Nature of the Work:
Medical assistants' help physicians examine and treat patients, as well as perform routine tasks needed to keep the office running smoothly. Although medical assistants can perform both clinical and administrative tasks, the nature of the work varies from office to office.
The size of the practice affects the scope of the job, as does the physician's view of medical assisting responsibilities. Thus, in small practices, medical assistants are usually generalists, handling both clerical and clinical duties and reporting directly to the office manager or physician. Those employed in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.
Clinical duties vary according to State law and commonly include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories; explaining treatment procedures to patients; preparing patients for examination; and assisting during the examination. Afterwards, medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises; dispose of contaminated supplies; and sterilize medical instruments. Other clinical duties include instructing patients about medication and special diets, authorizing drug refills as directed, telephoning prescriptions to the pharmacy, draping blood, preparing patients for X-rays, taking EKG's, and applying dressings.
Medical assistants may also arrange instrument and equipment in the examining room; check office and laboratory supplies; and maintain the waiting, consulting, and examination rooms in a neat and orderly condition.
Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative duties. They may answer the telephone, greet patients, record and file patient medical records, fill out insurance forms, check correspondence, schedule appointments, arrange or hospital admission and laboratory services, and handle billing and bookkeeping.
Some assistants specialize. Podiatric medical instants, for example, make castings of the feet and assist podiatrists at surgery in addition to handling front office responsibilities.
Ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide medical eye care. They take medical historic and use precision instruments to administer diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test the functioning of eyes muscles. They also instruct patients in the use of eye dressings, protective shields, and safety glasses, as well as in the inserts, removal, and care of contact lenses. At the direction of the physician, they may administer medications, including eye drops. Their responsibilities may include maintaining optical and surgical instruments and assisting the ophthalmologist in surgery.
Working Conditions:
Medical assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. They need to be careful when performing clinical work, such as sterilizing equipment or doing laboratory tests. Although medical assistants generally have a 40-hour workweek, this may include evening and weekend hours.
Employment:
Three out of five medical assistants were employed in physicians' offices, and about 1 in 5 worked in offices of other health practitioners such as optometrists, podiatrists, and chiropractors. Slightly more than 1 in 10 worked in hospitals.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Medical assisting is one of the few health occupations open to individuals with no formal training. Although education in medical assisting is available at both the SCL boundary and postsecondary levels, such training - while generally preferred - is not always required. It is still often the case that medical assistants are trained on the job. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computers, and office practices are helpful.
Formal programs in medical assisting are offered in vocational-technical high schools and at the postsecondary level by vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and universities. Community college and university programs usually last 2 years and lead to an associate degree. Private vocational programs can take up to 1 year to complete, and graduates receive a diploma or certificate.
Two agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit programs in medical assisting: The American Medical Association's Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The medical assisting curriculum consists of courses in the biological sciences and medical terminology as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students also learn laboratory techniques, use of medical equipment, clinical procedures, and first aid; they are also instructed in office practices, patient relations, and medical law and ethics.
Although there are no general licensing requirements for medical assistants, some States require the successful completion of a test or a short course as a prerequisite for performing certain procedures such as taking x-rays, drawing blood, or giving injections. Employers prefer to hire experienced workers or certified applicants who have successfully completed a national examination.
Since medical assistants have a great deal of contact with the public, a neat, well-groomed appearance, and a courteous, pleasant manner are needed. Medical assistants must not only be good at putting patients at ease, but be good listeners and interpret a physician's instructions correctly the first time they are given. Conscientiousness, a sense of responsibility, and respect for the confidential nature of medical information are required of all medical assistants. Clinical duties require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity.
Medical assistants may be able to advance to office manager. Hospitals often hire people with training or experience in medical assisting for jobs as ward clerks, medical record clerks, phlebotomists, and EKG technicians. Medical assistants with computer skills are often qualified for a wide variety of research and management support positions.
Advancement for medical assistants sometimes also means leaving the occupation. Some medical assistants find work as consultants in medical office management or in the medical insurance industry. Those who enjoy clinical work sometimes enter other health professions such as nursing and medical technology.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year due to anticipated expansion of the health services industry.
Employment growth will be spurred by the increased medical needs of an aging population, growth in the number of health practitioners, more diagnostic testing, and the increased volume and complexity of paperwork. Most job openings, however, will result from the need to replace experienced assistants who leave the occupation.
In view of the high turnover as well as the preference of many physicians for trained personnel, job prospects should be excellent for medical assistants with formal training, experience, or both. Employers prefer applicants with formal certification, and medical assistants with word processing and computer skills may have an advantage over less qualified applicants.
Earnings:
The earnings of medical assistants vary widely. Pay levels are governed chiefly by the assistant's experience and qualifications, the size and location of the employer's practice, and the number of hours worked.
Related Occupations:
Workers in other medical support occupations include medical secretaries, hospital admitting clerks, pharmacy helpers, medical receptionists, medical record clerks, dental assistants, occupational therapy aides, and physical therapist aides.
