Pediatric Medical Assistant: Duties, Skills, Salary, and More

Have you ever been to a doctor’s office and seen someone helping the doctor? That person may have been a medical assistant. Medical assistants work with doctors, nurses, and patients to make sure everything runs smoothly.?

But what if you love working with kids? Then you might want to think about becoming a pediatric medical assistant. Pediatric medical assistants specialize in helping doctors who care for children, from babies to teenagers.

In this blog post, we will talk about everything you need to know about being a pediatric medical assistant.?

Let’s get started!

What Is a Pediatric Medical Assistant?

A pediatric medical assistant is someone who helps a pediatrician. They are essential healthcare workers who support doctors in caring for babies, children, and teenagers.

Pediatric medical assistants do lots of important tasks, like checking a child’s weight, helping with vaccinations, talking to parents, and even comforting scared kids during their visit. They also work closely with families in pediatric offices across the country. These assistants play a key role in preparing exam rooms, organizing medical tools, checking vital signs, collecting samples, and assisting both patients and families during visits.

Such medical assistants ensure everything runs smoothly, helping doctors and nurses provide the best care possible. Their communication skills and ability to stay calm under pressure are vital in creating a positive experience for young patients.

Read this blog on Dermatology Medical Assistant: A Complete Overview to learn more about medical assistants.

Pediatric Medical Assistant Job Description

The job description of a pediatric medical assistant can be different depending on where they work. But in general, they help the doctor by:

• Taking patients’ height, weight, and vital signs (like heart rate and temperature).
• Asking patients or parents about the reason for their visit.
• Getting medical records ready for the doctor.
• Giving kids vaccines (shots) or medicines, with the doctor’s direction.
• Assisting during medical exams.
• Making sure the exam rooms are clean and ready for the next patient.
• Teaching parents and kids how to stay healthy, like reminding them to wash hands or eat balanced meals.

They also do some office work, like answering phones, scheduling appointments, and filing paperwork.

Key Responsibilities of a Pediatric Medical Assistant

Some of the key responsibilities of a pediatric medical assistant include:

• Prepare child-friendly exam rooms with engaging activities to make visits enjoyable.
• Document patient arrivals and organize intake paperwork for efficient records.
• Warmly welcome families and answer basic questions, ensuring a smooth start to the visit.
• Help children feel comfortable during measurements like height and weight checks.
• Assist with simple tests, such as vision screenings.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness protocols to ensure a safe environment.
• Prepare paperwork and keep accurate records after each visit.

With attention to detail and a caring approach, pediatric medical assistants help create positive healthcare experiences for children and their families.

Why Do You Want to Work in Pediatrics as a Medical Assistant?

Many people choose to work in pediatrics because they love working with kids. Being a pediatric medical assistant can be very rewarding because you get to help children feel better when they are sick and watch them grow and develop over time.

Here are some reasons why people might want to work in pediatrics:

• Love for children: If you enjoy being around kids and helping them, this could be a great career for you.
• Making a difference: You get to help children stay healthy, which is very rewarding.
• Fun and playful environment: Pediatric offices are often filled with toys, bright colors, and a more relaxed, fun atmosphere to help kids feel comfortable.

How to Treat Pediatric Patients

Treating pediatric patients is a bit different from treating adults. Kids can be scared, nervous, or sometimes shy. Here are some tips for treating pediatric patients:

• Be patient: Kids may take time to open up or follow directions. It’s important to be patient and calm.
• Be friendly: Smiling and using a gentle tone can help kids feel safe and comfortable.
• Explain things simply: Kids might not understand big medical words, so explaining things in simple terms helps them know what’s going on.
• Use distractions: If a child is nervous, you can use toys or stickers to keep them distracted.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pediatric Medical Assistant?

Becoming a pediatric medical scribe assistant doesn’t take as long as you might think. Most medical assistant programs take about 9 months to 2 years to complete. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, or even online.

After finishing the program, you can get a certification to prove you have learned everything you need to know.

