Understanding the Different Types of Medical Assistant Roles and Responsibilities

Deciding what type of career you want to pursue can be a challenging decision. After all, not everybody knows exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. If you're looking for a career that will not only provide you with some stability in terms of job demand and growth, but also something that will be both financially and emotionally fulfilling, then becoming a medical assistant could be the ideal job. However, you'll want to do a little research about the position to make sure it's the right choice for you. With that in mind, the following is a brief guide on the various roles and responsibilities you can expect as a medical assistant.

The Clinical Duties of a Medical Assistant

It should come as no surprise that one of the primary functions of a medical assistant is to assist doctors and nurses with patient care. The following are some of the more common clinical duties that a medical assistant may be responsible for:

• Taking vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
• Preparing patients for exams and treatments.
• Administering injections, such as vaccines or allergy shots.
• Drawing blood for tests.
• Collecting specimens for lab testing.
• Performing EKGs and other diagnostic tests.
• Assisting with minor surgeries.
• Educating patients about health care and preventive measures.

The Administrative Duties of a Medical Assistant

In addition to clinical duties, medical assistants also perform administrative tasks. After all, many medical assistants work in doctors’ offices, so there’s plenty of administrative work that needs to be done. The following are some of the more common administrative duties that a medical assistant may perform:

• Scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
• Filing insurance claims and processing payments.
• Ordering lab tests and medical supplies.
• Answering phones, responding to emails, and managing other correspondence.
• Greeting patients and updating patient charts.
• Assist with billing and coding.

Where do Medical Assistants Work?

Because medical assistants have such a wide variety of duties that include both clinical and administrative tasks, they are extremely valuable in the healthcare industry. As such, medical assistants work in a number of different settings, including:

• Primary care offices
• Specialty practices (such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, etc.)
• Insurance companies
• Research facilities
• Hospitals and emergency rooms
• Urgent care centers
• Outpatient facilities
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Medical laboratories

Benefits of Becoming a Medical Assistant

Because medical assistants are so versatile in terms of their ability to perform different clinical and administrative tasks, there's an enormous demand for them throughout the healthcare industry that will never diminish. While job security is certainly a massive perk, there are many other benefits to becoming a medical assistant to consider as well, such as:

• A good clinical medical assistant program will take less than a year to complete.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement are plentiful.
• Competitive salaries and benefits packages are offered.
• Flexible working hours and schedules are common.
• The ability to work in a variety of different settings is exciting.
• The satisfaction of helping patients receive the care they need is fulfilling.
• A strong foundation for furthering your education and training in the medical field if you choose to go back to school.

Overall, becoming a medical assistant is a fantastic career choice for people who are passionate about working in the healthcare field. If you’re ready to make a difference and have a stable career, then becoming a medical assistant could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Become a Medical Assistant Today

These are just some of the roles and responsibilities that come along with being a medical assistant. If you’re looking for a career that is both professionally and personally rewarding, then becoming a medical assistant could be the perfect choice. With the right skills, qualifications, and attitude, you can become an invaluable member of any healthcare team in a very short time. To learn more about our clinical medical assistant program and how to enroll, contact us at Athena Career Academy today.