Whether you run a family practice in Burbank, a specialty clinic in Glendale, or an urgent care in Studio City, hiring the right medical assistant is one of the most important staffing decisions you will make. A well-written job description attracts qualified, certified candidates and sets clear expectations from day one.
This guide gives you a complete, ready-to-use medical assistant job description template — covering every duty, required skill, certification, and compensation benchmark you need. You will also find guidance on what separates a great MA from an average one, so your next hire is someone who truly elevates your practice.
If you are a prospective student researching the MA role before enrolling in a training program, SOCHI’s 9-month Medical Assistant Program in North Hollywood is a great starting point — but this article is specifically written to help hiring managers and employers.
What Is a Medical Assistant? A Plain-English Definition for Employers
A medical assistant (MA) is a cross-trained healthcare support professional who performs both clinical and administrative functions within a medical office, clinic, or hospital outpatient setting. Unlike a registered nurse or LVN, a medical assistant does not require a state license in California — but certification through a nationally recognized body such as the NHA (CCMA) or AAMA (CMA) is increasingly expected by employers and directly correlates with job performance and patient satisfaction.
The dual nature of the role — front office and back office — is what makes a skilled MA indispensable. They can take a patient’s vitals and draw blood in one moment, then step to the front desk to verify insurance and schedule a follow-up in the next.
Medical Assistant Job Description Template (Copy & Customize)
Job Title
Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA / CMA) — [Full-Time / Part-Time]
Location
[Your Clinic Name] — [City, CA ZIP]
Position Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented, compassionate Certified Medical Assistant to join our [specialty] team. The ideal candidate holds an active CCMA or CMA certification, has completed an accredited medical assisting program, and thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment. You will support our physicians and nursing staff with clinical procedures while managing key administrative workflows to keep our office running smoothly.
Clinical Duties & Responsibilities
- Take and record vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, and oxygen saturation
- Prepare patients for examinations and assist physicians during procedures
- Perform phlebotomy (venipuncture and capillary draws) per physician order
- Administer medications and injections under physician supervision and as permitted by California scope of practice
- Conduct and interpret 12-lead EKGs
- Collect, label, and process laboratory specimens (urinalysis, cultures, rapid tests)
- Perform routine point-of-care tests and document results in the EHR
- Maintain sterile field and assist with minor in-office procedures
- Prepare, clean, and stock exam rooms between patient visits
- Educate patients on post-visit care instructions, medication regimens, and follow-up protocols
- Dispose of biohazard waste in accordance with OSHA and facility guidelines
Administrative Duties & Responsibilities
- Schedule patient appointments, referrals, and specialist visits using [EHR system, e.g., AthenaHealth, eClinicalWorks]
- Greet patients, verify demographics, and collect insurance information at check-in
- Obtain prior authorizations for procedures, medications, and specialist referrals
- Accurately update and maintain electronic health records (EHR)
- Process and submit insurance claims; follow up on denials
- Handle incoming calls, patient messages, and physician correspondence
- Manage inventory of medical supplies and place reorder requests
- Ensure HIPAA compliance in all patient interactions and record handling
Required Qualifications
Education
Completion of an accredited medical assistant diploma or certificate program is required. Programs accredited through ACCET (such as SOCHI’s Medical Assistant Program in North Hollywood) or ABHES-recognized institutions meet this standard.
Certification
- CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) — National Healthcareer Association (NHA), OR
- CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) — American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), OR
- NCMA — National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
California does not license medical assistants at the state level, but certification is strongly preferred by employers and is required at most clinical practices in the LA metro area.
Experience
- Minimum: Externship completion (150+ hours) in a clinical setting
- Preferred: 1+ years of post-graduation work experience in a medical office
- New graduates from accredited programs with externship experience will be considered
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in at least one EHR platform (Epic, Kareo, Athena, eCW, etc.)
- Basic phlebotomy and EKG administration
- Medical terminology and ICD-10/CPT coding fundamentals
- Typing speed of 40+ WPM for documentation efficiency
Soft Skills
- Empathy and patient-centered communication — patients often interact with the MA more than the physician
- Calm under pressure — ability to prioritize in a high-volume setting
- Attention to detail — errors in documentation or medication administration have direct patient safety implications
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a significant plus in the Los Angeles market
Medical Assistant Salary in Los Angeles County — 2026 Benchmarks
Setting competitive pay is essential for attracting certified candidates in the LA market, where the cost of living is high and demand for qualified MAs continues to grow.
Entry-level (0–1 yr, certified): $19 – $22/hr | ~$39,500 – $45,700/yr
Experienced (2–5 yrs): $22 – $26/hr | ~$45,700 – $54,000/yr
Senior / Lead MA (5+ yrs): $26 – $30+/hr | ~$54,000 – $62,400+/yr
LA County average (all levels): ~$24/hr per BLS regional data
Specialty clinics (cardiology, oncology): Often 10–15% above general practice average
Employers offering benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement plan, CME reimbursement) can typically attract stronger candidates at the midpoint of these ranges rather than the top.
What to Look for Beyond the Resume: Interviewing MA Candidates
Verify Certification Status
Confirm that the candidate’s CCMA, CMA, or NCMA is active and not lapsed. Certifications must be renewed periodically through continuing education — an expired credential is a red flag.
Ask About Externship Settings
Externship experience is often more revealing than the diploma itself. Ask: ‘What type of practice did you extern in? What was your patient volume per day? Did you perform phlebotomy independently or under direct supervision?’ A candidate who interned at a busy urgent care has been tested under pressure. One who externed at a private concierge practice may have lighter clinical experience.
Test Practical Knowledge
For clinical roles, a brief practical assessment — properly labeling a specimen, demonstrating venipuncture technique on a training arm, or navigating your EHR — tells you far more than behavioral interview questions alone.
Assess Communication Style
The MA is often the first and last clinical contact a patient has during a visit. Role-play a scenario: ‘A patient is anxious about their blood draw and resists. How do you respond?’ Look for calm, empathetic language rather than clinical detachment.
Where to Find Certified, Job-Ready Medical Assistants in the San Fernando Valley
If your practice regularly hires MAs and you want a pipeline of locally trained, CCMA-eligible graduates, consider partnering with Southern California Health Institute (SOCHI) in North Hollywood.
SOCHI’s Medical Assistant Program is a 9-month accredited diploma program that trains students in both clinical and administrative competencies. Graduates complete 150 hours of hands-on externship before receiving their diploma — meaning every SOCHI graduate arrives at your clinic having already worked in a real healthcare setting.
SOCHI’s career services team actively connects graduates with employer partners across North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and the broader San Fernando Valley.
