Medical Assistants
Medical assistants work with physicians, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals. They are responsible for administrative and clinical duties and ensure a smooth operating office routine.
Medical Assistant Schools
Job Specifications
The size and location of a practice impact the duties performed by a medical assistant. Smaller practices hire a general medical assistant who is responsible for all administrative and clinical tasks. In larger organizations, medical assistants focus work in one department. They report to department managers. Administrative duties include answering phones, maintaining patient records, assisting patients upon arrival, and handling billing and insurance claims. In addition, they schedule appointments and assist in hospital admissions. Medical assistants also perform clinical tasks. State laws vary on clinical duties. Typically, responsibilities include taking medical histories, collecting specimens, and explaining treatments to patients. Before seeing a doctor, they record vital signs and prepare the patient for an exam. During an exam, medical assistants assist the doctor. Other duties include instructing patients on medications, ordering prescription refills, removing sutures, and changing dressings. Many medical assistants specialize. Examples are podiatric medical assistants and ophthalmic medical assistants. Podiatric medical assistants work directly with podiatrists in surgery, make foot casts, and develop x-rays. Ophthalmic medical assistants assist ophthalmologists with eye care. They perform diagnostic tests and teach patients about contact care.
Necessary Qualifications
Technical, vocational, and community colleges offer programs in medical assistance. Most employers prefer a new hire to have a degree or certificate from one of these programs. One-year programs result in a certificate, while two-year programs result in an associate degree. Anatomy, physiology, typing, transcription, medical terminology, first aid, and laboratory procedures are a few of the courses offered in these programs. Many associations offer certification programs in a specialized field. This is advantageous when seeking a job. Medical assistants should possess a variety of personal characteristics. They should be discreet and have strong people skills. They also should have a neat appearance. They should be familiar with medical terminology so they are able to explain physician instructions clearly and concisely.
Salary and Advancement
Some medical assistants are promoted to office manager. Others choose to teach in a vocational or community college. Some individuals use this job as a steppingstone to becoming a nurse. This, however, requires further education. Location, experience, and skills impact a medical assistant’s salary. Typically, earnings range between $17,000 and $34,000 per year. They work a forty-hour week. Some choose to work part time, evenings, or weekends.
Medical Assistant Training Programs 1
Medical Assistant Training Programs 2
Medical Assistant Training Programs 3
Surgical Technologist Training Programs
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Medical Assistants.
This article may not be copied, used, or reproduced.
copyright 2005
|
|
|
|