Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who assist doctors. They generally will be in your exams room and ask you about your symptoms and health information before seeing the doctor. Medical assistants play an essential role in the healthcare organization; however, many do not know a lot about the position. Here we will discuss what you need to know about being a medical assistant.
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
Medical assistants complete a variety of tasks, depending on the setting they work in. Their tasks will usually involve clinical or administrative work.
Clinical Tasks may include:
- Walking patients to the exam room
- Recording symptoms and updating medical histories
- Helping patients prepare to see the doctor
- Dispensing medications
- Handling prescription refill requests
- Collecting and preparing laboratory samples or performing basic lab tests
- Assisting doctors during physical exams
- Discussing prescription and dietary changes with patients
- Removing stitches or changing wound bandages
- Drawing blood
- Giving electrocardiograms (heart test) and other medical tests
Administrative Tasks may include:
- Answering phone calls
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Coding and completing insurance forms
- Updating and filing medical records
- Marking arrangements for a hospital visit or lab work
- Handling the billing, coding, bookkeeping, and office mail
Education Requirements
Medical assistants must receive training to obtain a job. Training programs usually range from a few months to a year and can be completed at a vocational school, community college or a university. It is important that medical assisting students complete an externship to test their skills at a health care facility. Upon completion students will receive a certification or diploma in medical assisting. Medical assistants can also become nationally certified by taking the Certified Medical Assistant exam or the Registered Medical Assistant exam.
Where do Medical Assistants work?
The most common workplaces for medical assistants are doctor’s offices, hospitals, and outpatient centers. You can also find medical assistants in dental offices, nursing homes, and physical therapy clinics. Furthermore, medical assistant jobs are on the rise. With the aging population of the baby boomer’s generation the need for medical assistants is expected to increase. This will make medical assisting a great career choice for those looking for career growth and stability.
If you are interested in a career as a medical assistant, then look no further! At E&S Academy we offer an online medical assistant course. For more information visit esacademy-usa.com/courses/online-medical-assistant/
