Working as a medical assistant can be a rewarding career in a health-related environment. These healthcare professionals work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers in doctor’s offices, hospitals and clinics, or in administrative support environments such as insurance and government agencies or departments of health.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include both clinical and administrative support which may vary depending on the size and specialty of the office. Clinical duties may include taking patients’ vital signs, drawing blood, giving injections or conducting urinalysis or phlebotomy analysis. Administrative duties may include taking patient histories, filing insurance claims, typing transcriptions or completing billing and collections. Typing and word processing skills are required. Specialization such as Phlebotomist or Ophthalmic Specialist is also possible. There are several paths to gaining the credentials to become a medical assistant.
Education and Certification
Many accredited vocational schools, community colleges and on-line colleges provide programs that lead to the award of certificates and associate’s degrees in medical assisting. On-campus programs are available in almost every state, as well as Guam and Canada. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) provides listings of campus-based and on-line colleges and schools with accredited programs.
Attending an accredited institution ensures that necessary coursework and training is completed to prepare the student for certifying exams and professional memberships that may be required for employment. Accreditation also allows a student to be considered for federal financial aid.
A certificate program usually can be completed within nine to twelve months and focuses on the essentials of the field without additional general academic coursework. Approximately 40 hours of coursework are required. Courses include Medical Terminology, Human Biology, Physiology and Anatomy, Medical Law and Ethics, First Aid and CPR, Clinical Procedures, Administrative Procedures, Insurance Billing and a Medical Assistance Practicum.
An Associate’s Degree program will include satisfying general academic requirements beyond the core courses. A full-time program usually takes two years; attending part-time will take longer. Approximately 60 hours of coursework are required. General academic courses include Written Communication, Oral Communication, Algebra or specified courses in mathematics, Human Relations, general science such as Biology and Chemistry and electives. Core courses include those required for the certificate program plus additional courses such as Introduction to Pharmacology, Computer Business Applications and a longer period of Medical Assistant Practicum. Completion of an Associate’s Degree can be a stepping stone to earning a Bachelor’s Degree.
The AAMA administers an exam for graduates of accredited programs that results in certification, the CMA, by this professional organization. Achievement of certification provides an additional professional credential; some employers require certification.