How To Become A Medical Assistant
We know that the healthcare industry is dominated by physicians
, nurses, and other direct patient-care providers who tirelessly serve people in need, day in and day out. But how many of us are aware that there are many other forces, perhaps not as visible but equally important, that are responsible for the smooth delivery of healthcare?
Medical assistants are one such force. These are the people who perform the vital administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare facility that ensure that primary healthcare providers can do their job without any hassles.
However, medical assistants should not be confused with physicians assistants. These are two distinct roles, each with its own qualification criteria. Physicians assistants usually have a degree in medicine and are qualified to assist doctors in advanced medical procedures, including surgeries, while the clinical duties of medical assistants have more basic educational requirements.
Becoming a Medical Assistant
A medical assistant must be trained in two types of tasksclinical and administrative.
Although the clinical duties of medical assistants may vary from one healthcare facility to another, they are usually responsible for:
Taking patients vital signs, such as blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse
Preparing examination rooms and sterilizing medical instruments and supplies
Getting patients ready for checkups, treatment, or other procedures
Collecting and preparing patient samples for laboratory tests
Administering medication and vaccines to patients
Dressing wounds and applying first aid
The administrative tasks performed by medical assistants may include:
Greeting patients
Answering phones
Scheduling appointments
Performing billing and accounting tasks
Recording and maintaining patient information
Inventory keeping and ordering medical supplies
Handling insurance claims and other correspondence
Helping patients fill out admission, insurance, and other forms
How to Become a Medical Assistant
Training and certification is vital to becoming a medical assistant. Although traditionally medical assistants were trained on the job, this is not the case anymore.
Becoming a medical assistant normally requires formal education and training in health services. Students have the option of completing a post-secondary certificate or diploma, which take a year to complete, or they can opt for two-year
healthcare degree programs from a career school or college, and earn an associates degree.
Another possibility is an allied health or a
medical specialties degree that includes courses in medical terminology, laboratory procedures, vital signs, medical billing, clinical procedures, etc.all of which should be part of a typical medical assistants skill set.
Although not mandatory to secure a job, an additional certification can serve as a proof of a job candidates proficiency and competence as a medical assistant. Possible credentials include the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The process of certification may vary from organization to organization, but usually includes passing an examination.
The Way Forward
Though training and certification are an important part of becoming a medical assistant, these are not the only requirements. A medical assistant must also have certain inherent qualities and skills, such as a caring attitude, willingness to help others, and the ability communicate clearly and effectively.
Once you get a foothold in the field, career possibilities can open up in a variety of healthcare environments, including physician offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care facilities.
Sound like something you may want to try your hand at? The first step is to start researching medical assistant schools and programs, and you could be on your way to a rewarding and fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.
by: David M.
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