Medical Assisting is one of the fastest growing job markets in the allied health field today.
Medical assistants work in private practices, large clinics, and hospitals; both for inpatient and outpatient care, as well in many other areas of health care services. They are able to perform multiple clinical tasks and administrative tasks such as:
Clinical Skills
- Sterilize instruments used in autoclave
- Prepare patient for examination
- Record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, etc.)
- Measure height and weight
- Perform parts of urinalysis
- Collect blood samples
- Perform simple blood tests
- Administer electrocardiograms
- Assist minor surgery
- Direct patients in preparation for x-rays and tests
- Give injections
- Interview patients for past medical history
Administrative duties:
- Answer telephones
- Handle mail
- Arrange hospital admissions
- Arrange laboratory services
- Schedule appointments
- Prepare insurance forms
- Type medical reports
- Maintain medical files
- Handle billing and receipts
- Prepare payroll for office staff
They are the " multi-skilled " workers of the medical field and are replacing LVNs, CNAs and even RNs in many facilities.
Medical assisting is a wonderful chance for the individual to gain exposure to the medical work arena. It is also a good stepping-stone if one has higher educational goals in mind within this allied health profession.