What Can I Do With A Major In Medical Assisting?

Introduction

Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Medical assistants also may arrange examining-room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

Students in Medical Assisting are trained in the skills of:

  • Front office administrative skills
  • Back office clinical skills to assist healthcare practitioners in administering to patients' needs
  • Assisting with medical examinations and treatment
  • Working as a team member in the medical office environment
  • Taking medical histories and obtain vital signs
  • Drawing blood
  • Performing diagnostic tests and office laboratory procedures
  • Sterilizing instruments and maintain equipment
  • Taking medical histories
  • Explaining treatment procedures to patients
  • Preparing patients for examination
  • Assisting the physician during the exam
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
  • Performing basic laboratory tests
  • Instructing patients about medication and special diets
  • Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
  • Authorizing prescription refills as directed
  • Taking electrocardiograms
  • Removing sutures and changing dressings
  • Abiding by the principles of medical ethics and medical legal issues facing health care providers
  • Using computer applications
  • Answering telephones
  • Greeting patients
  • Updating and filing patient medical records
  • Coding and filling out insurance forms
  • Scheduling appointments
  • Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
  • Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping

    A Sample of Related Occupations

    Related Occupations Related Occupations Related Occupations
    Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Medical Office Manager
    Medical Administrative Support Medical Assisting Educator Podiatric Medical Assistants
    Ophthalmic Medical Assistants Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Certified Ophthalmic Technician
    Certified Ophthalmic Med. Tech.
       
     
    Types of Employers
    Private and Non-profit Organizations
     

    *Physician Offices

    *Medical Clinics

    Hospitals: Occupational Health Department Wellness Department

     
    Government Agencies
     

    Armed Services

    Related Web Links

     

    Professional Associations

    For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook