Medical Assistant Resume Keywords (2026): 60+ Clinical & Administrative Skills for ATS
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🚨 Not getting medical assistant interviews? Your resume is missing critical clinical and administrative keywords.
In 2026, over 97% of hospitals and clinics use ATS to filter candidates before a human recruiter even opens a resume. If your resume doesn't include the exact keywords from the job description, you're invisible even if you're a certified CMA with years of bedside experience.
Why Medical Assistant Keywords Matter in 2026
The brutal truth: Hospital HR departments receive hundreds of medical assistant applications for every open position.
They use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan your resume for:
- ✅ Clinical skills (phlebotomy, vital signs, injections, EKG)
- ✅ Administrative skills (scheduling, medical billing, insurance verification)
- ✅ EHR/EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks)
- ✅ Certifications (CMA, RMA, CCMA, BLS, CPR)
- ✅ Compliance standards (HIPAA, OSHA, infection control)
If your resume doesn't match the job's vocabulary, it gets filtered out often before a hiring manager ever sees it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average. With this competitive market, 75% of medical assistant resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a recruiter.
The Keyword Gap Problem
75% of medical assistant resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a hiring manager. The #1 reason? Missing keywords that match the job description.
Example: A medical assistant resume missing "Epic," "Phlebotomy," or "ICD-10" gets filtered out even if the candidate has 5 years of clinical experience and perfect patient satisfaction scores.
The solution: Use this comprehensive keyword guide to ensure your resume includes every term healthcare recruiters search for.
👉 Scan Your Resume for Missing Keywords - Free
Table of Contents
- Why Medical Assistant Keywords Matter in 2026
- What Are Medical Assistant Resume Keywords?
- Core Medical Assistant Keywords (60+)
- Medical Assistant Keywords by Role Type
- How to Use Medical Assistant Keywords (5 Steps)
- Weak vs Strong: Medical Assistant Resume Examples
- FAQ: Medical Assistant Resume Keywords
- Related Articles
What Are Medical Assistant Resume Keywords?
Medical assistant resume keywords are the specific clinical skills, administrative competencies, EHR systems, and certifications that ATS systems and healthcare recruiters search for when screening resumes for medical assistant positions. These keywords typically include:
- Clinical skills: Phlebotomy, vital signs, injections, EKG, wound care
- Administrative skills: Appointment scheduling, medical billing, insurance verification, ICD-10/CPT coding
- EHR/EMR systems: Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, Practice Fusion
- Certifications: CMA (AAMA), RMA, CCMA, BLS, CPR, HIPAA
- Patient care: Patient intake, medical history documentation, triage, patient education
- Lab & diagnostic: Urinalysis, blood draws, glucose testing, specimen collection
When your resume includes these keywords naturally and in context, ATS systems rank it higher, increasing your chances of reaching a human recruiter.
Critical: In 2026, over 97% of hospitals use ATS to filter medical assistant resumes. Missing terms like "Epic," "Phlebotomy," or "HIPAA Compliance" can instantly disqualify you even with years of clinical experience.
Core Medical Assistant Keywords (60+)
Clinical Skills
Clinical skills are the hands-on patient care competencies that medical assistants perform daily in exam rooms and treatment areas.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Vital Signs & Assessment | Vital Signs, Blood Pressure, Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Height/Weight Measurement, BMI Calculation |
| Phlebotomy & Lab | Phlebotomy, Venipuncture, Capillary Puncture, Blood Draws, Specimen Collection, Specimen Processing, Lab Requisitions |
| Patient Procedures | Injections (IM, SubQ, Intradermal), Immunizations, EKG/ECG, Wound Care, Suture Removal, Dressing Changes, Nebulizer Treatments |
| Clinical Documentation | Medical History Documentation, Chief Complaint Documentation, Review of Systems (ROS), Clinical Note Taking, SOAP Notes |
Why these matter: Hospitals and clinics search for these exact clinical terms when filtering candidates. If you've performed phlebotomy but wrote "drew blood," ATS won't recognize it.
