What will I do in this job?

If you pursue a career as a Medical Assistant, you will perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and optometrists running smoothly. In small practices, Medical Assistants are usually “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. In large practices they tend to specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators.

Medical Assistants have many duties including:

• updating and file patient medical records
• filling out insurance forms
• arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services
• handling billing and bookkeeping
• taking medical histories
• assisting the physician during the examination
• collecting and prepare laboratory specimens
• performing basic laboratory tests on the premises
• instructing patients about medications and special diets
• authorizing drug refills as directed telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy
• drawing blood
• preparing patients for x-rays
• taking EKGs, remove sutures
• removing dressings

Assistants who specialize have additional duties. Podiatric Medical Assistants make castings of feet, expose and develop x-rays, and assist podiatrists in surgery. Ophthalmic Medical Assistants help ophthalmologist provide medical eye care by administering diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test the functioning of eyes and eye muscles.

Do I need a special license?

No, although some States require a test to take x-rays, etc.

What type of education do I need?

Most employers prefer graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges. Postsecondary programs usually last either 1 year, resulting in a certificate or diploma, or 2 years, resulting in an associate degree. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, as well as typing, transcription, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing.

Will I find a job?

Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012 as the health services industry expands because of technological advances in medicine, and a growing and aging population.

How much money will I make?

Median Salary: $21,114 (Ranges from $17,500- $34,000)
(2003-2004)