Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative
duties to keep health care delivery
settings running smoothly. They may prepare
patients for examinations and treatments by
taking temperature, weight, blood pressure,
and pulse. They also help put patients at ease
in the medical environment. They may give injections, take blood for testing, perform simple
lab tests and evaluation tests including electrocardiography.
They assist physicians, physician
assistants and nurse practitioners during
exams and treatment. Medical assistants may
also be responsible for front office duties, such
as greeting patients, making appointments,
handling correspondence and insurance claims,
and performing some book-keeping duties.
 Areas of Specialization
Medical assistants may specialize in a wide
variety of medical specializations, including
podiatry, pediatrics, and chiropractic care.
Work Environment
Medical assistants are likely to find jobs in
physicians' offices, clinics and other health care
settings. Although medical assistants are usually
in an outpatient setting (such as a clinic),
there are occasionally positions at inpatient
facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes.
They may be expected to work evenings and/or weekends, depending on their place of work.
Length of Training
Most employers prefer graduates of formal
training programs, but some employers
allow on-the-job training (although this is
becoming more rare). The American Association
of Medical Assistants awards the
Certified Medical Assistant credential; the
American Medical Technologists awards
the Registered Medical Assist ant credential;
the American Society of Podiatric Medical
Assistants awards the Podiatric Medical
Assistant Certified credential; and the Joint
Commission on Allied Health Personnel in
Ophthalmology awards credentials at three
levels: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician, and Certified
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist .
Education Programs
C=Certificate, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate
Professional Associations
American Association of Medical Assistants
www.aama-ntl.org
Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
www.jcahpo.org
American Association of Podiatric Medical Assistants
www.aspma.org
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