The Unsung Hero of the Medical Office: the 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.

Did you know? Countless job seekers face barriers to employment and promotion, not because they don't have the ability, skills, or knowledge to do the job, but simply because they lack the credentials employers want...

quote 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, 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 people! quote

Working as a Medical Assistant

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.

MA of 15 Years Tells Us:

"I never want someone to think I am practicing as a RN in any way! I really love my work and continue to do so every day. I appreciate opportunities to learn from fellow staff and health care members, which includes RN's, LPN's, Dr's, and medical office support staff. We all work as a team, sharing valuable skills to help patients! Where each one is willing to lend a helping hand much good can be done, even in the smallest offices and lowest positions." (Contributed by MA15Years)

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.

Medical Assistant Workplace
Learn what a medical assistant is and isn't. Why it is so extremely important to understand that medical assistants work under the direct supervision of a medical doctor?
Acquiring the Skills
Recommended high school courses include math, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computer, and office skills. Volunteer and healthcare...
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 ...
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 Conduct
Learn why the medical assistant's prior conduct at work and at home must always be professional and appropriate. Otherwise it may be hard to find work in this field.
Professional Pitfalls and Challenges

Home Web Forum Links Mobile Content Contact Privacy Site Map