what do you do in a medical assistant course

by Salma Raynor 6 min read

In this class you'll learn important skills like Medical Records handling, scheduling, checking patients in and arranging appointments with patients and specialists. Your instructor will likely teach the proper procedures for maintaining patient privacy and meeting HIPAA guidelines.

What skills do you need to be a medical assistant?

Clinical medical assistant: Primarily focused on patient care, clinical medical assistants assist physicians and RNs by executing key duties, including preparing patients for medical examinations, capturing and recording vital signs and drawing, preparing samples for testing and more. As part of a larger care team, clinical medical assistants interact directly with …

What major do you need to become a medical assistant?

Medical assistants play a hand in both. The clinical side of medical assisting translates most directly to recording vital signs when interacting with patients, compiling patients’ medical histories and administering medications under direction of a supervising physician.

What training do you need to become a medical assistant?

Nov 24, 2021 · Geriatric medical assistant duties include reviewing medical records and medications, assisting with exams, and serving as a liaison between patient and doctor. Neurology. Medical assistants specializing in neurology, working with doctors who treat conditions of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Medical assistants help with exams, …

What to expect in a medical assistant course?

Apr 02, 2013 · Some of the skills you are expected to use after completing a medical assistant program include: Patient preparation; EKG; Drug administration; Sample collection and analysis; CPR; Patient record management; Bookkeeping; Insurance processing; Learning the Skills to be a Medical Assistant. An associate degree in medical assistant may be accomplished in as few …

Does medical assistant do math?

Medical assistants need to be familiar with basic math calculations, terminology and rules. This includes concepts related to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Basic math concepts also include rules related to number squaring.Dec 28, 2018

What tasks are done in each step by a medical assistant?

  • Taking medical histories.
  • Explaining treatment procedures to patients.
  • Preparing patients for examinations.
  • Assisting the physician during examinations.
  • Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens.
  • Performing basic laboratory tests.
  • Instructing patients about medication and special diets.

How do I prepare to be a medical assistant?

5 Steps to becoming a medical assistant
  1. Earn a medical assisting diploma. ...
  2. Build medical assisting experience with internships. ...
  3. Get certified. ...
  4. Take stock of your skills. ...
  5. Apply and interview. ...
  6. Receive on-the-job training and settle in. ...
  7. Consider your long-term career path.
Sep 30, 2019

Can medical assistants draw blood?

The simple answer is no, medical assistants don't draw blood, not unless they've received additional training. A medical assistant certificate that only covers traditional medical assistant skills doesn't provide the training needed to draw blood.Feb 26, 2020

What can a medical assistant not do?

Medical assistants are not allowed to perform such invasive procedures as:
  • placing the needle or starting and disconnecting the infusion tube of an IV.
  • administering medications or injections into the IV line.
  • charting the pupillary responses.
  • inserting a urine catheter.
  • independently performing telephone triage.

How long does it take to become an MA?

Most medical assistant certification programs take about nine to twelve months to complete through a vocational school or community college. Some community colleges offer 2-year programs in which the end result is an associates degree.Nov 16, 2020

What education is required to be a medical assistant?

Why do you want to be a medical assistant?

You'll Feel Pride in Your Work

Becoming a Medical Assistant offers a strong sense of personal fulfillment. Like many positions in the healthcare industry, you'll work with patients from all ages and walks of life; that means you'll work up close and personal with the people who need your help the most.
Sep 5, 2019

Do I Need To Become Certified as a Medical Assistant?

Becoming certified as a medical assistant increases employment opportunities and attests to an individual's skills and knowledge in the field. Some...

What Is the Salary for a Medical Assistant?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants earned a median annual salary of $34,800 in 2019. The BLS projects a 19% empl...

How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Medical Assistant?

The length of time it takes to become a certified medical assistant varies by individual and credential. Requisite education and practical training...

What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants (MA) are trained medical professionals who work in hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics. They assist with patient care and assessment, perform treatments and administer medications. They also provide assistance to doctors and other health care professionals. Most MA go through a medical assisting training program offered by ...

What is physiology in medical school?

