Medix’s Premier Guide to Medical Assistant Hiring

Jessica Ventimiglia April 3, 2025 Reading Time: < 3 minutes

Finding the right medical assistant can be challenging, especially when you need someone quickly. That’s where a medical assistant temp agency like Medix can help. Medical assistants perform complex tasks that vary greatly by facility. When hiring, it’s crucial to find the right fit, as each state and employer has different requirements. The right hiring strategy can help you identify optimal talent for your job opening.

What Is a Medical Assistant?

A medical assistant is a supporting healthcare professional who performs both clinical and clerical tasks. This diverse role offers opportunities to engage with patients in both the front office and in the exam room. Medical assistants work closely with physicians, nurses, and front-office staff to provide an efficient patient experience across all touchpoints.

The job responsibilities of a medical assistant may include:

Scheduling patient appointments or referrals
Taking patients’ medical histories
Measuring and recording vital signs such as blood pressure, weight, and temperature
Assisting physicians with exams
Explaining the physician’s orders or instructions to patients and families
Administering medications or injections
Collecting and preparing specimen samples
Maintaining a well-stocked inventory of medical and office supplies
Performing maintenance on medical equipment

What To Include in a Medical Assistant Job Description

The nature of a medical assistant’s job can vary greatly by location. It’s important to clarify the exact specifications for this role. If you’re a medical assistant looking for a job, thoroughly review the duties and responsibilities listed in the job description to determine whether it’s the right fit. In some practices, medical assistants spend most of their time in the front office, while other facilities expect medical assistants to focus on exam room tasks. A small facility may have medical assistants handling both sets of duties.

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, consider including the following duties in your job description:

Maintaining confidentiality and compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations
Completing diagnostic and procedural coding
Following facility standards to maintain a safe and healthy work environment
Pursuing continuing education to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the healthcare industry
Adhering to federal, state, and local requirements
Enhancing the office’s reputation by taking ownership of key tasks

Your job description should outline the medical assistant’s preferred education and experience. There is no standardized educational path for medical assistants in the United States, although some states have their own requirements. Where state requirements are not present, medical assistants may gain their skills through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or a postsecondary educational program.

Medical assistants are not permitted to give injections or draw blood in all states. If your state permits this, specify whether you need your medical assistant to perform these duties. Additional training is typically required.

Most states do not require medical assistant certification, but nearly all employers prefer it. Specify whether your practice prefers or requires certification for this role.

Key Skills To Look for in a Medical Assistant

When you’re considering applicants for your medical assistant job opening, there are several qualities to look for. You might include these skills in your job description or screen for them on applicants’ resumes. A medical assistant temp agency like Medix can provide expert candidate screening for these essential qualities.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Medical assistants are a key connector among the front office, clinical staff, and patients. They must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. In a healthcare setting, miscommunication can compromise the patient’s care and outcome. Medical assistants must understand and use medical terminology proficiently. They should also be able to translate medical terminology into everyday terms for patients and their families.

Compassion and Empathy

In a healthcare setting, you will often encounter patients who are going through a difficult experience. Whether this is an illness, injury, or painful chronic condition, it’s important to demonstrate compassion and empathy. This skill is important both in the front office and the exam room.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial when scheduling patient appointments, taking vital signs, updating medical records, and submitting orders or referrals. Medical assistants must be attentive, detail-oriented, and precise. Even small mistakes can have significant consequences in a healthcare setting.

Problem Solving

Medical assistants should demonstrate analytical thinking and strong problem-solving abilities. These professionals may need to spot and respond to patient symptoms, resolve communication issues, or troubleshoot technology. Good medical assistants will confidently approach issues and diligently pursue a solution.

Medical Assistant Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics¹, the median annual wage for medical assistants is $42,000. Those employed in outpatient care centers have the highest median wages at $46,090. Medical assistants in hospitals earn a median salary of $44,350, and those in physicians’ offices make $40,670. The highest-paying states for medical assistants are Washington, Alaska, California, the District of Columbia, and Minnesota².

Medical Assistant Interview Questions

Asking the right interview questions will help you identify the best talent for your medical assistant job listing. With a medical assistant temp agency, you can immediately narrow down your pool of prospects and use these questions to find the ideal hire.

Why are you interested in this role?

The candidate’s motivation can help you determine whether they’re a good fit for your company culture.

What’s your background in medical assisting?

Look for alignment with the scope of your job, whether this is a front-of-house medical assistant, clinical medical assistant, or both.

Why did you leave your previous position?

Assess whether your facility fills the gaps that caused the candidate to leave their last job.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of medical assisting?

Since the scope of this job varies by location, you may be able to offer a position that focuses on the candidate’s preferred duties and minimizes those they don’t enjoy.

Find Skilled Medical Technicians Through Medix

Tired of the Hiring Hassle? As a leading medical assistant temp agency, Medix takes the stress out of your staffing process. We connect you with pre-screened, skilled medical assistants, ensuring you have the right people, right when you need them. Get in touch with us now to solve your staffing challenges.

References:

“Medical Assistants.” Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-5.. Accessed March 25, 2025.
“Medical Assistants.” Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-5.. Accessed March 25, 2025