Saturday, August 11, 2012

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

By Charles Wheeler


You might be a young person deciding on which school to enroll, or an experienced individual wanting a a brand new career, considering the possibilities in the general career area of medical assistant could possibly be worth researching.

The medical assistant title is actually a broad title. Specific job titles under this general title can include Clinical Laboratory Worker, Licensed Practical Nurse, Surgical Technician, and Veterinary Assistant. There are a number of other distinct job titles, as well, but this gives the reader an understanding of the extent of professions that fall under this broad title.

Normally, assistants work under the instruction of a qualified medical professional. Men and women in this line of business function along with other health-related personnel and they can also manage medical secretaries and clerks. In general functions, the assistants help keep the medical offices running nicely by supporting the licensed medical doctors, and they run routine administrative and clinical work, and they can also perform more unique functions.

On the whole, around 62% of assistants are employed in doctor's offices. Approximately 12% work in hospitals, and an additional 11% work in other health-related workplaces. Some specialized functions that a medical assistant engage in include things like direct contact with patients, as well as other administrative duties.

An individual may very well perform such duties as getting a patient's pulse, reading blood pressure, and gauging height and weight of a patient. They may additionally do indirect patient tasks such as running an EKG unit or other sorts of laboratory equipment, and giving equipment to general practitioners. They could also draw blood and provide shots.

Some of the administrative tasks may include interviewing patients, scheduling laboratory procedures, and giving instruction to patients concerning medication or diet. They may also perform transcriptions, inventory medicine or medical supplies, and prepare exam rooms for patients.

The working conditions are often similar to most doctor offices. They are generally very clean and well lighted. They often work around dangerous or hazardous material, and must work in environments where contamination and communicable diseases are present.

Assistants frequently hold the very same working hours as doctors and health professionals, and sometimes work different shifts, and also need to be available for on-call and standby work. Travel is from time to time necessary such as delivering medication to an elderly patient or between medical facilities.

Demand is presently high for this career field and is likely to continue to be high throughout the next eight years. The average starting salary in 2008 for medical assistants was around $28,000. Medical assistants are able to find both full time and part time work.

Medical assistants must have a high school degree and commonly enroll in a 2-year program through a local community college. Medical assistants do not require licensing, however some specific job titles have licensed standards.

Choosing medical assistants for a career path can aid in finding employment after completing a reasonable amount of schooling, and a wide-range of specific opportunities.




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