Where Do Medical Assistants Work in 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

For those looking to enter healthcare, whether high school graduates or professionals shifting careers, it’s not always clear where medical assistants are needed. While some might assume hospitals are the leading employers, others may be unsure about the range of clinics and healthcare environments that offer these roles.

Physicians' offices make up about 62.06% of all medical assistant positions in the U.S., but the full range of employment opportunities is much broader. This article, crafted by career planning experts, will guide you through the diverse workplaces that hire medical assistants and help you determine the best fit for your career path.

Key Things You Should Know About Medical Assistants

Medical assistants work in various healthcare settings, such as, outpatient care centers, hospitals, urgent care clinics, and specialty practices, where physicians' offices making up about 62.06% of all medical positions in the U.S.
Medical assistants have options for full-time, part-time, and per diem positions, with shift flexibility and occasional overtime depending on the healthcare setting.
Medical assistants can transition into non-clinical roles, such as medical billing, health IT, or administrative positions, or advance to leadership roles in healthcare settings with additional training.

What types of healthcare settings hire medical assistants?
Do medical assistants work in long-term care or assisted living facilities?
What’s the work environment like for medical assistants?
How much do medical assistants make in different job settings?
Do medical assistants work part-time, full-time, or per diem?
What job opportunities exist for medical assistants outside of clinical roles?
What specialized education options can further enhance a medical assistant's career?
Can an advanced degree in a non-clinical field enhance a medical assistant’s career?
What is the best work setting for a new medical assistant?
How does a medical assistant career measure up against the highest paid biology jobs in terms of growth and rewards?
What are the benefits of working in different settings as a medical assistant?
Where can medical assistants advance into leadership or more senior roles?
What are the future trends in medical assistant careers?
Other Things You Should Know About Medical Assistants

What types of healthcare settings hire medical assistants?

Medical assistants are employed in a variety of healthcare settings, including physicians' offices, outpatient care centers, hospitals, urgent care clinics, and specialty medical practices.

Physicians' Offices

Physicians' offices are one of the most common and stable work environments for medical assistants. Note that there is a difference between medical assistant and physician assistant.

Largest employers of medical assistants: Physicians' offices make up about 62.06% of all medical positions in the U.S.
Steady work environment: These settings often offer regular hours, making them appealing to new graduates and those transitioning from other careers.

Outpatient Care Centers

Outpatient care centers provide a growing and dynamic work environment for medical assistants.

Common workplace for MAs: About 10.16% of MAs work in outpatient care centers.
Growing demand: These centers are in high demand, especially due to the rising need for outpatient services.

You may also opt to become a patient care technician (PCT) if patient care is something that interests and moves you. Check out our article on PCT salary per hour.

Urgent Care Clinics

Urgent care clinics offer fast-paced and rewarding opportunities for medical assistants in a high-demand sector.

Fast-growing sector: Urgent care clinics are expanding due to increased demand for immediate care services.
Part of the outpatient sector: They offer a more dynamic environment but often require MAs to work quickly in a busy setting.

Hospitals

Hospitals offer diverse and often challenging opportunities for medical assistants, with varying work environments and responsibilities.

Diverse work environment: Around 16.7% of medical assistants are employed by hospitals.
Fast-paced and shift work: Hospital work can be more challenging, with MAs required to adapt to faster-paced environments and sometimes work irregular hours.

Specialty Medical Practices

Specialty medical practices offer focused and specialized roles for medical assistants, catering to the specific needs of patients and various healthcare services.

Specialized roles: Medical assistants are commonly hired in practices like dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics.
Urban preference: These roles are especially common in urban areas where specialized services are in high demand.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Medical Assistants

The distinction between a certified and non-certified medical assistant can impact job opportunities and career advancement in various healthcare settings.

Certified MAs: Certified medical assistants are more likely to be hired by hospitals and specialty clinics, as many employers prefer formal credentials. 62% of employers screen for certification when hiring.
Non-Certified MAs: Non-certified medical assistants are often employed in smaller clinics or general outpatient offices.

Obtaining certification can improve job prospects and provide opportunities in various healthcare settings.

Do medical assistants work in long-term care or assisted living facilities?

Medical assistants can work in long-term care and assisted living facilities, though their roles are often more administrative than clinical.

Key Responsibilities

Medical assistants in long-term care and assisted living facilities typically focus on administrative tasks and resident support to enhance the overall care environment.

