Medical scribes and medical assistants might sound alike, but they play very different roles in the medical field. One captures the story behind every visit; the other keeps care moving hands-on. We’ll help you spot the difference — and figure out which path fits you best.

Medical Scribe vs medical assistant: A quick comparison

What is a medical scribe?

If you’re into accuracy, rhythm, and staying close to the clinical action, this role may be your speed.

A medical scribe is a trained professional who works alongside healthcare providers in a healthcare setting, capturing patient stories as they unfold —through documentation and other administrative tasks.

They're responsible for accurately recording patient information, including medical history, exam findings, treatment plans, and other important details.

If long hours of documentation sound daunting, you’re not alone — there’s even a thriving /MedicalScribe/ Subreddit that you can check out.

Duties of a medical scribe

Each job comes with its unique duties, and for this role, it's all about documentation.

Medical scribes have a wide range of responsibilities that vary depending on the type of healthcare setting they work in. However, some common duties may include:

• Accurately transcribing patient encounters: This is one of the main responsibilities of a medical scribe. They listen to the conversation between the provider and patient and document it in real-time.
• Managing electronic health records (EHR): Medical scribes are proficient in navigating EHR systems and entering data accurately. They ensure that all the information is complete and up-to-date.
• Documenting medical procedures: In addition to patient encounters, medical scribes also document any procedures or treatments performed by the provider. This includes taking notes on vital signs, medications administered, and other pertinent details.
• Assisting with administrative tasks: Medical scribes may also be responsible for tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, and managing paperwork. These duties help to keep the healthcare setting running smoothly.

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a trained healthcare pro who wears many hats. In any given hour, they might take vital signs, prep for an exam, update medical records, and make a nervous patient feel at ease.

They’re the glue in a fast-moving healthcare setting — balancing administrative support with direct patient care.

Medical assistants also handle administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, managing medical records, and handling insurance paperwork.

Duties of a medical assistant

The roles and responsibilities of a medical assistant may vary depending on the setting they work.

In general, their main duties include:

• Taking patient histories and vital signs: As one of the first points of contact for patients, medical assistants are responsible for recording patients' medical history and checking their vital signs.
• Assisting with examinations and procedures: Medical assistants often assist physicians during exams or minor procedures by prepping equipment, helping with patient positioning, and providing support to patients.
• Collecting and preparing lab specimens: Medical assistants may collect samples from patients for testing, label them correctly, and prepare them for transport to a laboratory.
• Administering medications: Under the supervision of a physician or nurse, medical assistants may administer medications or injections to patients as needed.
• Performing basic laboratory tests: In some settings, medical assistants are trained to perform basic laboratory tests such as urinalysis or blood draws.
• Maintaining medical records: It is the responsibility of medical assistants to keep accurate and up-to-date medical records for each patient they assist.
• Assisting with office procedures: Medical assistants may also assist with various office procedures, such as scheduling appointments, managing phone calls, and filing paperwork.

In addition to the above tasks, medical assistants also play a crucial role in ensuring that medical equipment and supplies are properly maintained and stocked.

This includes sterilizing instruments, maintaining inventory of supplies, and restocking exam rooms.

Medical scribe vs. medical assistant: The main difference

Still confused about the two roles? This is where you'll need to pay close attention.

Although both positions involve working in a medical setting, there are some key differences between a medical scribe and a medical assistant.

Let's break these key differences down in detail below:

1. Experience needed

Becoming a medical scribe does not require any specific degree or certification. However, some employers may prefer candidates with prior experience in healthcare or strong knowledge of medical terminology.

On the other hand, to become a medical assistant, you'll usually need to complete a certification program or an associate's degree in medical assisting. This typically takes around 1-2 years to complete.

2. Day-to-day tasks

A medical scribe's primary role is to document patient encounters in real time. They work closely with physicians, following them during their rounds and recording all relevant information into the electronic health record (EHR) system.

The main responsibility of a medical assistant is to assist healthcare providers in various clinical and administrative tasks. This can include taking vital signs, preparing examination rooms, scheduling appointments, and assisting with procedures.

3. Compensation

Let’s talk numbers.

Medical scribes are typically paid hourly, earning around $17.46 per hour on average. That makes it a flexible role — ideal if you're looking to gain experience in the medical field while staying adaptable with your schedule.

Medical assistants, on the other hand, often earn a full-time salary, with an average of $47,219 per year. With broader responsibilities and often more direct patient care, the compensation reflects the expanded scope of the role.

Choosing between them? It depends on what you value most right now—hands-on experience that works around your life, or a more structured position with long-term earning potential.

4. Best for:

Although both professions provide valuable support to healthcare providers, they cater to different needs.

If you're interested in the medical field and want real hands-on experience without committing to becoming a doctor or nurse just yet, medical scribing is a smart starting point. You’ll build confidence with clinical terms, see how care works behind the scenes, and get face time with providers—all while helping them focus on patients, not paperwork.

Also, this role is a good chance for pre-med students to gain exposure to the medical field. For example, a Brown University senior, Gabriella Vulakh, did medical scribing as part of her journey to becoming a doctor.

On the other hand, medical assistants are best for you if you want to work more closely with patients and provide direct care.

If you do have the time or resources to complete extensive training for other healthcare roles such as nursing, this role can be a good fit for you.

How to get started

Before you go off and apply for a job as a medical scribe or medical assistant, how do you actually get started?

Let's review some ways to help you make that first step.

As a medical scribe

To get started as a medical scribe, there is typically no formal education or certification required. However, most employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma and some experience in a healthcare setting.

In this role, you need skills like:

• Typing
• Attention to detail
• Ability to multitask

Most employers offer on-the-job training, so you’ll build confidence as you go.

As a medical assistant

To get started as a medical assistant, a minimum of a high school diploma or GED is typically required. Many employers also prefer candidates with postsecondary education, such as a certificate or associate's degree in medical assisting.

There are also some regional differences to consider, such as certain states requiring specific certifications or licensing for medical assistants.

For example, only Washington requires medical assistants to hold a license and certification. All other states in the US currently do not have such requirements.

Also, a medical assistant, you'll need:

• Strong communication skills
• Keen attention to detail
• The ability to juggle multiple tasks

With patients, providers, and paperwork all moving fast, your calm presence will make a real difference from day one.

Next steps: What comes after?

For medical scribes, the next step may be pursuing additional education or certifications to specialize in a specific area, such as pediatrics or cardiology. Many medical assistants also use their experience and knowledge to advance into roles such as office managers or nursing positions.

Medical assistants can choose to pursue healthcare management or administrative roles, or they can continue to gain experience and knowledge in their field. There are also opportunities for advancement within the healthcare industry as a whole, such as working in a hospital setting or with specialized medical practices.

Some other roles you can move on to include:

• Healthcare administration
• Medical billing and coding specialist
• Medical office manager
• Clinical research coordinator

No matter which path you choose, starting your career in healthcare puts you at the heart of where care begins. With the right skills and a little curiosity, you’ll be ready to make an impact from day one.

Conclusion

Whether you're starting as a medical scribe or a medical assistant, both roles can launch you into long-term careers in the medical field—from healthcare administration to nursing, and beyond. Think of it as your front-row pass to how care really works.

The skills you gain here? They open doors.

Whether you're stepping into the world as a medical scribe or a medical assistant, Freed is here to make documentation effortless — so you can spend more time learning, caring, and growing.

See how our AI-powered scribing fits seamlessly into real-world healthcare settings — giving you more time for what truly matters. Sign up for free.