Pediatric Medical Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of advanced healthcare, the importance of pediatric medical assistants is more pronounced than ever.

As medical advancements surge, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can nurture, assist, and safeguard the health of our children.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric medical assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of pediatric healthcare,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric medical assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Pediatric Medical Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Medical Assistants play a vital role in providing healthcare to children, from newborns to teenagers.

They work under the supervision of pediatricians and pediatric nurses to ensure smooth operation of a pediatric clinic.

Pediatric Medical Assistants perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist pediatricians during patient examinations and procedures
• Prepare patients for examination, including recording vital signs and medical history
• Perform basic laboratory tests, collect specimens and sterilize medical instruments
• Administer medications or vaccines under the direction of a pediatrician
• Explain procedures and treatment to patients and their parents or guardians
• Coordinate appointments and manage patient flow in the clinic
• Maintain patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality
• Help comfort and calm nervous or upset children
• Provide patient education materials and instructions as directed by the pediatrician
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation in examination rooms and waiting areas

 

Pediatric Medical Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a qualified Pediatric Medical Assistant to join our team.

This role involves performing clinical and administrative tasks to support our healthcare professionals, while focusing on our young patients – from infants to teenagers.

Responsibilities include gathering medical histories, performing basic laboratory tests, and preparing patients for examination.

Excellent interpersonal skills and a compassionate attitude towards children are crucial for this role.

Ultimately, the Pediatric Medical Assistant will help ensure smooth pediatric healthcare procedures, maintaining patient comfort and safety.

 

Responsibilities

• Record patients’ medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records
• Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations
• Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height
• Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician
• Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures
• Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing
• Perform basic laboratory tests
• Administer prescribed medications

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Pediatric Medical Assistant
• Knowledge of medical laws and ethics
• Ability to operate medical equipment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
• Completion of a medical assistant training program and certification
• CPR certification

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Medical Assistant
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with some administrative duties. Some travel may be required for home visits or emergencies.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Pediatrician or Lead Medical Assistant.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Medical Assistant Do?

Pediatric Medical Assistants are healthcare professionals who work specifically with children, usually in pediatric clinics or hospital pediatric departments.

They work under the supervision of pediatricians, assisting in medical procedures and providing necessary care to pediatric patients.

This can include activities like taking vital signs, administering medication or vaccinations, and performing simple laboratory tests.

Pediatric Medical Assistants are also responsible for gathering and recording patient information, such as medical histories and growth statistics, to help pediatricians in diagnosing and treating illnesses.

A significant part of their role involves interacting with children and their parents, explaining medical procedures in an understandable way and offering emotional support.

They often serve as a key communication link between the doctor and the patient’s family.

Additionally, Pediatric Medical Assistants carry out administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and handling billing and insurance queries.

This role requires not only medical knowledge but also a compassionate demeanor and excellent communication skills.

 

Pediatric Medical Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Medical Assistant should possess specific qualifications and skills tailored to providing medical care to children, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric medical practices, procedures, and healthcare standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to efficiently interact with children of all ages and their parents, providing clear and compassionate explanations of medical procedures and treatments.
• Experience in handling routine pediatric screenings and tests, like measuring vital signs and administering immunizations.
• A patient and understanding approach towards children, showing empathy and care during stressful situations or medical procedures.
• Ability to assist pediatricians during medical examinations, ensuring the comfort and safety of the child.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate and detailed patient records, keeping track of patient history, and communicating relevant information to the pediatrician.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage appointment scheduling, laboratory services, and the efficient coordination of clinic operations.
• Competence in basic medical technology and software for patient data management.

 

Pediatric Medical Assistant Experience Requirements

Pediatric Medical Assistants usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completion of a postsecondary education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

These programs provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience in pediatric care.

Entry-level Pediatric Medical Assistants usually have less than one year of experience, often gained during their clinical training period as part of their educational programs.

They work under the supervision of pediatricians and more experienced medical assistants, learning to interact with children and their families, perform basic medical procedures, and manage administrative tasks.

Pediatric Medical Assistants with 1-3 years of experience are often competent in managing pediatric patients independently.

They have acquired skills such as drawing blood, administering vaccinations, managing electronic health records, and performing basic lab tests.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often specialize in certain areas of pediatrics, like neonatology or pediatric endocrinology.

They are also skilled in managing urgent pediatric cases, supporting pediatric surgeries, and counseling families on preventive healthcare.

Pediatric Medical Assistants with more than 5 years of experience often have advanced skills and knowledge, and are well-positioned for supervisory or managerial roles.

They may also train new medical assistants or serve as liaisons between the pediatric clinic and external healthcare organizations.

 

Pediatric Medical Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Medical Assistant, one typically requires a high school diploma or GED.

This is followed by completing a medical assistant program, which is usually offered at community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and universities and takes about 1 to 2 years to finish.

These programs usually award a certificate or diploma, and some may even lead to an associate’s degree.

The program should ideally be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

During this program, students are taught about anatomy, medical terminology, healthcare ethics, patient care, and other similar topics.

Pediatric medical assistants can also acquire certification, though it is not mandatory.

However, employers often prefer certified assistants.

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT) are two commonly recognized certifications.

Specific pediatric training or certification may also be required for a pediatric medical assistant, depending on the employer.

This can be done through on-the-job training, workshops, or other short-term programs.

Additionally, pediatric medical assistants should have excellent communication skills as they often interact with children and their parents, and they need to clearly explain medical information and procedures.

Continuous learning and staying updated on medical procedures and pediatric healthcare developments is essential in this role.

 

Pediatric Medical Assistant Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Medical Assistant can expect to earn an average of $33,842 (USD) per year.

However, this figure may fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, qualifications, and geographical location.

In addition, the salary may also vary depending on the type of healthcare facility.

 

Pediatric Medical Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Medical Assistant need?

Pediatric Medical Assistants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to handle children and their families effectively.

They should be compassionate, patient, and able to handle stressful situations with calmness.

They should also have good clinical skills for tasks like taking vital signs, administering medication, and carrying out basic lab tests.

 

Do Pediatric Medical Assistants need a degree?

Pediatric Medical Assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and they must complete a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Many employers also prefer certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants or a similar organization.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Medical Assistant resume?

The first thing to look for in a Pediatric Medical Assistant resume is their certification and training details.

Previous experience in pediatric care or a related medical field can be a valuable asset.

Skills such as CPR and First Aid certification, knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) software, and a background in medical terminology may also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Medical Assistant?

A good Pediatric Medical Assistant is patient, empathetic, and enjoys working with children.

They must have excellent communication skills to interact with both children and their parents effectively.

Attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills are also important qualities, as these professionals must accurately record patient information, keep track of medical histories, and handle unexpected situations.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Pediatric Medical Assistant?

Hiring a Pediatric Medical Assistant can be challenging due to the specificity of the role.

They not only need to have the technical skills of a Medical Assistant but also need to be adept at working with children and often anxious parents.

Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that candidates have the right blend of technical skills, personal attributes, and experience.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the reality of being a pediatric medical assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about taking temperatures and scheduling appointments.

It’s about nurturing the health and wellbeing of our future generations, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric medical assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job postings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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