Friday, April 25, 2008

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

A Medical Assistant is quite often the first face you see in the Doctor's office. Their duties range from clinical (hands on medical) to clerical (office work). Clinical duties include:





  • Assessing Patients Intensity of Need to be Seen

  • Drawing Blood

  • Collecting Samples

  • Taking Patients Vitals (blood pressure, pulse, pulse ox)

  • Charting Patients Weight & Height

  • Taking Patients History

  • Preparing Patients for Treatment

  • Explaining Follow Up Procedures

  • Assisting Physicians During Examinations

  • Sterilizing Medical Equipment

  • Authorizing Drug Refills

  • Phoning in Prescriptions to Pharmacies

  • Taking Electrocardiograms

  • Removing Stitches and Changing Dressings

Clerical or Office Duties Include:

  • Updating Medical Records

  • Coding Insurance forms

  • Arranging Hospital Admissions and Lab Services

  • Answering & Transferring Phone Calls

  • Scheduling Appointments

  • Receiving Patients

  • Opening and Sorting Mail

  • Billing, Accounting & Bookkeeping.

These duties can be learned thourgh attending a short term Medical Assistant job training program. Upon completion of classroom work, students usually spend unpaid time working in a Doctor's Office to gain hands on experience. In order to obtain employment in the medical field as a medical assistant, students should become certified in one or more of the following through the American Medical Technologists(AMT).


Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)

According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistants jobs should grow much faster than average thru the year 2016. Job prospects are expected to be excellent. The national average salary range for Medical Assistants is between $22,000 and $28,000.

Prior to entering this field, career seekers should evaluate their God given personality and gifts. If you naturally desire to help others, are not easily put off by dealing with bodily fluids and functions and are caring, compassionate and remain calm in crisis situations, this may be the career for you.

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