Medical Scribe vs Medical Assistant: Main Differences
May 20, 2025
- What is a medical scribe?
- Differences between medical scribes vs medical assistants
- Salary comparison: medical scribe vs medical assistant
- Educational requirements and career paths
- Which career path is right for you?
When exploring a career in healthcare, you may come across two popular roles: medical scribe and medical assistant. While both work closely with healthcare professionals, their responsibilities and career paths differ significantly. Understanding these roles can help you choose the right fit for your skills and career goals.
In this article, we’ll compare the key differences between medical scribes and medical assistants, focusing on responsibilities, required skills, salaries, and educational requirements.
What is a medical scribe?
A medical scribe is responsible for documenting patient interactions and medical histories in real-time during doctor-patient appointments. They assist healthcare providers by ensuring all relevant information is accurately recorded into the patient's electronic health record (EHR), allowing the healthcare professional to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.
Differences between medical scribes vs medical assistants
The roles of medical scribes and medical assistants may seem similar at first, but they have distinct responsibilities, skills, and career paths. To further explore the qualities that make an excellent medical assistant, visit our guide on medical assistant qualities. If you're wondering where medical assistants can work, check out our article on where can medical assistants work. For an in-depth look at the essential skills needed for success in this role, visit our page on medical assistant skills.
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Medical scribe |
Medical assistant |
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Main responsibilities |
Medical scribes focus on documenting patient information, medical histories, diagnoses, and treatments during doctor-patient visits. |
Medical assistants handle a mix of clinical duties (e.g., taking vitals, assisting with exams, administering injections) and administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling, billing, managing records). |
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Required skills |
Attention to detail, medical terminology, EHR proficiency, fast typing, and focus. |
A blend of clinical skills (e.g., administering injections) and administrative skills (e.g., scheduling, patient records, billing). Strong communication and multitasking abilities. |
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Average salary |
Average salary ranges between $30,000 to $40,000 annually. |
The average salary is about $38,376 annually, varying by location, specialization, and experience. |
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Work environment |
Medical scribes typically work in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices to document patient visits in real time. |
Medical assistants work in doctor’s offices, specialty clinics, and hospitals, managing clinical and administrative duties across various healthcare settings. |
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Education/certification |
Typically requires a high school diploma or GED, with additional short-term training in medical terminology. Certification is optional but may be preferred by some employers. |
Medical assistants generally complete a training program (certificate or associate degree) and may pursue certification (e.g., CCMA, RMA) for better job prospects. |
Salary comparison: medical scribe vs medical assistant
While the salary for both roles can vary based on experience, location, and healthcare facility, medical assistants generally earn a higher salary than medical scribes. As mentioned, medical assistants, being the highest paid medical assistant specialties, can expect to earn around $38,376 annually, while medical scribes typically earn $30,000 to $40,000 per year. The higher salary for medical assistants is due to the broader scope of responsibilities, which includes both clinical and administrative duties.
Educational requirements and career paths
For medical scribes, the typical educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED. While certification is not always required, completing a short-term training program in medical terminology or medical scribing is highly beneficial. As a medical scribe, your career path can involve gaining experience in the field, and from there, you may move into other roles in healthcare administration or clinical settings.
On the other hand, medical assistants usually complete a formal training program, which can range from a certificate to an associate degree. Many programs include both clinical and administrative training, equipping students with a diverse skill set for a wide range of tasks. Becoming certified, such as through the CCMA or RMA, can enhance your job prospects and earning potential. Medical assistants as opposite to medical assistant without experience can advance their careers by specializing in fields like pediatrics, geriatrics, or phlebotomy, or by pursuing leadership roles such as office managers.
If you're interested in becoming a medical assistant without experience, there are entry-level positions available that allow you to build your skills on the job. You can also explore medical assistant programs at FHCA Orlando, where we provide hands-on training to help you get started in the healthcare field. Visit medical assistant program to learn more about how our program can set you up for success in your medical assistant career!
Which career path is right for you?
Choosing between a medical scribe and a medical assistant depends on your interests and career goals. If you prefer documenting patient information and working with electronic health records (EHR) behind the scenes, a medical scribe role may be a good fit. It’s ideal for those who enjoy supporting healthcare providers with administrative tasks.
If you want a more hands-on role with both clinical and administrative duties, a medical assistant career could be the right path. Medical assistants work directly with patients and can specialize in areas like pediatrics or phlebotomy.
Consider your strengths and long-term goals when deciding. If you're interested in becoming a medical assistant, FHCA Orlando offers a program to help you get started in this rewarding field. Learn more and begin your career today!
