Medical Assistant Training Programs

Medical Assistant Training Programs

Medical assistants are responsible for performing a wide variety of different clerical as well as clinical duties. They commonly work in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other medical professionals. A medical assistant is different from a physician assistant. The role of a physician assistant includes examining, diagnosing and treating under the supervision of a physician.
Many medical assistant position require candidates to hold a degree or certificate focused on medical assisting or a closely related field. Completion of these programs can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. Check out the programs above which offer free information.

Administrative duties of medical assistants can include greeting patients, keeping medical records, answering the telephone, completing insurance forms, making appointments, handling correspondence, scheduling hospital and laboratory services and assisting with billing. Overall, the responsibilities of a medical assistant can be split between secretarial and clinical duties.

Under state laws, medical assistants usually have varying clinical duties. These duties can include taking vital signs, retrieving patient history, speaking with patients about treatments, conducting general lab tests, assisting with exams, preparing lab specimens, sanitizing medical supplies and disposing of materials that have been used. Medical assistants may also inform patients about different treatments, including diet and medication. They may also prepare and administer medication, submit prescriptions, allow refills under the supervision of a physician, take blood samples, prepare patients for X-rays, perform electrocardiograms, remove sutures and adjust dressings. In addition, medical assistants may organize, maintain and buy materials and instruments. Cleaning waiting and exam rooms may also be part of the duties of a medical assistant.

Medical assistants must remain flexible in their duties.
Some medical assistants specialize and have additional duties, depending on the area of their specialization. Medical assistants may be employed in a wide array of areas. Approximately 60% of medical assistants are employed in doctor’s offices. Around 10% work in specialized offices, such as podiatrists and chiropractors.

Medical assistants are responsible for helping patients to feel comfortable as well as verifying instructions of the physician. Medical information must be kept confidential. Medical assistants must have good visual perception and be able to work well with their hands.

Medical Assistant Certifications

Medical assistants are not required to be licensed; however, some practices do require a course or test to be taken before performing tasks like x-raying. Employers are often more likely to hire medical assistants who have passed a national exam. The Certified Medical Assistant credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. There is also a Registered Medical Assistant credential that is offered by the American Medical Technologists. Other possible certifications include the Podiatric Medical Assistant Certified credential, through the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants. Three degrees of credentials are honored by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology; the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist.

Posted in: medical assistant,medical career,medical certifications