Administrative Skills
Administrative skills demonstrate your ability to manage front-office operations and keep the practice running efficiently.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Scheduling & Front Desk | Appointment Scheduling, Patient Check-In, Patient Registration, Insurance Verification, Prior Authorization, Referral Coordination |
| Medical Billing & Coding | Medical Billing, ICD-10, CPT Coding, HCPCS, Charge Entry, Claims Processing, Payment Posting, Accounts Receivable |
| Office Management | Medical Records Management, Filing Systems, Supply Inventory, Prescription Refills, Phone Triage, Multi-Line Phone Systems |
| Insurance & Payments | Insurance Verification, Eligibility Verification, Co-Pay Collection, Patient Statements, EOB Processing, Denial Management |
Why these matter: Administrative-focused MA roles prioritize these keywords. If the job description mentions "ICD-10" or "Prior Authorization," you must include them.
EHR/EMS Systems
Electronic Health Record (EHR) proficiency is now a non-negotiable requirement for nearly all medical assistant positions.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Major EHR Platforms | Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, Practice Fusion, Allscripts, NextGen Healthcare, Greenway Health |
| EHR Functions | Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Electronic Health Records (EHR), Patient Portal, E-Prescribing, Lab Orders, Clinical Documentation |
Why these matter: Hospitals filter candidates by EHR experience. If the job mentions "Epic experience required," your resume must explicitly say "Epic" (not just "EHR systems").
👉 Want to instantly check your missing EHR keywords? Upload your resume and get your ATS score in seconds.
Certifications & Credentials
Certifications validate your competency and are often required or highly preferred by employers.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant Certifications | CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), NCMA (NCCT), CMAC (AMCA) |
| Healthcare Certifications | BLS (Basic Life Support), CPR, First Aid, HIPAA Certification, OSHA Certification, Bloodborne Pathogens |
| Specialty Certifications | Phlebotomy Certification (CPT), EKG Technician (CET), Medical Billing Certification, Clinical Medical Assistant Certification |
Critical: Always spell out acronyms on first use: "Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)" or "Basic Life Support (BLS)." ATS systems search for both versions.
Patient Care & Communication
Patient care keywords demonstrate your ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Patient Interaction | Patient Intake, Patient Education, Patient Communication, Discharge Instructions, Health Coaching, Patient Satisfaction |
| Care Coordination | Care Coordination, Referral Management, Follow-Up Calls, Appointment Reminders, Patient Outreach, Care Plans |
| Special Populations | Pediatric Patients, Geriatric Patients, Special Needs Patients, Multilingual Patient Care, Patient Advocacy |
Lab & Diagnostic Skills
Lab and diagnostic skills show your ability to collect specimens and perform point-of-care testing.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Skills | Urinalysis, Glucose Testing, Hemoglobin Testing, Strep Testing, Rapid Testing, Quality Control, CLIA Waived Tests |
| Specimen Handling | Specimen Collection, Specimen Labeling, Chain of Custody, Centrifuge Operation, Specimen Transport, Lab Safety |
Compliance & Safety
Compliance keywords prove you understand healthcare regulations and patient safety protocols.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Compliance | HIPAA Compliance, OSHA Standards, Infection Control, Standard Precautions, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Bloodborne Pathogens |
| Safety Protocols | Hand Hygiene, Sterilization Techniques, Biohazard Waste Disposal, Sharps Disposal, Emergency Protocols, Code Blue Response |
Soft Skills & Competencies
Soft skills demonstrate your professionalism and ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Professional Skills | Multitasking, Time Management, Attention to Detail, Team Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking |
| Communication | Patient Communication, Physician Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Active Listening, Cultural Sensitivity, Empathy |
Medical Assistant Keywords by Role Type
Clinical Medical Assistant Keywords
Clinical medical assistants primarily work in back-office settings, focusing on direct patient care and clinical procedures.