Physiology teaches them about how and why the body systems work. This course gives students the information needed to understand how, when and why some patient care, treatments and procedures are necessary. It also helps to explain how certain treatments, procedures and care affects patients. Sponsored Listings.

What is anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy and physiology is a course taken by medical assistant students that teaches them about the human body’s systems. Anatomy educates MA students about the parts and structures that make up the human body. Physiology teaches them about how and why the body systems work. This course gives students the information needed to understand how, ...

What is a phlebotomy course?

A phlebotomy course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform blood draws. A phlebotomy course educates students about the common blood vessels used to obtain blood samples. It explains how and why specific equipment is used when drawing blood.

What is medical assisting?

The medical assisting programs train potential MAs to excel in administrative and clinical duties. The heavy coursework of the program covers various subjects such as medical terminology, physiology, medical laws, and ethics, to educate these professionals about their respective professions.

How long does it take to get a medical assistant degree?

An associate’s degree requires almost a 2-year-long training period to complete the course, whereas diploma and certificate degrees can be completed in less than a year.

What is medical office administrative?

The medical office administrative course educates medical assistants about their administrative duties towards the medical office. The course covers areas such as scheduling appointments, answering emails and calls, billing procedures, managing patient records, etc. It also introduces Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems to the professionals.

Why do MAs need to be certified in emergency medical procedures?

Emergency medical procedures are instructed to MAs so that they could assist physicians and health practitioners during medical emergencies. Emergency medical procedures are used to minimize risk to a person’s life. Methods such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), electrocardiography, and other first-aid procedures are taught to MAs during the completion of this course. Some colleges may require students to obtain AHA BLS certification that prepares them to perform CPR and other emergency cardiovascular care procedures.

What is medical terminology?

A medical terminology is a form of language used in the healthcare field. The language refers to the human body and its conditions, procedures, treatments, diagnosis, etc. MAs are required to learn medical terminology as they communicate with physicians and patients regarding health-related factors. A prime aspect of their job includes recording patient information, taking vitals that will require them to have proper knowledge about the subject. Medical terminology is required to perform medical coding proficiently.

What is anatomy and physiology?

Anatomy and physiology of a human body is a study of the structures and functions of different organs and body parts. By acquiring knowledge about the subject, medical assistants get to understand human biology thoroughly. This course also helps MAs to understand the causes of diseases and the requirements of certain procedures.

What is the difference between a medical assistant degree and an associates degree?

Medical assistant courses are usually the same in all three degrees, but a medical assisting associate degree has a more specialized and in-depth curriculum. The medical assisting curriculum covers a wide range of administrative and clinical courses to prepare MAs for varied job duties. MA courses such as medical terminology, anatomy, phlebotomy, medical billing and coding, etc. are included in the curriculum of the training program. Upon the completion of these courses, MAs will get skilled in performing administrative and clinical tasks such as drawing blood, taking vitals, and maintaining patient data.

What is a medical assistant?

Put simply, a medical assistant is the healthcare professional that keeps busy hospitals and clinics running smoothly. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what that entails and how it may vary depending on the setting—so let’s get right into it.

How long does it take to become a medical assistant?

In fact, a Medical Assisting Diploma can be completed in as few as 12 months. 3 For a few more details on what it takes to get started in this vital healthcare career, check out our article, “ How to Become a Medical Assistant: 5 Steps You Can't Ignore .”

What is the balance between administrative and clinical work?

The balance between administrative and clinical work is still very evident. Medical assistants in a hospital handle callers and drop-ins, schedule procedures, coordinate billing, help with paperwork and more. The clinical side of the job can be both patient-based and laboratory-based.

What is the clinical side of medical assistant?

The clinical side of the job can be both patient-based and laboratory-based. While direct patient needs, such as administering medication or immunizations, are an important part of the job, medical assistants in hospitals may also spend time in the lab examining blood, urine and stool samples.

Do medical assistants work on weekends?

The work setting and schedule for medical assistants is highly dependent on their employer. Those who work in a hospital or long-term care facility can expect to work certain weekends and holidays. Those who work in a clinic will probably work during standard business hours.

Where do medical assistants work?

