THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS
Medical assistants perform many administrative duties. They answer telephones, greet patients, update and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, handle correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.
Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medication and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.
Mean annual salry for this position is $23,680.
Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info 
Important Links Downloads Contact Us
Medical Assistant (Medical Assisting) DID YOU KNOW? (click for more)
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on office location, size, and specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are "generalists," handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.
WHERE EMPLOYED:
60 percent were in physicians` offices, and about 14 percent were in hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities. The rest were in nursing homes, offices of other health practitioners, and other health care facilities.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Medical assistants deal with the public; therefore, they must be neat and well groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner. Medical assistants must be able to put patients at ease and explain physicians` instructions. They must respect the confidential nature of medical information. Clinical duties require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity. Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments. They constantly interact with other people, and may have to handle several responsibilities at once. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. Some work part-time, evenings, or weekends.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Most employers prefer graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and in colleges and universities. Although medical assistants are not licensed, some states require them to take a test or a course before they can perform certain tasks, such as taking limited x rays. Employers prefer to hire experienced workers or certified applicants who have passed a national examination, indicating that the medical assistant meets certain standards of competence.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Postsecondary programs usually last either 1year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years, resulting in an associate’s degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, medication administration, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics. Accredited programs include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians` offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.
Educational program types for this career.
EMPLOYERS:
Potential employers for this career.
LAST UPDATED:
9/5/2007 - Update
Current status - ActiveHome About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us