Medical Assistants

What Do They Do?

What Do They Do?

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support physicians and other health practitioners. Administrative duties include scheduling, managing medical records, and handling billing. Clinical tasks, which vary by state, may involve taking and documenting patient histories, recording vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting during exams.

Where Do They Work?

Where Do They Work?

Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, with others employed in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or other health care settings. Full-time assistants typically work 40 hour weeks, with some working part time, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

How Much Do They Earn?

How Much Do They Earn?

Annual median salary: $46,837

Entry-level annual salary: $38,682

Supply and Demand

Supply and Demand

Medical assistants are expected to grow statewide by 27% between 2022 and 2032, with nearly 5,600 average annual openings.

Educational Requirements

Educational Requirements

Medical assistance programs are offered in vocational schools, community colleges, and universities, typically lasting 1 to 2 years and leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. On-the-job training is less common today but may last 4 to 6 weeks.

Licensure Requirements

Licensure Requirements

New York State does not require medical assistants to be licensed. Individuals wishing to demonstrate proficiency in their occupation may receive certification through national organizations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants or the American Medical Technologists.

Financial Support

Financial Support

Financial support is available through a variety of federal, state, and private sources. Check with your college or university on the availability of financial aid as well as other potential sources of financial support.

Education Programs

Education Programs

InstitutionDegreeCity/TownRegionWebsite

SUNY Sullivan Community College

Certificate

Loch Sheldrake

Hudson Valley

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SUNY Jefferson Community College

Certificate

Watertown

North Country

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SUNY Genesee Community College

Certificate

Batavia

Finger Lakes

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Plaza College

AAS

Queens

New York City

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Onondaga Community College

Certificate

Syracuse

Central NY

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Niagara County Community College

AAS

Sanborn

Western NY

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Mildred Elley

Certificate

Albany

Capital Region

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Mildred Elley

Certificate

New York City

New York City

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Medical Training Institute of New York

Certificate

New York City

New York City

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Madison-Oneida BOCES

Certificate

Verona

Central NY

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Lehman College CUNY

Certificate

Bronx

New York City

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LaGuardia Community College CUNY

Certificate

Queens

New York City

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Hunter Business School

Diploma

Levittown

Long Island

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Elmira College

Certificate

Elmira

Southern Tier

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Erie Community College

AAS

Williamsville

Western NY

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Columbia-Greene Community College

AAS

Hudson

Capital Region

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Bryant & Stratton College

AAS

Albany

Capital Region

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Bryant & Stratton College

AAS

Buffalo

Western NY

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Adelphi University

Certificate

Garden City

Long Island

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