Step inside almost any hospital, and you’ll find certified medical assistants (CMAs/RMAs) working alongside other healthcare staff. They greet patients, prepare exam rooms, assist front desk staff, and perform various tasks that allow hospital departments to run smoothly.
They’re especially common in Texas hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state has the second-highest employment level for CMAs/RMAs in the country, with 66,720 working here in 2023.
If you’ve ever wondered what role medical assistants play in hospitals, this guide explains what they do each day. It also outlines what qualities and skills are needed to prepare for a career as a medical assistant in this fast-paced healthcare setting.
Can a Medical Assistant Work in a Hospital?
Medical assistants are trained healthcare professionals who handle both patient care and administrative responsibilities. While some people may only picture CMAs/RMAs working in clinics or doctors’ offices, they also play a valuable role in hospitals.
So, the answer to “Can medical assistants work in hospitals?” is yes, they can and often do. In fact, general medical and surgical hospitals have the second-highest levels of MA employment, after physician offices. Other common workplaces include outpatient care centers, offices of other health practitioners, employment services, and ambulatory health care facilities like health department clinics.
In hospitals, medical assistants are employed in virtually every department. Their unique training in clinical and clerical tasks allows them to be versatile contributors across different areas of the facility. Hospitals hire CMAs/RMAs for their ability to adapt quickly and provide essential support wherever needed.
What Does a CMA/RMA Do in a Hospital?
CMAs/RMAs wear many hats to keep the facility operating efficiently. Their role can vary by department, but all MAs work toward the same goal: supporting providers and ensuring patients receive quality care.
What Do Medical Assistants Do In Hospitals in Terms of Clinical Duties?
Certified/Registered MAs can perform various clinical tasks that directly support patient care. These responsibilities are critical because they ensure providers have the information and assistance to deliver timely and appropriate treatment.
The following are some examples of an MA’s typical clinical duties at a hospital:
- Taking Vital Signs: MAs measure and log patients’ blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and other vital signs to help ensure providers have accurate health data.
- Patient Prep: Medical assistants ready patients for exams and procedures, from basic physicals to minor surgeries. They assist the provider as needed, such as by setting up equipment.
- Collecting Lab Samples: Depending on their training, MAs may draw blood, collect urine samples, and run basic in-house tests to help with diagnosis.
- Administering Medications: Under a provider’s supervision, MAs give prescribed medications or vaccines.
- Wound Care: If trained, MAs may help clean wounds and replace dressings.
- Patient Education: They explain aftercare steps so patients know how to care for themselves after discharge or treatment.
In some hospital departments, MAs take on additional clinical tasks. For example, in cardiology, they may perform EKGs; in phlebotomy labs, they may focus on blood draws.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do in a Hospital in Terms of Administrative Duties and Clerical Work?
In addition to clinical work, MAs perform many administrative tasks that keep hospital operations organized and efficient. These are just as important as direct patient care because they ensure the smooth flow of information between staff, departments, and patients. Without these behind-the-scenes responsibilities, patient care could be delayed or disrupted.
- Patient Check-In: MAs greet and guide patients through the admission or appointment process so they know what to expect.
- Updating Patient Records and Charts: They keep these current so providers have the most accurate information.
- Scheduling: MAs ensure patients are booked for necessary services and follow-up visits.
- Billing and Insurance Paperwork: They process billing codes and handle insurance forms to streamline payment.
- Answering Patient Inquiries: MAs answer calls, provide basic information to patients, and, when necessary, direct questions to the right staff member or department.
- Organizing Medical Paperwork: They manage documents so that test results and medical records are easy for the care team to access.
Working in Specialized Departments
Hospital MAs’ adaptability allows them to contribute in environments ranging from urgent care to specialized departments. Their specific duties may change depending on the patient population as well as the requirements and pace of the department. This can make the job more challenging but also more rewarding for MAs who enjoy learning new skills.
MAs may work in various specialized units, including:
- Emergency Room (ER): MAs assist with triage, take quick vitals, prepare rooms for urgent care, and support providers during emergency procedures. They also help comfort patients and their families in high-stress situations.
- Pediatrics: MAs working with children measure growth stats, assist with vaccines, and reassure young patients and their parents.
- Surgery or Specialized Clinics: In surgical units, MAs may prepare patients for procedures and sterilize instruments. After additional training, they may also help in specialty clinics like oncology and orthopedics.
Skills and Qualities of a Successful Hospital Medical Assistant
When you work as a CMA/RMA in a hospital, the skills you learned during your program and training are just the minimum requirements. Hospital environments are fast-paced and unpredictable, so CMAs/RMAs must be ready for anything and willing to expand their skill sets.
Success in this role depends on a combination of technical and interpersonal skills that allow them to provide quality patient care while keeping operations running efficiently.
The following skills and qualities make an MA an asset to the healthcare team and improve the patient experience:
- Attention to Detail: Accurate records and precise procedures help prevent potentially life-threatening errors in high-stakes environments.
