The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as where the medical assistant works, how experienced they are and the size and specialty of the medical practice.
In a small practice, medical assistants are often required to be flexible in their duties, handling both administrative and clinical functions. In a large practice, where there are more employees, medical assistants will tend to specialize in one particular area. Basically, the larger a medical practice is the more diversity there will be. This is a good thing to keep in mind when looking for a job since you can anticipate what will be required of you based on the size of the practice.
So, what does a medical assistant do? It depends a lot on what their position is within the office. Medical assistants are usually categorized into two groups — administrative and clinical. But we’re going to dig a little deeper and consider the job duties of clerical and specialized medical assistants as well.
Clerical Medical Assistants
There isn’t much that separates a clerical medical assistant from an administrative assistant. They perform basic office duties such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, sorting mail and greeting patients. Although the job duties of clerical medical assistants are not specific to the medical field, they are vital to the function of every medical office.
Administrative Medical Assistant
Administrative medical assistants usually perform all of the clerical duties as well as administrative duties specific to the medical field. Besides answering phones and scheduling appointments, they maintain medical records, submit insurance claim forms, handle billing and book keeping. They are usually the ones who schedule medical tests, lab-work, and out-patient procedures for patients. Again, the smaller the practice, the more work will be required of them.
Clinical Medical Assistant
Clinical medical assistants assume much of the workload that was once assigned to nurses and physician assistants. Having been trained in basic medical procedures, such as taking blood pressure, they are well-equipped to work directly with patients.
Their tasks may include recording vitals, preparing the exam room, explaining medical procedures to patients and assisting the physican with medical procedures.
They will often collect and prepare specimens, such as stool and urine samples, and may even remove stiches and sutures. More qualified clinical medical assistants can draw blood, take x-rays and perform EGKs.
Specialized Medical Assistants
The beauty of working as a medical assistant is that you have so many options available to you. In fact, medical assistants are one of the most versatile health care professions! Much like doctors, MAs can choose to specialize in a certain field of medicine.
For example, a podiatric medical assistant works in a podiatrist’s office. They make foot castings and assist the physican during examinations and surgeries. Optometric assistants help optomotrists with eye tests and examinations and show patients how to use contact lenses. Medical lab assistants help pathologists and lab technicians in preparing and testing specimens.
Employment Opportunities and Job Outlook
As you can see, medical assistants are a vital part of nearly every field of medicine. As a result, there are many opportunities for employment as a medical assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 34% from 2008 to 2018, much faster than average.
Those seeking jobs in this field will find excellent job prospects as the demand for skilled workers continues to grow. In the US especially, there has been a significant population increase over the past few years. Baby boomers are entering into their late 60s and early 70s and consume the vast majority of pharmaceutical products. As a result, allied health professionals, such as medical assistants are in high demand. If this is a career you are considering, you can expect a measure of job security.
If you pursue medical assistant training and certification you can expect to receive a higher salary and more job security.
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