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When you first complete a medical assistant program you are excited to take any job opportunity for the experience.
But as medical assistants get further down their career paths they may choose to focus on one medical assistant specialty.
Today we wanted to provide a list of the highest-paid medical assistant specialties that provides ideas for folks looking to become a specialized medical assistant.
We also recommend reading why and how to find alternative medical assistant career paths as well as 20 awesome places medical assistants can work.
Those articles will dive deeper into some of the suggestions on today’s list of medical assistant specialties.
So, without further ado, let’s check out the list.
Medical Assistant Specialties List
Here are 45 areas specialized medical assistants can work in for higher pay.
U.S. Navy
Specialized Clinics
Transplant Surgery
Internal Medicine
Allergy and Immunology
Emergency service organizations
Dermatology
Radiation Oncology Center
Outpatient Clinics
Insurance carriers
Orthopaedic Surgery Clinics
Endocrinology
Family Medicine
Home health companies
Ophthalmology Clinics
Podiatry Clinics
Women’s Health
U.S. Air Force
Hospitals
Clinical Labs
Medical Billing & Coding
Psychiatric & Behavioral Health
Retirement Communities
Administrative & Military
Geriatrics
U.S. Coast Guard
Administrative Assistance
Retirement and Nursing homes
U.S. Army
Chiropractic Unit
Palliative Care Facility
Urgent care centers
Primary Care Facilities
Outpatient surgical centers
Phlebotomy
Gastroenterology
EKG/Cardiology Facility
Medical supplies organizations
Urology
Rehab and Therapy clinics
Emergency Departments
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Pediatrics
Medical assistant salaries depend on many factors such as location, experience and industry. In most areas, our research found the above medical assistant specialties to be the highest paid.
It isn’t guaranteed that any of the above medical assistant specialities will pay higher but many times specialized medical assistants in these areas are paid more.
Keep reading to learn how you can verify specialized medical assistant salary data to make an informed decision on your specialization.
Overview of Medical Assistant Specialties
Medical assistants are an integral part of the healthcare team, providing assistance to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. While medical assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings, they can also specialize in a particular area of medicine. Specialization allows medical assistants to develop expertise in a particular field and provide focused care to patients.
There are numerous medical assistant specialties to choose from, ranging from cardiology to pediatrics. Some of the most common medical assistant specialties include dermatology, oncology, orthopedics, and urology. Specializing in a particular area of medicine can give medical assistants the opportunity to work with patients who have specific medical conditions and provide them with the care they need.
Medical assistant specialties can also lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities. For example, medical assistants who specialize in emergency services, dermatology, or oncology may earn higher salaries than those who work in general medical offices. Additionally, medical assistants who specialize in a particular area of medicine may have more job opportunities available to them, particularly in specialized clinics or hospitals.
Specialty Medical Assistant Roles
Medical assistants are valuable members of the healthcare team, and they can specialize in a variety of roles. These roles include clinical, administrative, and specialty medical assistants. Each specialty requires a unique set of skills and knowledge to perform the job effectively.
Clinical Medical Assistants
Clinical medical assistants work closely with patients to provide direct care. In providing care of patients they take vital signs, record medical histories, assist with medical procedures, and administer medications under the supervision of a physician or nurse. They may also assist with diagnostic procedures, such as drawing blood or collecting lab specimens.
Clinical medical assistants must have excellent communication skills to interact with patients and healthcare providers. They must also be able to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work well under pressure. In addition, they must be knowledgeable about medical procedures and have a strong understanding of medical terminology.
Administrative Medical Assistants
Administrative medical assistants work in the administrative offices of healthcare facilities. They are responsible for managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling medical billing. They also perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, greeting patients, and maintaining office supplies.
Administrative medical assistants must have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. They must be proficient in computer software programs, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and medical billing software. They must also be able to work well in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Specialty Medical Assistants
Specialty medical assistants work in specialized medical fields, such as cardiology, dermatology, or pediatrics. They assist physicians with specialized medical procedures and treatments. They may also perform diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) or pulmonary function tests.
Specialty medical assistants must have a strong understanding of the medical specialty in which they work. They must be knowledgeable about specialized medical procedures and treatments. They must also be able to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare providers.
In summary, medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They can specialize in clinical, administrative, or specialty roles. Each specialty requires a unique set of skills and knowledge to perform the job effectively. Whether working directly with patients or in an administrative capacity, medical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team.
Specialty Certifications for Medical Assistants
Specialty certifications for medical assistants are a great way to advance your career and open up the doors to higher-paying jobs. With more specialized knowledge, you can become an even more valuable asset to any organization. There are several different specialty certifications available, so it’s important to research each one thoroughly before deciding which one is right for you.
CMA by AAMA
The first specialty certification that a medical assistant can obtain is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To earn this certification, the medical assistant must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass an exam that covers topics such as clinical and administrative skills, patient care, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and communication. Being a certified medical assistant demonstrates professionalism and competence in the field of healthcare.
CMAA by NHA
Another specialty certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification. This credential is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and demonstrates the medical assistant’s knowledge and skills in administrative tasks such as maintaining patient records, managing appointments, and handling medical billing and coding. A CMAA-certified medical assistant can bring added value to a healthcare facility by ensuring efficient communication between patients, physicians, and insurance providers. As a result, this certification can lead to increased job opportunities and higher pay for qualified candidates in the field of medical assisting.
EKG Certification by NHA
Another specialty certification for medical assistants is the EKG certification. This certification is highly valuable for medical assistants who work in cardiology offices or other settings where electrocardiograms are frequently used for cardiac imaging or cardiac stress tests. By becoming EKG certified, a medical assistant can demonstrate their proficiency in performing and interpreting electrocardiograms, as well as their knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology. Having an EKG certification can also enhance a medical assistant’s job prospects and earning potential. Employers may prefer to hire candidates with this credential and may offer higher salaries to those who hold it. Overall, obtaining an EKG certification is a wise investment for medical assistants who want to advance their careers in the healthcare industry. With this specialized skill set, they can contribute more effectively to patient care teams while also opening up new opportunities for professional growth.
Specialized Medical Assistant Salary Data
In many cases, a specialized medical assistant salary will be higher than a general MA’s salary.
This isn’t always the case and it is a good idea to further research salaries in whichever specialization you are considering.
We publish the most recent medical assistant salary data where you can compare data by region and industry.
Although we have created the most complete resource on medical assistant salary data, there is not much data published on the niche medical assistant specialties that we listed today.
So, to investigate them further here is how you can uncover specialized medical assistant salary data for any of the specialties you are interested in.
- Search for job openings – Find some job openings for a specialty and see what pay is offered.
- Call local organizations – Call local organizations hiring for the position you’re interested in and ask what the compensation offered is.
- Reach out to professionals – Reach out to professionals working in the positions you are interested in and build a relationship so that you can ask questions about salary expectations.
Favorite Medical Assistant Specialty Jobs?
Wow, congrats!
You made it this far, through an entire list of 45 different medical assistant specialties!
Now, it’s your turn. Get started by leaving a comment below telling us which medical assistant specialty job you are most interested in.
I am a Certified Medical Assistant and I need help finding a job. I live in the Germantown/Gaithersburg Maryland area.
Hi Memoona,
Thank you for reaching out. We are working on connecting MAs with employers, would you mind sending me an email at: chris.jackson@medical-assistant.us
I’ll make sure I notify you when our job search tool is available.
Best,
Chris