By
Mark Stout
Submitted On October 12, 2007
The role of the medical assistant is to perform administrative
and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health
practitioners running smoothly. The administrative duties of a may
include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, filing medical
records, filling out insurance forms, arranging laboratory tests,
handling billing and office bookkeeping.
Many also assist in various clinical duties which are often regulated by local to state laws and office policies. Such clinical duties for an assistant may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination and many times assisting the physician during the patient examination. They may assist in preparing laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests on the premises under the supervision of a physician, sterilizing
medical instruments and disposing of contaminated office supplies. Some offices will have assistants instruct patients about medications, discuss special diets, prepare, telephone prescriptions to the local pharmacy, prepare patients for x-rays, assist in the taking of electrocardiograms (EKGs) and basic minor healthcare procedure such as dressing changes. Although assistants are not licensed, some states require them to take or state class before they can perform certain tasks such as taking x-rays, EKGs or giving injections.
Many medical assistants are trained on the job, however often employers prefer to hire experienced medical assistants or employees with formal training in the field. They may take classes at local junior colleges, vocational schools, technical career schools, healthcare institutions or online distance education programs. In order to enable medical assisting personnel to enhance their knowledge, skills and professionalism many schools such as the St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at http://www.medassistant.org now have online programs specially designed for your comfort and affordability.
Traditional training programs are on the rise across the United States and the according to the United States Department of Labor "Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014 as the health care industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population." . The earnings will vary depending on their experience, skill level, and location. The current median annual earnings of is $24,610. Also, many are able to advance to office managers and they may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations. Some will enter other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology. If you're considering a Medical Assistant career, you should be neat and well groomed, and display a pleasant and courteous manner, especially since you will be dealing with the public. You must also respect the confidential nature of medical information. For many interested in a career in this field this is an ideal job.
Many also assist in various clinical duties which are often regulated by local to state laws and office policies. Such clinical duties for an assistant may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination and many times assisting the physician during the patient examination. They may assist in preparing laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests on the premises under the supervision of a physician, sterilizing
medical instruments and disposing of contaminated office supplies. Some offices will have assistants instruct patients about medications, discuss special diets, prepare, telephone prescriptions to the local pharmacy, prepare patients for x-rays, assist in the taking of electrocardiograms (EKGs) and basic minor healthcare procedure such as dressing changes. Although assistants are not licensed, some states require them to take or state class before they can perform certain tasks such as taking x-rays, EKGs or giving injections.
Many medical assistants are trained on the job, however often employers prefer to hire experienced medical assistants or employees with formal training in the field. They may take classes at local junior colleges, vocational schools, technical career schools, healthcare institutions or online distance education programs. In order to enable medical assisting personnel to enhance their knowledge, skills and professionalism many schools such as the St. Augustine Medical Assistant School at http://www.medassistant.org now have online programs specially designed for your comfort and affordability.
Traditional training programs are on the rise across the United States and the according to the United States Department of Labor "Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014 as the health care industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population." . The earnings will vary depending on their experience, skill level, and location. The current median annual earnings of is $24,610. Also, many are able to advance to office managers and they may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations. Some will enter other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology. If you're considering a Medical Assistant career, you should be neat and well groomed, and display a pleasant and courteous manner, especially since you will be dealing with the public. You must also respect the confidential nature of medical information. For many interested in a career in this field this is an ideal job.
Dr. Mark Stout,
St. Augustine Medical Assistant School http://www.medassistant.org
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mark_Stout/1280
St. Augustine Medical Assistant School http://www.medassistant.org
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