Prioritize these keywords:
| Category | Top Keywords |
|---|---|
| Clinical Procedures | Phlebotomy, Injections, EKG, Vital Signs, Wound Care, Specimen Collection |
| Patient Care | Patient Rooming, Medical History, Clinical Documentation, SOAP Notes, Triage |
| Lab & Diagnostic | Urinalysis, Glucose Testing, Rapid Testing, CLIA Waived Tests |
| EHR (Clinical) | Epic, Cerner, Clinical Documentation, E-Prescribing, Lab Orders |
Example Role: "Clinical Medical Assistant - Cardiology Clinic"
Keyword Focus: EKG, Holter Monitor, Cardiac Stress Tests, Vital Signs, Epic, Patient Education
Administrative Medical Assistant Keywords
Administrative medical assistants primarily work in front-office settings, managing patient scheduling, billing, and records.
Prioritize these keywords:
| Category | Top Keywords |
|---|---|
| Front Office | Appointment Scheduling, Patient Check-In, Patient Registration, Phone Triage |
| Billing & Coding | Medical Billing, ICD-10, CPT Coding, Insurance Verification, Claims Processing |
| Records Management | Medical Records, Electronic Health Records (EHR), Scanning, Filing, Records Requests |
| Insurance | Insurance Verification, Prior Authorization, Referral Coordination, Co-Pay Collection |
Example Role: "Administrative Medical Assistant - Family Practice"
Keyword Focus: Appointment Scheduling, Insurance Verification, ICD-10, Medical Billing, Athenahealth
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Keywords
Certified Medical Assistants (through AAMA) often have broader responsibilities combining clinical and administrative duties.
Prioritize these keywords:
| Category | Top Keywords |
|---|---|
| Certifications | CMA (AAMA), BLS, CPR, HIPAA Certification |
| Clinical Excellence | Phlebotomy, Injections, EKG, Patient Education, Clinical Documentation |
| Administrative Mastery | Scheduling, Medical Billing, ICD-10, Insurance Verification |
| EHR Proficiency | Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, Practice Fusion |
Specialty Medical Assistant Keywords
Specialty medical assistants work in focused practice areas (cardiology, pediatrics, dermatology, orthopedics).
Cardiology MA:
- EKG/ECG, Holter Monitor, Cardiac Stress Tests, Event Monitor, Pacemaker Checks, Vital Signs, Epic
Pediatric MA:
- Pediatric Vital Signs, Immunizations, Growth Charts, Developmental Screening, Well-Child Visits, Parent Education
Dermatology MA:
- Skin Biopsies, Wound Care, Phototherapy, Liquid Nitrogen, Lesion Documentation, Dermoscopy Assistance
Orthopedic MA:
- Casting, Splinting, Range of Motion (ROM), Orthopedic Exams, X-Ray Coordination, Post-Op Wound Care
Obstetrics/Gynecology MA:
- Prenatal Care, Fetal Heart Monitoring, Pelvic Exams, Pap Smears, Pregnancy Testing, Contraceptive Counseling
How to Use Medical Assistant Keywords (5 Steps)
Step 1: Copy the Job Description
Start by copying the entire job description into a document. Read it carefully and highlight all clinical skills, administrative requirements, EHR systems, and certifications mentioned.
Step 2: Identify Must-Have Keywords
Circle or highlight keywords that appear multiple times in the job description. These are priority ATS keywords.
Example: If the job mentions "Epic" three times, "Phlebotomy" twice, and "ICD-10" once, prioritize Epic and Phlebotomy.
Step 3: Match Keywords to Your Experience
Compare your actual experience against the job's keywords. Only include keywords for skills you genuinely have.
Never lie about:
- Certifications you don't hold (CMA, RMA, BLS)
- EHR systems you've never used
- Clinical procedures you're not trained to perform
Step 4: Add Keywords Naturally to Your Resume
Where to place keywords:
- Resume Summary: Include 3-5 top keywords (EHR system, certification, top clinical skill)
- Skills Section: List 10-15 keywords in a dedicated skills section
- Experience Bullets: Use keywords with context and measurable results
- Certifications Section: List all relevant certifications with full names
Example Resume Summary:
"Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) with 4+ years of experience in high-volume family practice settings. Proficient in Epic EHR, phlebotomy, EKG, vital signs, and ICD-10 medical coding. BLS and HIPAA certified."