Pediatric Medical Assistant Certification

While you don’t always need a certification to become a medical assistant, having one can help you get a job more easily. Certifications show that you have the skills and knowledge to do the job well.

Here are some certifications you can get:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

These certifications require you to pass a test after you complete your training program.

What Education Do I Need to Become a Pediatric Medical Assistant?

To become a pediatric medical assistant, you typically need to:

1. Finish high school or get your GED.
2. Complete a medical assistant training program at a community college, technical school, or online. These programs usually take 9 months to 2 years.
3. Get certified (optional but recommended) to show you have the right skills.

Some people also choose to do an internship or get hands-on experience during their training, which helps them learn how to work with children.

Where Do Pediatric Medical Assistants Work?

Pediatric medical assistants can work in different places. Here are some common workplaces:

• Pediatrician’s office: This is the most common place. You’ll work with pediatric doctors to care for kids.
• Hospitals: Some medical assistants work in children’s hospitals, where kids are treated for more serious health problems.
• Outpatient clinics: These clinics might treat kids who don’t need to stay overnight in the hospital.
• School clinics: Some medical assistants work in school health clinics, helping children with minor health problems.

What Is the Average Salary for a Pediatric Medical Assistant?

According to salary.com , the average salary for a pediatric medical assistant typically ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per year in the United States. This amount can vary based on factors like location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility where they work.?

For example, those just starting out may earn on the lower end, while experienced assistants or those working in specialized clinics might earn more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for medical assistants, in general, is around $37,000 annually.

In addition to salary, many pediatric medical assistants receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. This career offers both financial rewards and the satisfaction of helping children and families.

Pediatric Medical Assistant Salary by Experience

• Entry-level (0-1 years): $30,000–$35,000 per year.
• Mid-career (2-5 years): $35,000–$40,000 per year.
• Experienced (5+ years): $40,000+ per year.

You can get a detailed overview from our previous blog on How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Texas? .

What Is the Job Demand for Pediatric Medical Assistants?

The demand for pediatric medical assistants is growing. With more children needing healthcare and pediatricians being in high demand, medical assistants will continue to be important in helping doctors and nurses care for kids.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , medical assistant jobs are expected to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average for other jobs. This means there will be lots of opportunities for people who want to become pediatric medical assistants.

Skills Required to Be a Pediatric Medical Assistant

Being a pediatric medical assistant involves a unique set of skills beyond what a typical medical assistant needs. You must not only be knowledgeable but also know how to make children feel comfortable during their visit.

• Fun personality: Working with kids means being playful and using your imagination to help them relax.
• Patience: Children, especially toddlers, can be challenging, and it’s important to stay calm and understanding when they are scared or upset.
• Organization: Managing multiple patients throughout the day requires good organizational skills to ensure appointments run smoothly.
• Creativity: Kids can be unpredictable, so being creative and flexible in handling different situations is key.
• Computer skills: Accurate record-keeping is crucial, so basic computer skills are a must.
• Medical knowledge: Understanding basic medical terminology and when to seek help is important in this role.
• CPR certification: A current CPR certification is often required for pediatric medical assistants.

Conclusion

Becoming a pediatric medical assistant can be a great career if you enjoy helping children and want to make a difference in their lives. It’s a job that combines medical knowledge with compassion and care for young patients. The training takes less than two years, and once you’re certified, there are many places you can work, such as hospitals, pediatrician offices, and clinics. Plus, the demand for medical assistants is growing, which means plenty of job opportunities in the future.

At RevMaxx ai medical scribe , we understand the importance of skilled professionals in the healthcare field. Our AI Medical Scribe supports medical practices by streamlining documentation and reducing administrative burdens, allowing healthcare workers, including pediatric medical assistants, to focus more on patient care. With us, pediatric practices can enhance their efficiency and ensure that medical assistants have more time to provide compassionate, focused care to young patients.

For more information on how RevMaxx can support your pediatric practice, get a FREE Demo .