Medical assistants work in healthcare facilities, inpatient and outpatient clinics, private practices, and other health-related settings. Between the large population of older adults in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued strain on the American healthcare system, the demand for medical assistants continues to grow.

What is a medical assistant certificate?

A medical assistant certificate provides the educational foundation needed for a career as a medical assistant. Students earn certificates through academic institutions by completing coursework in science, communication, and medical information. Medical assistant certificate programs also incorporate practical training.

How often do medical assistants renew their credentials?

Certified medical assistants must renew their credentials every 60 months by examination or through a minimum of 60 continuing education credit hours.

What is a national certified medical assistant?

The National Center for Competency Testing offers a national certified medical assistant credential for individuals who take part in clinical and administrative duties in healthcare settings.

What is an orthopedic medical assistant?

Orthopedic medical assistants offer support for patients experiencing diseases and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. They keep patients comfortable, help with exams, administer medicines, and schedule surgeries.

What is the role of a cardiology medical assistant?

Cardiology medical assistants monitor patients, administer tests, and prepare patients for cardiovascular procedures.

What is CCMA certification?

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. The certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) credential, awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), requires applicants to complete a medical assistant training program or have at least one year of supervised experience working in the field.

What is medical assistant training?

Medical assistant training gives you the skills you need to be an essential part of a medical practice, combining clinical skills with administrative abilities. The combination of courses that make up medical assistant training provide the skills graduates need to be an asset in healthcare settings.

How long does it take to get an associates degree in medical assistant?

An associate degree in medical assistant may be accomplished in as few as 21 months, depending on each individual student. At Ultimate Medical Academy, courses cover a range of topics from Principles of Allied Health to Pharmacology. Students learn in both academic and clinical settings, with a hands-on externship at the end of the program. This combination of classroom time and experience in an actual work environment helps graduates develop a firm grasp of the skills needed. Students complete 60.5 academic credits as part of the program, including:

How to contact Ultimate Medical Academy?

By clicking the Request Info button, you agree to be contacted by phone or text message via automated systems by Ultimate Medical Academy about your education at the phone numbers you provided above, including any wireless number (s). You are not obligated to agree to automated contact to enroll; instead, you may call us at 844-590-4692. Note that even non-automated calls are recorded for quality assurance.

What are the duties of a medical assistant with an associates degree?

The clinical responsibilities for those jobs for a medical assistant with associates degree include –. Prepping patients before their exam with the doctor or medical procedure. Taking medical histories for nurses and doctors to use during the examination.

What is a medical assistant?

Chiropractic – where a medical assistant assists in both a back office and front office function role assisting patients by readying them for their chiropractic adjustments. Ophthalmologic – where a medical assistant assists medical personnel with eye treatments, diagnostic appointments, and minor surgery.

What is a CMA?

The Certified Medical Assistant Credential (CMA) The CMA certification as a medical assistant is offered by the AAMA – the American Association of Medical Assistants. Many employers prefer to hire someone with medical assistant online certification because of the potential risks inherent in the medical profession.

What is the accreditation for medical assistants?

Complete a medical assistant certification program that is accredited by the ABHES – Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the CAAHEP – the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

What is the AAMA certification?

The AAMA – the American Association of Medical Assistants awards a Certified Medical Assistant certification. This is available after a student has completed an accredited medical assistant associate degree program.

How much does a medical assistant make an hour?

According to the BLS – the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median medical assistant certification salary, for 2018, was$34,800.This translates to an hourly salary for a medical assistant certification professional to $16.73.

What is a medical assistant certification?

A certification for a medical assistant who is a phlebotomist. A certification for a medical assistant who uses x-ray equipment. It is also a great idea to obtain certification as a medical assistant by enrolling in an online medical assistant certification program.

Why is medical assistant training important?

Medical assistant education and training together is considered important for a variety of reasons: The healthcare field changes rapidly, offering new and innovative techniques and treatments, and medical assistants must be right on top of what is best for their patients and for the employer as well.

What are the components of medical assistant training?

Components of Medical Assistant Training. Medical assistants quickly learn that training is important. Their abilities, skills and knowledge are routinely tested on the job. These are some of the key points that will be honed through ongoing medical assistant training.