Step 5: Validate Your Resume with ATS Scanner
Before applying, scan your resume with ResumeAdapter to:
- ✅ Identify missing keywords
- ✅ Check ATS compatibility score
- ✅ Get improvement recommendations
👉 Scan Your Resume for Missing Keywords - Free
Weak vs Strong: Medical Assistant Resume Examples
Example 1: Clinical Documentation
❌ Weak (No Keywords, No Metrics):
"Helped doctors with patient appointments and took notes."
✅ Strong (Keywords + Metrics + Context):
"Documented patient medical histories and chief complaints in Epic EHR for 40+ patients daily, ensuring accurate clinical documentation and reducing physician charting time by 25%."
Keywords used: Documented, Medical Histories, Chief Complaints, Epic EHR, Clinical Documentation
Example 2: Phlebotomy
❌ Weak:
"Drew blood from patients."
✅ Strong:
"Performed 50+ phlebotomy procedures weekly with 98% first-stick success rate, reducing patient anxiety and minimizing lab specimen rejections through proper venipuncture technique and specimen handling."
Keywords used: Phlebotomy, Venipuncture, Specimen Handling, Lab Specimen
Example 3: Administrative Duties
❌ Weak:
"Scheduled appointments and answered phones."
✅ Strong:
"Managed appointment scheduling for 6-provider family practice using Athenahealth EHR, coordinating 100+ patient appointments weekly while maintaining 95% patient satisfaction scores and reducing no-show rates by 15% through proactive appointment reminders."
Keywords used: Appointment Scheduling, Athenahealth EHR, Patient Satisfaction, Appointment Reminders
Example 4: Medical Billing
❌ Weak:
"Processed insurance claims and billing."
✅ Strong:
"Verified insurance eligibility and processed 200+ claims monthly using ICD-10 and CPT coding, achieving 92% first-pass claim acceptance rate and reducing billing errors by 30% through thorough documentation review."
Keywords used: Insurance Eligibility, ICD-10, CPT Coding, Claims Processing, Documentation Review
Example 5: Patient Care
❌ Weak:
"Helped patients and took vital signs."
✅ Strong:
"Performed comprehensive patient intake including vital signs (BP, temp, pulse, SpO2), medical history documentation, and medication reconciliation in Epic EHR, supporting 20+ patient visits daily in busy urgent care setting."
Keywords used: Patient Intake, Vital Signs, Medical History Documentation, Medication Reconciliation, Epic EHR, Urgent Care
👉 Want to rewrite your medical assistant resume in 8 seconds? Try ResumeAdapter's AI-powered resume rewrite engine.
FAQ: Medical Assistant Resume Keywords
How many medical assistant keywords should I use?
Use 15–25 keywords that match the job description. Focus on clinical skills, EHR systems, and certifications mentioned in the job posting. Mix clinical and administrative keywords based on the role type (clinical MA vs administrative MA).
How do I know which keywords I'm missing?
Upload your resume + job description to ResumeAdapter and get your missing keywords instantly. Our AI analyzes your resume against the job description and shows exactly what's missing.
Should I include all keywords even if I'm not certified?
Only include keywords for skills you genuinely have. Never claim certifications you don't hold (CMA, RMA, CCMA). Focus on your actual clinical and administrative competencies and be honest about your experience level.
Where should I place keywords on my resume?
Place important keywords in your summary, skills section, and experience bullets. Use them naturally with context and measurable results, not just as a list. Include certifications in a dedicated section.
Can I use the same keywords for every medical assistant application?
No. Tailor your keywords for each job application based on the specific job description. Clinical-focused roles need different keywords than administrative-focused positions. ResumeAdapter helps you identify the right keywords for each role.
What's the difference between clinical and administrative medical assistant keywords?
Clinical keywords focus on patient care (phlebotomy, vital signs, injections, EKG), while administrative keywords emphasize office operations (scheduling, medical billing, insurance verification, ICD-10). Most MA roles require both, but emphasis varies by position.
Do I need to list every EHR system I've used?
List the EHR systems mentioned in the job description first (Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth). If you've used similar systems, include 2-3 of your strongest EHR experiences. Most hospitals look for adaptability, not mastery of every system.
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ATS Optimization Guides:
- How to Optimize Resume Keywords for ATS (2025 Guide)
- Free ATS Resume Scanner: Check Your Resume in Seconds
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