Build a Medical Assistant Resume That Gets Noticed

Breaking into or advancing in the healthcare field as a medical assistant is easier when your resume does more than list job duties—it needs to show that you understand the job and can deliver results.

Demand for medical assistants is rising quickly; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment will grow 15% from 2023-33, adding almost 119,800 openings each year.

A growing aging population and the expansion of clinics and outpatient care centres mean organisations need reliable professionals to coordinate patient care.

The median annual wage for medical assistants was $44,200 in May 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $57,830. To take advantage of this opportunity, you need a resume that highlights the right skills, certifications and accomplishments.

Understand the Role Before You Write

A medical assistant’s job blends clinical support and administrative work.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, medical assistants interview patients, record medical history, measure vital signs, assist physicians with examinations and injections, schedule appointments, collect lab samples and enter patient information into electronic records.

Employers look for candidates who can multitask, master electronic health record (EHR) systems and communicate clearly with patients and clinicians.

Because the field offers quick entry (many programs are six months to two years) and can lead to advanced roles, competition can be stiff. Understanding the role helps you decide which experiences and skills to emphasise.

Pick a Resume Format That Works for You

Choosing a structure that highlights your strengths is the first step.

A chronological resume lists experience in reverse order and works well if you have steady employment in healthcare.

A functional resume emphasises skills over dates and suits career changers or those with gaps.

A combination resume blends both styles, letting you showcase skills while still providing a work history. No matter which you select, keep sections clear and use a professional layout to make your resume easy to scan.

Showcase Hard and Soft Skills

Employers want evidence you can handle both the clinical and administrative sides of the job. Use a dedicated skills section to list capabilities and then back them up in your experience bullets.

Here are essentials to consider:

• Clinical skills: patient care, taking vital signs, phlebotomy, administering injections, preparing exam rooms, understanding anatomy and physiology.
• Technical competencies: EHR proficiency (Epic, Cerner or similar), medical terminology, medical coding, infection control, operating equipment and understanding HIPAA regulations.
• Administrative expertise: appointment scheduling, insurance billing, medical records management, data entry and inventory control.
• Soft skills: communication, empathy, teamwork, attention to detail and cultural sensitivity.
  

When possible, pair skills with numbers. For example, instead of saying “responsible for scheduling,” write “coordinated schedules for 15 clinicians and reduced appointment overlap by 20%.”

Don’t forget to mention proficiency in multiple languages if applicable—a valuable asset in diverse communities.

Highlight Certifications and Education

While some states allow entry with on-the-job training, many employers prefer certified candidates.

List your diploma or associate’s degree first, then relevant certifications such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

Additional credentials like Basic Life Support (BLS), Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) or a phlebotomy certification demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

If you’re still in training, include expected completion dates and any practicum or externship experience.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

Generic resumes rarely make it past applicant-tracking systems (ATS).

Carefully read the job posting and mirror its language—if it calls for phlebotomy and EHR experience, ensure those phrases appear in your skills and experience sections.

Customising shows hiring managers you’re attentive and serious about the role. It also helps your resume rank higher when employers use keyword-based screening.

Use Action Verbs and Quantify Achievements

To stand out, replace passive phrases with dynamic verbs and numbers. Employers want to know the impact you made.

Examples from successful resumes include:

• Coordinated appointment schedules for 15 providers, reducing overlap by 20%.
• Administered medications to over 50 patients daily with 100% compliance.
• Implemented a new intake protocol, decreasing patient wait times by 15%.
• Managed EHR data for a clinic of 1,000+ patients, maintaining a 95% accuracy rate.
  

If you lack exact numbers, focus on scope and outcomes—describe the size of the clinic, the diversity of patients or improvements you introduced.

Awards, recognitions or positive patient feedback also make great bullet points.

Don’t Forget the Extras

A polished resume goes beyond content. Proofread carefully—typos undermine your attention to detail. Have someone else review it or use editing tools.

Including volunteer experience can fill employment gaps and demonstrate commitment to healthcare.

If you’ve volunteered at clinics or community health fairs, mention the tasks you performed, such as assisting with patient check-ins or managing records.

Such experiences show you’re proactive and community-minded.

Ready to Land More Interviews?

Healthcare is one of the most resilient industries, offering stability and room for growth.

With demand for medical assistants surging and salaries topping $57,830 for top performers, investing time in a standout resume is well worth it.

By choosing the right format, highlighting your skills and certifications, tailoring each application and quantifying your impact, you’ll position yourself as a top candidate.

That’s where Jobubu comes in. It scans 20,000+ job boards, applies while you sleep and keeps track of every application—so you don’t have to. Start free and get 10x more interviews—without burning out.