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Medical Assistants

Health Science

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Coast Guard logo

Work Environment

Medical assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations they may work in mobile field hospitals.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Average Military Salary

    $76,430

Overview

Medical assistants serve as critical team members in providing medical care to service members and their families. They give patients the care and treatment required to help them recover from illness or injury, including injuries suffered in combat. Medical assistants help prepare equipment for diagnostic tests and other procedures for patients.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field and covers tactical and survival skills physical training military life and customs and weapons training. Medical assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study laboratory demonstrations practical exercises and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Patient care techniques
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Methods of sterilizing surgical equipment
  • Working on a medical team
  • Basic nursing care
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Clinical laboratory procedures
  • Methods for diagnosing diseases
  • Preventive medicine
  • Medical management information systems

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to follow directions precisely
  • Ability to work under stressful or emergency conditions
  • Interest in helping others

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