If your desire is to help others by working as a healthcare professional, a career as a medical assistant might be for you. Medical assistants perform daily clinical and administrative tasks to help ensure that doctors, chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists’ offices and clinics run smoothly.
From greeting patients and measuring vital signs to scheduling appointments and conducting lab tests, physician assistants are vital assets to a healthcare team, serving as an extra pair of hands for busy healthcare professionals. Physician assistants communicate with physicians, nurses, medical billing personnel, pharmacists, insurance representatives, and patients.
Medical assistants must be well versed in clinical and administrative tasks and must be attentive to details. Because things can be accelerated in doctor’s offices and clinics, a good candidate for a healthcare career must be nimble and patient.
Find courses in Medical Assistance
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Specialties
The duties of a physician assistant will vary, depending on the size of the office, location, and specialty (optometrist, physician, chiropractor, etc.).
In smaller practices, a medical assistant generally handles administrative and clinical tasks. The assistant reports directly to a physician, office manager, or other healthcare professional. Medical assistants working in larger practices are generally under the supervision of department administrators and specialize in a particular area of work.
Clinical duties may vary depending on state law. These tasks may include explaining treatment procedures to patients, measuring vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting the healthcare provider during the exam process. Medical assistants also collect and prepare laboratory samples. Some assistants can perform some basic laboratory tests on the premises.
Attendees can also:
- Arrange and administer medicines to patients as advised by physicians.
- Instruct patients about medications and special diets.
- Call pharmacies for a doctor-led prescription ad.
- Prepare patients for X-rays.
- Extract blood
- Dispose of contaminated supplies.
- Remove sutures
- Sterilize medical instruments
- Prepare patients for X-rays.
- Change dressings
Academic Requirements
Although a degree or certificate is not required to obtain a job in the health care field, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. However, it is recommended that people interested in this career pursue some form of education, be it an associate’s degree or a certificate from an accredited program. An associate’s degree in healthcare can be a big step if you decide to advance your career or education in the future. Graduate candidates are also more attractive to employers.
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