Administrative tasks: MAs in these settings typically handle appointment scheduling, maintain medical records, assist with billing, and organize transportation for residents.
Resident support: They may also help organize activities and provide companionship, contributing to residents' overall well-being.
Communication liaison: MAs act as a bridge between residents and healthcare providers, ensuring smooth communication and continuity of care.

While medical assistants aren't usually involved in direct clinical care, their support is crucial for maintaining an efficient and caring environment.

Specialized Training and Career Opportunities

Specialized training in geriatric care can open up additional career opportunities for medical assistants in long-term care and assisted living settings.

Geriatric care: Specialized training in geriatric care can enhance a medical assistant's ability to care for elderly residents.
Growing demand: The aging population is increasing the demand for healthcare roles in long-term care facilities, providing fulfilling opportunities for medical assistants.

Some medical assistants use this experience as a stepping stone toward advanced roles by enrolling in 1 year nurse practitioner programs online, which allow them to expand their clinical skills and responsibilities.

What’s the work environment like for medical assistants?

Medical assistants often work in fast-paced settings, especially in hospitals and outpatient care centers. In these environments, they manage high patient volumes and must stay organized to keep up with the pace.

The physical demands of the job can be significant. Medical assistants often stand for long periods, assist patients with mobility, and handle medical equipment. These tasks can lead to fatigue or musculoskeletal issues if proper ergonomics aren't practiced.

A typical day for a medical assistant includes a mix of administrative and clinical duties. They schedule appointments, take vital signs, and prepare patients for exams. The exact responsibilities can vary based on the healthcare setting and patient volume.

Medical assistants rarely work alone; they are integral members of healthcare teams. Collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other staff is essential to provide quality patient care.

Despite the challenges, many medical assistants find their work environment satisfying. Surveys indicate that a significant number rate their work environment positively, reflecting the rewarding nature of the role.

How much do medical assistants make in different job settings?

Is being a medical assistant worth it? Medical assistant salaries in the U.S. vary by workplace, location, and experience.

Outpatient Care Centers: Medical assistants in outpatient care centers earn the highest average salary among common settings, at approximately $44,680 per year.
Hospitals: In general medical and surgical hospitals, the average annual salary for medical assistants is around $39,550.
Physicians' Offices: Medical assistants working in physicians' offices earn an average of $37,610 annually.
Specialty Practices: Those employed in specialty medical practices, such as dermatology or cardiology, have an average annual salary of approximately $43,418. You may also want to compare EMT vs medical assistant salary.
Urgent Care Centers: Salaries in urgent care centers vary. For example, at NextCare Urgent Care, medical assistants earn an average of $23.98 per hour. At Priority Urgent Care, the average hourly wage is $18.90.

Geographically, urban areas typically offer higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living. For instance, medical assistants in San Francisco, California, earn an average annual salary of $54,930.

Experience and certification also impact earnings. Certified medical assistants often have access to higher-paying positions and may earn more than their non-certified counterparts.

Do medical assistants work part-time, full-time, or per diem?

Most medical assistants work full-time, typically around 40 hours per week, with work schedules ranging from five 8-hour shifts to three 12-hour shifts, depending on the employer and setting.

Work Schedules

Medical assistants have various work schedule options, including full-time, part-time, and per-diem, depending on the employer and setting.

Full-time: Generally involves 40 hours per week, with shifts often spanning 8 or 12 hours.
Part-time: Positions usually range from 20 to 30 hours per week, with shorter shifts spread over several days.
Per diem: Offers flexible, as-needed scheduling, common in urgent care centers and hospitals with fluctuating staffing needs.

Medical assistants in settings like urgent care may enjoy more shift options, including evenings and weekends, making these roles ideal for those seeking schedule flexibility.

Overtime and Flexibility

Overtime and scheduling flexibility can vary for medical assistants depending on the work setting and demand.

Overtime: While occasional overtime may be required, particularly in high-demand environments like hospitals and urgent care centers, it is not a regular expectation.
Shift flexibility: Per diem positions and certain settings offer greater flexibility, allowing you to balance work with other commitments.

What job opportunities exist for medical assistants outside of clinical roles?

Medical assistants can transition into various non-clinical roles within the healthcare industry, leveraging their clinical knowledge and administrative skills.

Medical Billing and Coding

With additional training, medical assistants can specialize in medical billing and coding. This role involves translating healthcare services into standardized codes for insurance billing and maintaining accurate records. Proficiency in coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT is essential. Enrolling in a low cost medical coding and billing online program can help build these skills affordably. This specialization offers opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.

Administrative Roles

Experienced medical assistants can pursue administrative positions such as medical office managers or health services administrators. These roles involve overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems are beneficial.

Patient Advocacy and Customer Service

Medical assistants can serve as patient advocates, helping patients navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, and understand their treatment plans. This role requires excellent communication skills and a compassionate approach to patient care.

Health Information Technology (Health IT)

With the increasing digitization of healthcare, medical assistants can transition into health IT roles. Positions such as EHR specialists involve managing and optimizing electronic health record systems, ensuring the accurate and secure handling of patient data.

What specialized education options can further enhance a medical assistant's career?

Advanced training through specialized education can distinguish medical assistants and open doors to roles that require advanced technical and managerial skills. Focused programs in areas such as health IT, practice management, and medical coding can improve clinical efficiency and administrative expertise. For example, enrolling in courses offered by medical billing schools online accredited provides practical insights into navigating complex billing systems while reinforcing data security and regulatory compliance. These targeted educational pathways enable professionals to boost their earning potential, affirm their commitment to quality care, and position themselves for future leadership opportunities.

Can an advanced degree in a non-clinical field enhance a medical assistant’s career?

Medical assistants seeking to diversify their skill set may benefit from pursuing interdisciplinary graduate programs that build on leadership, management, and strategic planning competencies. Such advanced education can complement clinical expertise and prepare professionals for roles that require operational oversight and business insights within healthcare organizations. For instance, programs like the masters in sports management online foster analytical and managerial skills applicable to modern healthcare settings, enabling medical assistants to contribute to efficiency and innovation from a broader business perspective.

What is the best work setting for a new medical assistant?

Outpatient clinics are often the best starting point for new medical assistants. These settings typically offer structured environments, manageable patient volumes, and opportunities for on-the-job training.

Many clinics provide entry-level positions that include hands-on training, allowing a new medical assistant to learn while they work. This approach is beneficial for those entering the field without prior experience or formal certification. Some also explore related training paths like physical therapy assistant programs online to broaden their career options.

Hospitals also offer entry-level roles, but they may be more demanding due to higher patient acuity and faster-paced environments. However, hospitals often have formal mentorship programs and structured training pathways, which can be advantageous for long-term career growth.

Specialty practices, such as dermatology or cardiology, may require specific skills or experience, making them less accessible for new graduates. Therefore, starting in a general outpatient clinic can provide a solid foundation before transitioning to specialized areas.

How does a medical assistant career measure up against the highest paid biology jobs in terms of growth and rewards?

Medical assistant careers offer competitive stability with diverse work environments, practical skills, and regular professional feedback—a sharp contrast to some biology-related paths that require extensive specialized education. While medical assistants benefit from structured on-the-job training and predictable schedules, roles in the highest paid biology jobs might demand advanced technical expertise and longer periods of formal study. Evaluating work-life balance, career advancement, and continuous learning opportunities can clarify which pathway better aligns with one’s long-term professional goals.

What are the benefits of working in different settings as a medical assistant?

The benefits of working as a medical assistant vary depending on the employment setting, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), and opportunities for professional development.

Health Insurance and Retirement Plans

Government positions, such as those with the U.S. Department of Labor, often provide comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits, including life insurance and long-term disability coverage. These roles may also offer flexible spending accounts and student loan repayment programs. Private sector employers, like Concentra, typically offer competitive pay, health insurance, and retirement benefits, including 401(k) plans.

Paid Time Off and Sick Leave

Paid time off and sick leave benefits are common across various settings. For instance, some employers provide 22 PTO days, 5 sick days, and 14 paid holidays per year. Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) ensures that employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for qualifying reasons without losing their jobs.

Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education

Certain employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to support ongoing education and professional development. For example, some federal agencies offer student loan repayment assistance and Public Service Loan Forgiveness options. Private sector employers may also offer tuition reimbursement to encourage skill enhancement, such as completing a nutrition course online to expand patient care knowledge.

Where can medical assistants advance into leadership or more senior roles?

Medical assistants can advance into leadership or specialized roles in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized medical practices.

Hospitals and Large Health Systems

Hospitals often provide structured career ladders, offering opportunities for medical assistants to move into supervisory roles such as clinical supervisors or office managers. These positions involve overseeing clinical staff, managing patient care protocols, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Additionally, hospitals may support further education and certification, facilitating career progression.

Outpatient Clinics and Private Practices

In outpatient settings, medical assistants can advance to roles like lead medical assistant or practice manager. These positions include responsibilities such as training new staff, managing daily operations, and implementing office policies. The smaller scale of these practices often allows for closer mentorship and more direct involvement in decision-making processes.

Specialized Medical Practices

Specialized fields like cardiology, dermatology, or pediatrics offer medical assistants the opportunity to become specialized in these areas. These roles involve working closely with physicians in specific medical specialties, providing opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

Educational and Entrepreneurial Paths

With additional training, medical assistants can transition into roles such as clinical research coordinators or health educators. Some may choose to start their own businesses, offering services like medical billing and coding or healthcare consulting. Others decide to switch fields completely. Programs like the easiest library science degree programs offer a flexible path into academic or information-focused careers outside of clinical work.

What are the future trends in medical assistant careers?

Emerging technologies, evolving patient care models, and changing healthcare regulations are reshaping the medical assistant role. Advances in telemedicine, electronic health records, and automation are expanding clinical and administrative responsibilities, prompting a shift toward acquiring technical competencies. These developments create opportunities for professionals to specialize further, pursue leadership positions, and command competitive wages. Additionally, integrating training in digital tools and data management is becoming critical for staying ahead in the field and potentially transitioning into roles such as the highest paying medical job.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Working as a Medical Assistant

Working at a pediatric clinic has helped me build strong relationships with families and improve how I communicate with all age groups. I like seeing the small but real impact of our care each week. — Athan

In a busy hospital setting, I learned to multitask under pressure and assist in minor procedures. The pace keeps me sharp, and the teamwork makes each shift run smoothly. — Trell

I work in a private practice where I handle both administrative and clinical tasks. It’s steady, well-organized, and I like seeing familiar patients who appreciate consistent care. — Zack

Key Findings

Physicians' offices employ 62.06% of medical assistants in the United States, offering a stable and predictable work environment with regular hours.
Outpatient care centers employ 10.16% of medical assistants, a number that is growing rapidly due to the rising demand for outpatient services.
Hospitals employ 16.7% of medical assistants, offering diverse and fast-paced roles with irregular hours.
Certified medical assistants are preferred by 62% of employers, improving job prospects in competitive settings.
Outpatient care centers offer the highest average annual salary of $44,680, compared to physicians' offices and hospitals.

Other Things You Should Know About Medical Assistants

Do medical assistants have remote work opportunities?

Some medical assistants have remote work opportunities, but they are limited in number. According to 2024 job trend data, most medical assistant roles involve in-person tasks, such as taking vital signs or assisting with exams. However, remote positions exist in areas such as telehealth support, medical billing, and insurance coordination. These roles often focus on administrative duties and require strong computer and communication skills. Remote work is more common for experienced medical assistants transitioning into specialized or hybrid roles.

Where do traveling or mobile medical assistants work?

Traveling or mobile medical assistants work in various healthcare settings across different locations. In 2024, they are employed in clinics, hospitals, outpatient care centers, private practices, and specialized facilities such as chiropractic offices and retirement communities. They often fill temporary staffing gaps, especially in rural or underserved areas. Assignments can range from a few weeks to several months, offering flexibility and diverse experiences. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy adapting to new environments and working with diverse healthcare teams.

What healthcare settings offer the best work-life balance for MAs?

Medical assistants (MAs) often find the best work-life balance in outpatient clinics and private practices. These settings typically operate during standard business hours, reducing the need for night or weekend shifts. This predictability allows MAs to maintain consistent personal schedules. In contrast, hospitals and urgent care centers may require more variable hours, including evenings and weekends. Choosing a work environment that aligns with personal lifestyle preferences can significantly enhance job satisfaction and overall well-being.

What ethical challenges do medical assistants face in healthcare settings?

Medical assistants (MAs) encounter several ethical challenges, including maintaining patient confidentiality, ensuring informed consent, and navigating conflicts of interest. With the widespread use of electronic health records and telemedicine, safeguarding patient information has become more complex, increasing the risk of data breaches. MAs must also ensure that patients fully understand procedures and treatments, which can be challenging when dealing with language barriers or cognitive impairments. Additionally, MAs may face situations where personal interests or relationships could conflict with professional responsibilities, necessitating careful judgment to prioritize patient care.