
Medical assistants are in high demand across Pennsylvania, with healthcare being one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state.
They must excel at multitasking and prioritizing responsibilities in dynamic healthcare environments.
Their ability to balance administrative precision with clinical care makes them indispensable to healthcare teams.
The Role of Medical Assistants
Medical assistants perform a blend of administrative and clinical tasks to ensure the efficient operation of physicians’ offices, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
Administrative duties include answering phones, managing medical records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing.
Clinically, they take medical histories, prepare patients for exams, assist doctors during procedures, and conduct basic lab tests.
Their specific responsibilities vary based on the employer, office setting, and state regulations.
How Do You Start a Medical Assistant Career in PA?
Employers typically prefer candidates with formal training in medical assisting, which is offered through vocational schools, community colleges, and universities.
Programs range from one-year certificate courses to two-year associate degree programs.
Its really not that hard to get started.
- First, start by finding a medical assistant training programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- After you complete the program go for a certification like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Then look for a job, see examples below!
Where Can Medical Assistants Work in PA?
Most medical assistants work in clinics or doctor’s offices as integral members of patient care teams.
Work environments include family medicine, dermatology, pediatrics, and specialty practices like podiatry and ophthalmology.
Examples of Medical Assistant Jobs in PA
Medical assisting offers a stable and rewarding career path for those interested in healthcare.
Titusville Area Hospital – Certified Medical Assistant
Location: Titusville, PA
Pay: $15–$17/hour
Website: Titusville Area Hospital
Titusville Area Hospital is seeking a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) to perform clinical and administrative tasks, including preparing patients for visits, administering medications, assisting physicians with procedures, and managing patient flow. Responsibilities also encompass specimen collection, maintaining medical supplies, and handling prescription refills. This full-time role offers benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off, with a Monday-to-Friday schedule.
Commonwealth Dermatology – Dermatology Medical Assistant
Location: McMurray, PA
Pay: $18–$25/hour
Website: Commonwealth Dermatology
Commonwealth Dermatology is hiring a Medical Assistant with dermatology experience to support Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatments. Key duties include rooming patients, assisting in surgical procedures, maintaining medical inventories, and scribing for providers. This full-time position, featuring no weekends and competitive benefits like a four-day workweek option, is ideal for candidates with strong communication skills and a passion for patient care.
The Primary Health Network – Medical Assistant/LPN
Location: Sharon, PA
Pay: Starting at $17/hour
Website: The Primary Health Network
The Primary Health Network offers a role for a Medical Assistant or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to provide comprehensive healthcare in a team setting. The position involves clinical and front-desk duties, including medication administration, venipuncture, and managing patient records. Benefits include health insurance, gym membership reimbursement, and paid time off, with a weekday schedule and no weekends or holidays.
Washington Health System – Family Medicine Medical Assistant
Location: Cecil, PA
Website: Washington Health System
This Medical Assistant position supports Washington Health System’s busy Family Medicine practice. Duties include assisting patients of all ages, managing patient flow, and performing clinical and clerical tasks such as preparing bills and updating charts. The job offers a supportive team environment, a weekday schedule, and benefits such as tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and an employee assistance program.
Warren Medical Group – Certified Medical Assistant
Location: Warren, PA
Pay: $16–$20/hour
Website: Warren Medical Group
Warren Medical Group seeks a CMA to perform tasks such as verifying patient information, taking vitals, and assisting with procedures like nurse visits and injections. This role offers flexible work options (full-time or part-time), a Monday-to-Friday schedule, and benefits including paid time off, continuing education opportunities, and a sign-on bonus.
Alere Family Health – Certified Medical Assistant
Location: Ronks, PA
Pay: $18–$23/hour
Website: Alere Family Health
Alere Family Health offers a unique opportunity for a CMA in a direct primary care setting. This role includes administrative and clinical responsibilities, such as triaging calls, dispensing medications, drawing blood, and assisting with procedures. With a small patient load and a close-knit team environment, the position provides a work-life balance, no weekends, and highly personalized patient care.
UPMC Family Care – Medical Assistant
Location: Dillsburg, PA
Pay: $17.38–$27.36/hour
Website: UPMC
UPMC Family Care in Dillsburg is hiring a Medical Assistant to assist physicians with patient care, including performing screenings, collecting vitals, and preparing rooms. The position offers flexible schedules, a supportive team, and benefits such as tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, and sign-on bonuses.
Lappen Eye Care – Ophthalmic Assistant
Location: Canonsburg, PA
Pay: $16–$22/hour
Website: Lappen Eye Care
Lappen Eye Care is seeking an ophthalmic assistant for a dual healthcare and retail role. Responsibilities include pre-exam testing, assisting with scheduling, and performing vision screenings. The position offers a consistent 36–40 hour workweek and benefits like vision insurance, making it ideal for candidates with time management and multitasking skills.
Laurel Podiatry – Medical Assistant
Location: Monroeville, PA
Pay: $20–$35/hour
Website: Laurel Podiatry
Laurel Podiatry seeks a skilled Medical Assistant for a fast-paced podiatry practice. Duties include triaging patients, assisting with procedures like wound care and injections, and managing electronic health records. This full-time role provides benefits such as paid time off and monthly bonuses based on cash-based treatments and product sales.
Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants
Overview of PSMA
The Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants (PSMA) serves as a state-wide affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), committed to supporting and enhancing the professional lives of medical assistants across Pennsylvania.
The PSMA provides resources for certification, continuing education, and professional development, fostering a high standard of practice for Certified Medical Assistants (CMA). Through its accessible and ADA-compliant website, the society shares updates, educational materials, and event information to support members in advancing their skills and careers.
The PSMA emphasizes the vital role of CMAs in healthcare, highlighting their versatility in performing both administrative and clinical tasks in various medical settings.
Certification and Professional Standards
Key initiatives of the PSMA include a certification process through the AAMA and a robust recertification program to maintain professional standards. The certification ensures CMAs demonstrate expertise in areas like general knowledge, administrative tasks, and clinical responsibilities, while recertification through continuing education or examinations reinforces these competencies. The PSMA also highlights the value of the CMA credential, which is widely respected by peers and employers alike.
Engagement and Development Opportunities
The PSMA hosts an annual General Assembly where active members can vote and contribute to the society’s decisions. Members benefit from leadership development and participation in committees that guide the organization’s policies and activities. Additionally, the society emphasizes outreach and education through newsletters, scholarship opportunities, and partnerships with accredited medical assisting programs. These efforts ensure PSMA remains a cornerstone for advancing medical assistant professionalism and supporting the broader healthcare community.
Other Resources
American Association of Medical Assistants
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), founded in 1956, is the premier organization dedicated to advancing the medical assisting profession through education, certification, advocacy, and networking opportunities. It offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, educational resources, and scope-of-practice guidance while representing medical assistants’ interests nationwide.
https://www.aama-ntl.org/