Obstetric Medical Assistants
Career Guide: Salary, Job Duties, and More
This page offers details on the expected salaries, day-to-day job duties, and additional insights for those exploring or considering a career as a obstetric medical assistant.
What is a Obstetric Medical Assistant?
Obstetric medical assistants are critical yet underrecognized members of labor and delivery teams. They assist obstetricians before, during, and after procedures by verifying patient records, preparing examination rooms, passing instruments, monitoring vital signs, assisting with exams and delivery, and helping educate patients on prenatal care. Their diverse medical, technical, and administrative duties require training in obstetrics and gynecology through medical assisting or nursing programs.
Though they work behind the scenes, obstetric assistants support obstetricians, nurses, and patients through the intricate demands of pregnancy and childbirth. Their communication skills, adaptability, and composure under pressure make them integral to smooth workflows and positive delivery experiences in women’s clinics and labor units.
Read on to learn more about the steps to train for this position, and answers to commonly asked questions:
Key Responsibilities of a Obstetric Medical Assistant
The role requires expertise in aseptic procedures, familiarity with specialized equipment, and knowledge of patient safety best practices. Obstetric medical assistants provide critical assistance so that obstetricians can effectively concentrate on the complexities of each delivery.
With strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure, they help ensure seamless flow in the delivery room.
- Preparing delivery rooms by sanitizing equipment and stocking necessary supplies
- Assisting the obstetric team with gowning and gloving prior to procedures
- Coordinating and processing necessary documentation like consent forms
- Facilitating communication between families and obstetricians
- Assisting obstetricians during deliveries by passing instruments, applying dressings, and holding retractors
- Monitoring and maintaining sterile fields throughout procedures
- Preparing specimens for transport after delivery
The outlook for careers as obstetric medical assistants appears promising over the next decade, with job growth projected to outpace the average rate substantially. Underlying this robust expansion is the continued high demand for prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care due to factors like population growth, lower mortality rates, and greater attention to women’s health issues. Obstetric assistants with up-to-date training in the latest procedures and technologies as well as strong interpersonal skills to support patients will likely see expanding job prospects.
The combination of rapid growth and the value of specialized expertise points toward a favorable environment for those training to enter this vital reproductive healthcare role. Possessing versatile medical and patient care abilities will enable obstetric assistants to find opportunities across diverse settings from private practices to hospitals.
National Average: $46,322.00
| U.S. Regions | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West | $47,866.00 |
| Midwest | $42,135.00 |
| Northeast | $48,160.00 |
| Southwest | $43,653.00 |
| Southeast | $44,422.00 |
Additional Key Information:
| Salary Range | $36,204.00 entry level to $49,373.00+ |
| Common Benefits | Health insurance, retirement, vacation & bonuses |
How Do I Become a Obstetric Medical Assistant?
Pursuing a career as an obstetric medical assistant to support obstetricians in the delivery room is an incredibly rewarding path for those interested in healthcare. Properly preparing for this critical role requires progressing through key education, certification, and practical experience milestones:
Education
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent to establish baseline skills and knowledge for further development
- Complete an accredited obstetric medical assisting certificate or associate's degree program (1-2 years)
Certification
- Earn certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) to showcase your knowledge
Practical Experience
- Seek out volunteer or entry-level roles in obstetrics departments to gain hands-on experience.
- Possible settings include labor and delivery floors, OB/GYN clinics, women's health nurse externships.
Those aspiring to become obstetric medical assistants have a rewarding career ahead helping obstetricians in the delivery room. The key is laying the proper foundation through education, hands-on training, and credentialing. Enroll in an accredited program specializing in obstetric technology or assisting to establish core knowledge. Reinforce learning via clinical externships offered in quality programs.
Consider relevant part-time work as a nurse aide or medical assistant for added exposure as well. Certifications like CMA and RMA boost qualifications and job prospects for obstetric medical assistants. Keeping these pointers in mind will lead to success in launching this fulfilling career supporting critical healthcare procedures and childbirth.
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