Medical Assistants

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.94
Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.94
Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.93
Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.93
Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.92
Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.92
Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.91
Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.91
Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.90
Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.89
Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.89
Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.87

Show all 20 →

Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.86
Change dressings on wounds.84
Schedule appointments for patients.80
Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.78
Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.75
Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.74
Set up medical laboratory equipment.69
Keep financial records or perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit or collections or mailing monthly statements to patients.64

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking66
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Coordination63
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring63
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation63
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing60
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Show all 35 →

Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Mathematics41
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science41
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Monitoring38
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Personnel Resources35
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation35
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control28
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Troubleshooting19
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Selection16
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Maintenance13
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Repairing13
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

English Language95
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service88
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry83
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Administrative78
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics70
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training63
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security55
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Therapy and Counseling51
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Psychology49
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Administration and Management47
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Personnel and Human Resources45
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Mathematics43
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Show all 33 →

Law and Government36
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Biology35
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Foreign Language33
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Communications and Media30
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Chemistry28
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Economics and Accounting28
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Telecommunications27
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Sociology and Anthropology25
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Sales and Marketing22
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Physics18
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Fine Arts17
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Production and Processing13
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Transportation13
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Design12
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mechanical12
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Building and Construction10
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Engineering and Technology10
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Food Production10
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Geography10
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
History and Archeology10
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Philosophy and Theology10
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning63
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning56
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Show all 52 →

Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning44
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Selective Attention44
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Trunk Strength41
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Speed of Closure38
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visualization35
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision31
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity31
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Multilimb Coordination28
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength28
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Response Orientation25
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception22
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility22
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination22
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Gross Body Equilibrium19
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control16
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Spatial Orientation13
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement13
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Peripheral Vision10
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Explosive Strength6
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity6
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision6
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization6
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information97
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers92
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information91
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others90
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge90
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information87
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates86
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events86
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials85
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work83
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems82
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards81
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Show all 41 →

Analyzing Data or Information77
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Performing Administrative Activities77
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People72
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings71
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing Objectives and Strategies70
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Training and Teaching Others68
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization65
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information65
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public65
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Scheduling Work and Activities65
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others64
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships62
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates59
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others59
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively59
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing General Physical Activities58
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others58
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coaching and Developing Others54
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources54
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Handling and Moving Objects52
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes51
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Developing and Building Teams50
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment50
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment50
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Staffing Organizational Units48
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others47
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment46
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment44
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others35
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail92
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation82
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Integrity74
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Empathy72
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Cautiousness70
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Social Orientation69
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Self-Control66
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Stress Tolerance59
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Sincerity57
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism56
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Perseverance47
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

Show all 21 →

Adaptability43
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Humility38
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Initiative37
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Achievement Orientation36
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence34
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Intellectual Curiosity27
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity21
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Innovation1
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Leadership Orientation1
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional79
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social63
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic51
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative47
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising16
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others100%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day32%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day91%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day81%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Very important14%
- Important20%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important44%
- Very important51%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day80%
- Never14%
Physical Proximity
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day48%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important45%
- Very important17%
- Important35%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious26%
- Fairly serious20%

Show all 57 →

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important46%
- Not important at all14%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day62%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never17%
Time Pressure
- Every day36%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Never14%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom20%
- Limited freedom21%
- Very little freedom16%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility21%
- High responsibility22%
- Moderate responsibility57%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important33%
- Important22%
- Not important at all14%
E-Mail
- Every day63%
- Never36%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results34%
- Important results16%
- Moderate results16%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time45%
- About half the time29%
- Never14%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours17%
- 40 hours76%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom17%
- Some freedom30%
- Limited freedom17%
Conflict Situations
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Never21%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time74%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility14%
- High responsibility26%
- Moderate responsibility28%
- Limited responsibility17%
- No responsibility14%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time77%
- Less than half the time17%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually20%
- About half the time30%
- Less than half the time48%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Never15%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never31%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time17%
- Never32%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time42%
- Less than half the time21%
- Never30%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated22%
- Slightly automated62%
- Not at all automated16%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never65%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive17%
- Slightly competitive25%
- Not at all competitive46%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Never55%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never64%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never66%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time47%
- Never52%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never71%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never86%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never80%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time17%
- Never81%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all97%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never99%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Post-secondary certificate
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
eClinicalWorks EHR software, Epic Systems, Medical condition coding software, MEDITECH software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
IDX Systems Patient Chart Tracking, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft SharePoint Server
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software, Database software, Microsoft Access
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software, Intuit QuickBooks
Office suite software
Business software applications, Microsoft Office software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows Vista Business, Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Categorization or classification software
Diagnostic and procedural coding software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Billing and invoicing software
Billing software
Calendar and scheduling software
Appointment scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
Clean medical equipment.
Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
Interview patients to gather medical information.
Record vital statistics or other health information.
Explain technical medical information to patients.
Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
Collect biological specimens from patients.
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
Give medications or immunizations.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.

Show all 25 →

Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
Process medical billing information.
Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Provide customer service to clients or users.
Control prescription refills or authorizations.
Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Operate medical equipment.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Medical Assistant
Podiatric Assistant

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology