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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 31-9092 Medical Assistants
Perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding 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. Exclude "Physician Assistants" (29-1071).
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records. Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean. Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height. Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician. Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician. Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing. Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies. Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients. Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies. Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses. Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms. Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic. Schedule appointments for patients. Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures. Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission. Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment. Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests. Change dressings on wounds.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Very Good
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $10.61   Entry $22,074.00
Mean $13.81   Mean $28,738.00
Experience $15.42 Experience $32,075.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
7,3609,1801,0552.23
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Occupational Videos
31-9092.00 Medical Assistants