What is a Medical Assistant?

The medical assistant is best described as an assistive member of the medical office team! Their role is defined by their employer according to their practice's specific needs. Once adequately trained, their job will revolve around patients and the smooth operation of the front and back areas of a medical office.

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The Medical Assistant Professional

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Working as a Medical Assistant

 You have to ask yourself why you want to be a medical assistant. If it is for the money realize that it is average pay at best, BUT if you want a job in the medical field where you can make a difference every day, I think you would enjoy being an MA! This is the reason I'm doing it, not for the money, but for the good feeling of helping many people!

The medical assistant works under the direct supervision of a physician, psychologist, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical specialist, and side-by-side with various other medical office staff.  They provide direct patient care ONLY in the presence of the doctor, nurse, or physician assistant under whom they work.

While their duties often vary greatly their main role is to complement the work of the practitioner, assist with various clinical and administrative medical office routines as assigned, and keep the flow of the facility running smoothly and efficient.

What a Medical Assistant Is NOT!

The medical assistant is NOT a licensed health care professional, and is NOT allowed to practice medicine in any form, or fashion, whether certified, or not! Medical assistants can perform only those duties and skills that fall within their discipline's specific scope of practice. Among other things, this may include strict rules for administering medications, injections, x-rays, starting IVs lines, performing invasive procesures, and venipunctures.

It is extremely important to understand that all medical assistants are required to practice only under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor, surgeon, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other licensed medical specialist, while at the same time strictly adhering to state, and local laws.

They may also fall under certain educational, and certification requirements as set forth by their governing bodies. Since these state laws and local regulations may vary from state to state as to the definition of their training requirements and scope of practice, they should be periodically researched and reviewed by all individuals concerned.

• Professional Expectations
  
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• Medical Assistant Duties
  
  A quick and easy way to learn latest facts about the medical assistant profession and what a medical assistant is and does.
• Medical Assistant Responsibilities
  
  Medical assistants have many responsibilities and duties in a busy medical office or clinic. Those interested in entering into this filed should first visit ...
• Acquiring the Skills
  
  Recommended high school courses include math, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computer, and office skills. Volunteer and healthcare...