From a clinical perspective, a medical assistant:
- applies principles of aseptic technique and infection control
- prepares and assists with examinations, procedures, and treatments
- obtains patient history and vital signs
- collects and processes specimens
- performs or assists with diagnostic tests, including performing an EKG, taking blood for examination, and performing certain lab tests
- screens and follows patient test results
- maintains medication and immunization records
- adheres to established triage procedures
- coordinates patient care information with other health care providers
- performs basic clerical duties
- schedules, coordinates, and monitors scheduling
- schedules inpatient/outpatient procedures and admissions
- performs medical transcription
- performs procedural and diagnostic coding
- obtains reimbursement through accurate claims (insurance) submission
- monitors and follows-up on third-party (insurance) reimbursement
- applies bookkeeping principles
- documents and maintains accounting and banking records
- manages accounts payable, accounts receivables, and payroll
- professionally manages telephone responsibilities
- receives, organizes, prioritizes, and transmits written and verbal communications and information
Salary Information: Medical Assistant
Salaries for Medical Assistants may vary, depending on your experience, skill level, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of medical assistants was $26,290 in May 2006, increasing to $28,300 in May, 2008.
As of May, 2008, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,600, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,570. Median annual earnings in the industries employing medical assistants in May 2008 were:
Physician Offices: $29,330
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $30,930
Offices of Other Health Practitioners: $26,000
Outpatient Care Centers: $29,150
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: $30,240
For more information, see: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos164.htm#earnings and http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319092.htm
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Education: Medical Assistant
To become a Medical Assistant, a certification program at a State Licensed School is required. Some schools may require you to have a High School Diploma or GED, but most will only require you to take an entrance exam. This is to ensure that you are at the appropriate educational level.
Postsecondary medical assisting programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Programs usually last either 1 year and result in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years and result in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. Students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, the administration of medications, and first aid. They study office practices, patient relations, medical law, and ethics.
Some medical assistants are trained on the job, although this practice is less common than in the past. Volunteer experience in the health care field also is helpful. There are various organizations that offer accredited medical assisting programs. Accredited programs often include an internship that provides practical experience in physicians’ offices, hospitals, or other health care facilities.
Depending on the location, some State laws allow medical assistants to perform more advanced procedures, after passing a test or taking a course. such as giving injections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Medical Assistants work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 62 percent of medical assistants work in physician’s offices. Others may work in offices of podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners.
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How can I find a good Medical Assistant school?
Here is some helpful information to help you decide on an Medical Assistant school:
- Compare programs at different schools and remember that programs vary in length depending on location, cost and course of study.
- Consider visiting one or more schools and request a tour.
- Search online for Medical Assistant schools in your area using your zip code.
- Consider studying online and completing your studies from home.
- Ask schools for references from other students.
- Do you live or plan to relocate to the New York city area? Consider visiting the Manhattan Institute and learn more about how you can become a Medical Assistant. Click here to learn more.
What is the employment outlook for Medical Assistants?
Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 35 percent through 2016, much faster than average. Job opportunities should be excellent, especially for those with formal training, additional experience, and certification.
This is due to the increasing health care industry, which continues to expand due to technological advances in medicine and the growth of the elderly population. There will continue to be an increased need for all health care workers.
Another reason for the increasing demand for medical assistants is the increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities. These organizations need a large amount of support personnel, including medical assistants, who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings which is a rapidly growing sector of the health care industry.
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