What tools do you need to be a doctor?

These might include hypodermic needles, blood pressure cuffs, nebulizers, otoscope sets and more. Technologies used also require hands-on training; these might include accounting and medical billing software, scheduling software, electronic medical records and the like.

How much will the medical assistant industry grow in 2024?

The field of medical assisting is growing rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth of 23 percent for medical assistants from 2014 to 2024, which outpaces other healthcare support positions by 4 percent.

What is the job zone of a medical assistant?

According to O*Net Online, medical assistants fall into Job Zone 3 , which means that medium preparation is needed. This means that employees might need one or two years of training to begin work and will also receive on-the-job training. #4.

How long does a medical assistant certificate last?

A certificate or diploma program lasts anywhere from a few months to a year, and provides students with a basic understanding of medical assisting. This often includes some educational courses as well as hands-on training that will prepare students to handle what will be expected of them throughout the course of their career.

Does a medical assistant need formal training?

Does not always include formal education. Includes training. Most employers require formal training. Most states and some employers do not require formal education. Focused on learning the hands-on skills enabling the medical assistant to do the job effectively. Focused on learning the theory behind the job.

Where do medical assistants work?

Build and maintain relationships with patients. Medical assistants may work in a variety of healthcare locations such as physicians' offices, hospitals, and outpatient care center. At all of these locations, medical assistants are expected to serve as the friendly face of the organization and do well to build and maintain positive relationships with the patients that come in.

What is the role of a medical assistant?

They are the grease that enables doctors and registered nurses to operate smoothly while also providing that friendly face so many healthcare facilities are desperately in need of. In addition, medical assistants have the option to take on more specialized education and training in order to also complete the following tasks and become an even more essential part of a medical facility:

image

Anatomy and Physiology

  • Anatomy and physiology is a course taken by medical assistant students that teaches them about the human body’s systems. Anatomy educates MA students about the parts and structures that make up the human body. Physiology teaches them about how and why the body systems work. This course gives students the information needed to understand how, when a...
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Medical Terminology

  • A medical terminology course teaches students medical termsused when communicating about patients, treatments, medications, procedures and medical conditions. The definitions and correct spellings of words used in health care are taught to medical assistant students during this course. Correct spelling is important in health care because some terms that differ in spelling by only a f…
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Pharmacology

  • Pharmacology covers information pertaining to medications. Students enrolled in a MA training program are taught how medications and other drugs affect the body. Common uses for medications, drug interactions and side effects are taught during this course. MA students learn how to calculate medication dosages using equations or formulas. They are also taught various …
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Phlebotomy

  • A phlebotomy course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform blood draws. A phlebotomy course educates students about the common blood vessels used to obtain blood samples. It explains how and why specific equipment is used when drawing blood. The proper techniques for preventing sample contamination are shown to students to help ensure th…
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Basic Surgical Assisting

  • A basic surgical assisting course educates MA students about equipment used during surgery and other procedures or treatments. Students learn the proper names for medical equipment, as well as how to use the equipment. They are shown how to assist physicians during procedures and treatments. The proper way to sanitize and store equipment is also taught in this class.
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Patient Care

  • Classes that pertain to patient care are also included within a medical assistant training program. Techniques for performing direct patient care are taught to students. This allows them to be prepared to work in the field. During this course, MA students are shown how to perform patient assessments, obtain vital signs and gather a patient’s medical history. Common techniques for …
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Clinical Courses

  • A clinical course refers to clinical time, which gives students the opportunity to work with real patients and doctors in real health care settings. Clinical time allows students to perform assessments, provide treatments and administer medication under the supervision of trained medical professionals. It lets them practice their techniques and allows them to experience wha…
See more on theemedicalassistants.com

Office Administration

  • An office administration course teaches students the clerical skills necessary to work as a medical assistant. It teaches MA students how to successfully manage a doctor’s office. Through this course they learn various computer software used in health care.MA students are shown how to manage a patient and office schedule. They are taught the importance of patient confidentiali…
See more on theemedicalassistants.com