assistants
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Pediatric Medical Assistants
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Primary Care Medical Assistants
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Medical Assistants/Medical Receptionists
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Patient Care Assistants
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Clinical Assistants
Index Ranking
Ranked 28th (out of 36) "healthiest" profession according to the 2024 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index.
Learn more here.
2024 Employment: 27,386
Projected 2034 Employment: 29,999 (+10%)
Highlighted Workforce Initiatives
Name: Henry Ford Health Systems Medical Apprenticeship Programs
Prosperity Region: 10
Description: Henry Ford Health Medical Assistant Apprenticeship is a 10-month program where you are a Henry Ford Health employee and will be working at a Henry Ford ambulatory clinic 16 hours a week. While gaining on-the-job training experience, you will also attend school full-time to obtain your Medical Assistant Certificate. Henry Ford Health will pay for your tuition and fees for a return of two years of employment. You must maintain great attendance and grades and pass your CMA exam. This Program is a partnership with MiWorks, Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, and Schoolcraft College.
Name: Medical Assistant Training Institute
Prosperity Region: 8
Description: Family Health Center, Inc.'s Medical Assistant Training Institute is a 24-week MA certification program. Enrolled participants are paid a stipend during their training and once they complete the program, they are required to work as MAs at Family Health Center locations for an additional three years. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of medical assistants working at Family Health Center locations.
Name: Medical Assistant Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Prosperity Region: 10
Description: Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair and Macomb Community College offer a Medical Assistant Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The purpose of the program is to attract and prepare youth ages 18-24 to eventually work as a Medical Assistant Registered Apprentices. The program covers tuition and fees for Macomb Community College MA prerequisites, support services for participants experiencing barriers to remaining in training and tutoring services. Once youth complete the program, they will earn 10 credit hours at Macomb CC, have BLS and First Aid certification and interview(s) for a Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship program.
Medical Assistant Career Pathway
Do Medical Assistants (MAs) need to be credentialed to work in Michigan?
MAs do not need to be credentialed to work in Michigan. However, some employers require or prefer to hire either a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). CMAs and RMAs receive the same training but are credentialed through different oversight bodies with different education and competency testing requirements.
MA Education through Career and Technical Education Programs
High school students who complete an approved medical assistant training program through their Career and Technical Education program are eligible to test for a Certified Medical Assistant credential. Students who pass the credentialling exam are issued a provisional credential until their diploma is issued and verified.
