What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical Assistants are an integral part of the healthcare system. They work in a variety of settings and perform many different tasks to help the medical staff provide efficient and quality care to patients. Medical Assistants are the front line of care in ensuring that all patient healthcare needs are met.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
Medical Assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks in a variety of healthcare settings. Clinical tasks may include assisting with patient examinations, providing basic patient care, collecting specimens, taking vital signs, preparing and administering treatments and medications, and performing diagnostic tests. Administrative tasks may involve scheduling appointments, managing patient records, filing insurance claims, processing payments from patients, and more. In general, Medical Assistants act as the primary liaison between the physician and the patient.

Becoming a Medical Assistant
Individuals interested in becoming a Medical Assistant must complete an accredited medical assistant program. This typically takes 1-2 years and provides the student with all of the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job effectively. Upon completion of the program, the student will then need to pass a certification exam, such as the Certified Medical Assistant exam, in order to be certified.

Certified Medical Assistants have a promising future in the medical field. They are in high demand and are well-respected members of the healthcare team. With their great combination of clinical and administrative skills, Medical Assistants have the opportunity to have a long and successful career.