- Strong Communication Skills: CMAs/RMAs act as a bridge between providers and patients, so the ability to communicate clearly while displaying compassion is essential.
- Empathy: Many hospital patients are anxious or unwell. A good CMA demonstrates empathy by listening patiently and offering reassurance. By providing emotional support, certified medical assistants help ease patient stress and make the healthcare experience more positive.
- Calm Under Pressure: Hospitals are very busy and can turn chaotic at a moment’s notice. CMAs/RMAs must be able to stay calm while switching between tasks or handling several responsibilities at once.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and other relevant software is a valuable skill for a hospital MA. Proficiency in an EHR system ensures accurate patient documentation, efficient scheduling, and seamless communication with other departments.
Hospitals vs. Clinics: What’s the Difference for Certified/Registered Medical Assistants?
Both hospitals and clinics are healthcare settings, but they have very different working environments and requirements. Hospitals operate around the clock, serving patients with diverse needs. During a typical hospital workday, CMAs/RMAs might have to start their shift facilitating patient admissions and later move to updating records or assisting with surgical procedures.
Clinics, on the other hand, usually follow regular business hours. In many cases, patients need an appointment to be seen, which means fewer surprises and potential disruptions to a workday.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to work as an MA in a clinic vs. a hospital.
Working as a CMA/RMA in a Clinic
Clinic CMAs/RMAs often work predictable weekday hours and may handle both front-desk and exam-room duties. They may also form relationships with patients who return regularly. The pace is generally steadier and slower than in a hospital.
Working as a CMA/RMA in a Hospital
Hospital MAs work in a faster-paced environment with varied shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes, they may be required to render overtime. Hospital medical assistants also encounter a higher volume of patients, some with life-threatening emergencies. Every day is different, offering frequent learning opportunities but requiring more stamina and adaptability.
Pros and Cons of Working as a Medical Assistant in a Hospital
Like any career, working in a hospital as a certified medical assistant comes with advantages and challenges. Being aware of both can help you decide if hospital work aligns with your strengths and preferences.
Advantages
- Broader Experience and Skill Development: Exposure to diverse medical situations helps medical assistants learn quickly and expand their abilities.
- Fast-Paced Environment: For those who enjoy a dynamic setting, hospital work offers excitement and the satisfaction of helping patients in urgent need.
- Career Growth Opportunities: Being in a hospital connects CMAs with a wide network of healthcare professionals and potential career paths.
- Unique Team Experience: Working alongside experienced doctors, nurses, and other medical assistants provides further learning and mentorship opportunities.
Challenges
- Irregular Hours: Hospital schedules may include nights, weekends, and holidays, and it’s not uncommon for medical assistants to be asked to work overtime. This can affect work-life balance.
- High-Stress Environment: CMAs/RMAs in hospitals may deal with emergencies and serious illnesses, which can be emotionally and physically demanding.
- Entry-Level Status in a Large Team: In hospitals, CMAs/RMAs work alongside highly trained staff and typically have limited decision-making authority, which can feel restrictive. The upside is the chance to learn from experienced professionals and build skills for future career growth.
- Physical Demands: Long periods of standing, walking, and occasional lifting are part of the job.
How To Become a Certified/Registered Medical Assistant Qualified To Work in a Hospital
Training and credentials help aspiring MAs stand out in hospital hiring. Texas does not have specific educational requirements for MAs beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most employers prefer candidates with formal training and a certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Completing a medical assistant program shows you have the knowledge and hands-on abilities to succeed in a hospital setting. It also makes you more competitive in a crowded job market and may increase your earning potential.
Here’s an overview of what it takes to become a hospital CMA/RMA:
- Education and Training: Complete a certificate or diploma program from an accredited school. Medical assistant programs cover clinical skills like taking vitals, administering injections, and drawing blood, as well as administrative skills such as medical coding and scheduling.
- Certification: While not required in Texas, certification improves job prospects. To become a CMA/RMA, you must take and pass the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam from the AAMA or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT).. Hospitals often prefer certified MAs because certification is proof of competency.
- Hands-On Experience: Completing an externship during training provides valuable real-world exposure and can make candidates more competitive.
- Job Search and Continuous Learning: Once trained and certified, MAs can apply to hospital positions, often through career sites, job fairs, and school job boards. Continuing education can also open doors to specialized roles or further studies in healthcare.
Texas Health School’s Medical Assistant Program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to prepare students for certification and hospital work. Graduates can sit for the Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) exam through the National Association for Health Professionals or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam through American Medical Technologists.
Lay the Groundwork for a Career as a Certified Medical Assistant
The scope of a medical assistant encompasses clinical and administrative work. The sheer variety of tasks, departments, and patient needs makes hospital work both challenging and rewarding.
If you can see yourself thriving in this environment, the right training can open the door. Texas Health School’s Medical Assistant Program teaches the skills needed to qualify for hospital positions. You’ll graduate prepared to pursue certification and step confidently into a fulfilling and exciting role that makes a positive impact on patients every day.
Explore our programs, or contact us today to learn more.