Unit group 3256

PSOC Unit group 3256 — Medical assistants (2026)

Medical assistants perform basic clinical and administrative tasks to support patient care under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner or other health professional. Their tasks include: a) interviewing patients and their families to obtain information on their health status and medical history; b) assisting medical doctors and other health professionals to examine and treat patients, including measuring and recording vital signs, administering medications, and performing routine clinical procedures such as giving injections and removing sutures; c) getting patients ready for examination and treatment, including explaining procedures and showing them to examination rooms; d) preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies, including sterilizing instruments and disposing of contaminated supplies in accordance with safety procedures; e) collecting blood, tissue or other specimens, and preparing them for laboratory testing; f) providing information to patients and families on health care topics including medications prescribed by a medical doctor or other health professional; g) providing prescription and drug refill information to pharmacies; h) maintaining cleanliness of patient waiting and examination rooms; i) recording information on patients' medical history, diagnostic testing and treatment procedures and results, and other information in medical records-keeping systems; j) scheduling appointments with patients, and preparing documentation required for billing, reporting and insurance purposes. Examples of occupations classified here: Clinical assistant, Medical assistant, Ophthalmic assistant Some related occupation classified elsewhere: Clinical officer (paramedical) - 2240, Dental assistant - 3251, Medical imaging assistant - 5329, Medical prosthetic technician - 3214, Medical secretary - 3344, Physiotherapy assistant - 3255

Level Unit group
Code 3256
Source PSOC
Practical summary

What this code covers

Medical assistants perform basic clinical and administrative tasks to support patient care under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner or other health professional. Their tasks include: a) interviewing patients and their families to obtain information on their health status and medical history; b) assisting medical doctors and other health professionals to examine and treat patients, including measuring and recording vital signs, administering medications, and performing routine clinical procedures such as giving injections and removing sutures; c) getting patients ready for examination and treatment, including explaining procedures and showing them to examination rooms; d) preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies, including sterilizing instruments and disposing of contaminated supplies in accordance with safety procedures; e) collecting blood, tissue or other specimens, and preparing them for laboratory testing; f) providing information to patients and families on health care topics including medications prescribed by a medical doctor or other health professional; g) providing prescription and drug refill information to pharmacies; h) maintaining cleanliness of patient waiting and examination rooms; i) recording information on patients' medical history, diagnostic testing and treatment procedures and results, and other information in medical records-keeping systems; j) scheduling appointments with patients, and preparing documentation required for billing, reporting and insurance purposes. Examples of occupations classified here: Clinical assistant, Medical assistant, Ophthalmic assistant Some related occupation classified elsewhere: Clinical officer (paramedical) - 2240, Dental assistant - 3251, Medical imaging assistant - 5329, Medical prosthetic technician - 3214, Medical secretary - 3344, Physiotherapy assistant - 3255

Administrative context

Where this code is used

Use this unit group when the occupation wording needs to sit under Other health associate professionals.

Selection note

How to choose it

Use this node when the job title is more specific than the broader Other health associate professionals grouping.

FAQ

What does PSOC 3256 cover?

Medical assistants perform basic clinical and administrative tasks to support patient care under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner or other health professional. Their tasks include: a) interviewing patients and their families to obtain information on their health status and medical history; b) assisting medical doctors and other health professionals to examine and treat patients, including measuring and recording vital signs, administering medications, and performing routine clinical procedures such as giving injections and removing sutures; c) getting patients ready for examination and treatment, including explaining procedures and showing them to examination rooms; d) preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies, including sterilizing instruments and disposing of contaminated supplies in accordance with safety procedures; e) collecting blood, tissue or other specimens, and preparing them for laboratory testing; f) providing information to patients and families on health care topics including medications prescribed by a medical doctor or other health professional; g) providing prescription and drug refill information to pharmacies; h) maintaining cleanliness of patient waiting and examination rooms; i) recording information on patients' medical history, diagnostic testing and treatment procedures and results, and other information in medical records-keeping systems; j) scheduling appointments with patients, and preparing documentation required for billing, reporting and insurance purposes. Examples of occupations classified here: Clinical assistant, Medical assistant, Ophthalmic assistant Some related occupation classified elsewhere: Clinical officer (paramedical) - 2240, Dental assistant - 3251, Medical imaging assistant - 5329, Medical prosthetic technician - 3214, Medical secretary - 3344, Physiotherapy assistant - 3255

Where is PSOC 3256 used in practice?

Use this unit group when the occupation wording needs to sit under Other health associate professionals.

How do I choose PSOC 3256 over nearby options?

Use this node when the job title is more specific than the broader Other health associate professionals grouping.