The profession of doctor's assistant and that of medical assistant are two job titles for the same profession. Originally, the term "doctor's assistant" was commonly used, but in 2006 it was replaced by the job title "medical assistant" (MFA). This was done to better reflect and enhance the role and skills of this professional group.

The profession of medical assistant is versatile, varied and demanding. In addition to administrative tasks in organizing the day-to-day running of the practice, MFAs have direct contact with patients and can respond to their needs and concerns, thereby helping to improve their quality of life. In addition to medical services, MFAs also make a decisive contribution to the quality of a practice or healthcare facility.

Another reason to work as an MFA is the security and stability that this profession offers. The demand for qualified healthcare professionals is high, and the job market is stable even in difficult economic times. Continuing education and training keep you up to date with the latest medical developments and you can apply this knowledge directly in practice.

Medical assistants (MFA) are an important part of the healthcare system and support doctors in various medical facilities. To be successful in this profession, certain requirements must be met.

School-leaving certificate: As a rule, an intermediate school-leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or a comparable qualification is required. In some cases, a lower secondary school leaving certificate is also sufficient, provided the applicant can demonstrate good grades and personal skills.

Mathematical requirements: The mathematical knowledge requirements for the profession of medical assistant are not too high. However, a basic knowledge of mathematics is required in order to be able to carry out medication dosages or medical calculations correctly, for example.

Communication skills: As medical assistants play a central role in patient care and communication, good communication skills and empathy are important qualities. A clear and understandable way of expressing oneself and the ability to respond to patients' needs are important.

Organizational and teamwork skills: Medical assistants are responsible for the organization of processes in the practice or clinic. Organizational skills and the ability to work in a team are important in order to be able to work efficiently and smoothly with colleagues.

Interest in medicine and health: A basic interest in medical topics and the healthcare sector should be present for training and later employment as a medical assistant. Motivation and commitment are essential in order to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills and to keep up to date with the latest developments.

The salary of medical assistants (MFAs) is usually based on collective agreements negotiated between the Association for the Regulation of Working Conditions of Medical Assistants and MFAs and the Association of Medical Professions. In addition, different collective agreements apply to the public sector, which also applies to public hospitals. For employees of church institutions, the respective AVR apply (e.g. Johanniter, Diakonie or Caritas). In the collective agreements, qualifications, further training and professional experience are taken into account in the respective pay scale groups.

After training, medical assistants generally earn a starting salary of around 2,200 to 2,500 euros gross per month in pay scale group I. Over the years and with increasing professional experience, the gross monthly salary can rise to up to 4,500 euros in pay scale group VI. Medical assistants in the public sector or in the armed forces generally earn more than their colleagues in private medical practices. In a hospital, the salary is usually in the middle range. The location also plays a role: salaries are often slightly higher in urban centers than in rural areas.

The salary of medical assistants in training varies depending on the year of training. As a rule, medical assistants are paid according to the collective agreement negotiated with the German Medical Association. The following salaries apply in 2023:

1st year of training € 920.00
2nd year of training € 995.00
3rd year of training € 1,075.00

However, the exact figures may vary depending on the practice, location and collective agreement.

Practice management in the profession of medical assistant is the work in a medical practice that guarantees the smooth running of daily routine work. This includes the organization, coordination and management of all administrative and organizational tasks within a medical facility. Medical assistants are responsible for appointment scheduling, patient care, billing and communication with health insurance companies and other medical institutions. Through efficient practice management, medical assistants can help to minimize waiting times for patients, optimize workflows and thus increase the satisfaction of patients and medical staff. Overall, good practice management makes a decisive contribution to the quality of medical care and supports medical staff in their daily work.

Medical assistants find employment in medical practices, medical care centers (MVZs), hospitals, rehabilitation clinics or in the occupational health departments of companies. They can also be employed in health authorities, medical laboratories, outpatient care services or health insurance companies.

A medical assistant in a hospital is an important member of the medical staff and makes a decisive contribution to patient care. Their main tasks include organizing the patient's stay, communicating with patients and assisting with examinations and treatments. Medical assistants ensure that everything runs smoothly in the hospital by coordinating appointments, keeping patient files and, if necessary, assisting with diagnostic or therapeutic measures. They also take care of the billing of services and the procurement of medication and medical supplies. Working closely with doctors and nursing staff, medical assistants contribute to efficient and high-quality patient care.

As a medical assistant in oncology, you play an important role in the care of cancer patients. Tasks include patient care, support with diagnostic and therapeutic measures and the organization of practice procedures. Medical assistants assist in the preparation and implementation of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other forms of drug therapy. They are responsible for the correct documentation of treatment data and take care of patient files. They are also responsible for making appointments and coordinating with other specialist departments.

In oncology, a high degree of empathy and communication skills are required to support patients and their relatives during this difficult phase of their lives. Medical assistants should therefore have a sound knowledge of oncological diseases and treatment options. Medical assistants can also acquire this knowledge through appropriate further training.

The main tasks of medical assistants in the laboratory include the preparation and performance of laboratory tests. This includes the professional collection of blood and tissue samples and the classification of laboratory findings as well as the documentation of results. Medical assistants also work closely with doctors and other medical professionals in order to provide patients with an accurate diagnosis and subsequent targeted treatment. In addition to working in the laboratory, their tasks also include the organization and administration of patient files, laboratory equipment and consumables. Medical assistants are therefore an important interface between the laboratory, doctors and patients and make a significant contribution to the quality of medical care.

In an X-ray practice, medical assistants (MFAs) take on organizational tasks such as coordinating appointments, managing patient files and billing for services, as well as tasks in diagnostics and patient care. They support the radiology specialists during X-ray examinations and prepare patients and X-ray equipment for the examinations. The professional preparation of X-ray images is also part of the job. Thanks to their skills and responsible handling of patients and technology, MFAs make a significant contribution to the high quality of medical care in the radiology practice.

Medical assistants in surgery have a variety of responsible tasks to ensure the smooth running of the surgical practice. The main tasks include patient care, preparation and follow-up of surgical procedures, assisting during operations, sterilizing instruments and keeping patient records. Medical assistants in surgery work closely with surgeons, anesthetists and other medical specialists to ensure the best possible care for patients. Other tasks include organizing appointments, coordinating examinations and communicating with hospitals and other medical facilities. Through continuous further training in this professional field, they keep up to date with the latest medical developments and technologies. Medical assistants in surgery are indispensable members of the surgical team and contribute significantly to the successful treatment of patients.

Medical assistants (MFAs) not only perform administrative tasks in a dermatology practice, but also medical tasks. The main tasks of MFAs in a dermatology practice include scheduling appointments, keeping patient files and preparing examination rooms. They also support the dermatologist in carrying out skin examinations, allergy tests and minor procedures. In addition, they are responsible for the hygiene and sterility of the practice and take care of the preparation of instruments.

Working closely with patients and the medical team requires good communication skills and empathy. Medical assistants are also responsible for educating patients about appropriate skin care and preventative measures to avoid or alleviate skin problems. Overall, medical assistants in a dermatology practice make a significant contribution to the smooth organization and successful running of patient care.

Medical assistants (MFA) at the public health department support the department in carrying out municipal healthcare tasks. This includes, for example, the processing of early detection examinations, the implementation and evaluation of special developmental tests for children and adolescents and school medical examinations. The spectrum ranges from infection control, prevention, advice and care for sick people and people with physical or mental disabilities to organizational tasks such as documenting patient data and communicating with further treatment providers.

They also take part in information campaigns and help raise awareness of health issues. Medical assistants at the public health department are therefore essential for health care and the protection of the population from infectious diseases and other health risks.