EXPLORE TOP
MEDICAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATIONS HERE!
 or... 
 Assistive Member of the Medical Office Team
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...
 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! 
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.
- Acquiring the Skills
Recommended high school courses include math, health, biology, typing, bookkeeping, computer, and office skills. Volunteer and healthcare...
- Professional Expectations
Did you know? Appearance can positively, or negatively influence the opinion one has of the medical assistant, and the overall reputation of the facility.
- 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.
- Professional Pitfalls and Challenges
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