Clinical Medical Assistant

Clinical Medical Assistant

Medical assistants perform routine clinical and administrative duties under the direct supervision of a physician or other health care professional.

Medical assistants perform many administrative duties, including answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patients' medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services, and handling billing and book keeping.

Duties vary according to laws of the jurisdiction and may include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations.

Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens or perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments.

They instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.

They also facilitate communication between the patient and other health care professionals.

Education Required Advanced training beyond High School in Medical Assisting

Experience Required 1 year clinic medical assistant experience

Licensure Registration and/or Certification Required Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)