Monday, December 11, 2006

Medical Assistant Jobs

Medical Assistant Jobs
Medical Assistant Jobs and Medical Assistant Job Postings:
Medical assistant jobs:
Medical Assistant
Medical Office Fairfax, VA
Solo internal medicine practice near Fairfax hospital in Northern, VA seeking a medical assistant with excellent phlebotomy skills and good people skills. Please email resume with contact telephone number to masearch@yahoo.com...
Medical Assistant
Kim Tran, MD PA Austin, TX
Full-time, Experienced Medical Assistant needed for Family Practice office in Northwest Austin...
medical assistant,phlebotomy technician
Watson Clinic Lakeland, FL
medical asssitant , phlebotomy assistant position...
1 - 10 of 13,556 results from across the web
Medical Assistant
Medical Office Fairfax, VA
Solo internal medicine practice near Fairfax hospital in Northern, VA seeking a medical assistant with excellent phlebotomy skills and good people skills. Please email resume with contact telephone number to masearch@yahoo.com...
Posted 12 days ago on Jobster
Medical Assistant
Kim Tran, MD PA Austin, TX
Full-time, Experienced Medical Assistant needed for Family Practice office in Northwest Austin...
Posted 24 days ago on Jobster
medical assistant,phlebotomy technician
Watson Clinic Lakeland, FL
medical asssitant , phlebotomy assistant position...
Posted 10 days ago on Jobster
Medical Assistant
Diagnostic Center of Medicine Las Vegas, NV
Medical Assistant...
Arrived 12 days ago from CareerBuilder
Medical Assistant
Doctors' Corner Personnel Services Valley Village, CA
Medical Assistant of the physician...
Arrived 2 days ago from CareerBuilder
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
ATC Healthcare Columbus, OH
Medical Assistant of the office manager or physician...
Arrived 19 days ago from CareerBuilder
Medical Assistant / LPN
Greeley Medical Clinic Greeley, CO
Medical Assistant or LPN. screens.)...
Arrived 11 days ago from CareerBuilder
Medical Assistant
The Tuttle Agency Abington, PA
At least 1 year of current experience as a Medical Assistant...
Arrived 2 days ago from CareerBuilder
Medical Assistant
The Tuttle Agency Jamison, PA
At least 1 year of current experience as a Medical Assistant...
Arrived 2 days ago from CareerBuilder
Additional Medical Assistant job info at: CarrerrBuilder

Monday, November 27, 2006

nursing opportunities: medical assistant jobs

Nursing Jobs: Medical Assistant
http://nursesopportunities.blogspot.com/2008/07/home-study-opportunity-medical.html
Home Study Opportunity: Medical Assistant Program
The rise of the needs for medical related jobs today is getting high. Most of the highly urbanized countries now are hiring additional medical related professionals for their Hospitals and Medical Institutions. The United States Department of Labor has just projected that the Medical Assistant Employment in the country will drastically soar high for the coming years.
Thus, a number of educational institutions now are responding to this need. The St. Augustine Educational Services, for one, is a medical assistant school that offers an online course for busy yet very interested applicants/students. Their medical assistant training program has been thoroughly reviewed by medical professionals to keep up with the prevailing standards. The home study program can be completed for about 6 to 8 weeks only. It’s a very convenient learning system because one can study at home and even only after working hours. Thus, lessening the actual over-all cost of education yet still implementing the same competitive standards. Additional information at: http://nursesopportunities.blogspot.com/2008/07/home-study-opportunity-medical.html

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Nursing Assistant

We now provide online nursing assistant classes designed by the experts in the industry, like physicians, nurses, medical assistants and other healthcare professionals. Our comprehensive web-based Nursing Assistant program delivers unparalleled convenience and flexibility to our students. Our online nursing assistant programs are an excellent way for today's busy students to earn their Nursing Assistant certificate and our certificate can help them as credentials in any walks of the healthcare profession. Our web-based nursing assistant courses and programs allow you to earn your Nursing Assistant Certificate, while managing work and family responsibilities the same time.

If your would like details about our Medical Assistant program then please visit www.medassistant.org

Friday, November 17, 2006

medical assistant schools

Medical Assistant Schools: The role of a Medical Assistant has grown increasingly important in today's healthcare field. Medical Assistants chart each patient's medical history. Additionally, they take height, weight, pulse respiration, temperature, prepare and administer injections, apply bandages and dressings and record electrocardiograms. A Medical Assistant will also be exposed to the opportunity to perform many of the administrative skills so valuable in any busy office. Responsibilities may include patient record maintenance, patient scheduling, insurance form processing and basic bookkeeping. A Medical Assistant's knowledge of office software skills and terminology help make the role a necessity in any medical office. Medical Assistant Careers: medical assistnat graduates may be qualified for many positions in the medical field, finding employment in medical offices, health clinics, hospitals, labs, pharmaceutical companies, medical supply houses or insurance companies.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is a private school incorporated in the British Virgin Islands specializing in distance education training programs for medical assistants [1] and related health care professionals. [2] The school was officially chartered in 2001 to offer correspondence training classes for medical assistants and students interested in allied health careers. St. Augustine Educational Services is accredited by The National Accreditation and Certification Board [3]Medical Assistant distance education is emerging to meet the demands of a new generation of Medical Assistant students in the twenty first century. St. Augustine Medical Assistant School distance education program for medical assistant presents a good model for this integration of technology with medical assistant education. Distance education, particularly in its most recent form, online education, is being integrated into even the most cautious and conservative of educational institutions. Yet the impact of these alternative forms of teaching and learning on students, faculty, and institutions has yet to be broadly or deeply studied. New models such as that at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School are immerging. [4]
Upon completion of the program offered students are awarded a non-credit medical assistant career certificate. Most medical assistants after completing this program pursue careers in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics and other heath care settings. Many students often choice to continue their education and attain college level degrees and additional medical assistant certification. [edit] Online Medical Assistant Classes
Medical Terminology, Human Body Planes, Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Office Professionalism, Patient Communication, Medical Records, Basic Medical Law, Scheduling Appointments, Medical Billing and Insurance Claims, Infection Control, Surgical Instruments, Emergency Care, Clinical Equipment, Patient History and Physicals, EKG and Lab Testing, Specimen Collection and Lab Safety, Introduction to Patient Medications
Online Medical Assistant Labs
Virtual Phlebotomy Lab (Collecting a Blood Sample), Virtual Injection Lab , Medication injections, Measuring A Pulse, Introduction to CPR and Basic Ultrasound. Medical Assistant School website at: www.medassistant.org

Emplyment Opportunities for Medical Assistants

Medical Assistant Employment Opportunities: According to the United States Department of Labor, "job prospects are excellent for Medical Assistants. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, ranking medical assistants among the fastest growing occupations over the 2006-16 decade. Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for those with formal training. Most Medical Assistants work in doctors offices, hospitals, clinics or other health care settings. A Medical Assistant assists with administrative tasks and minor procedures to keep the doctor's offices and health care facilities running smoothly. Helping to drive job growth is the increasing number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly medical assistants who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. In addition, medical assistants work primarily in outpatient settings, a rapidly growing sector of the health care industry. Job seekers who want to work as a medical assistant should find excellent job prospects. Medical assistants are projected to account for a very large number of new jobs, and many other opportunities will come from the need to replace workers leaving the occupation. Those with formal training or experience should have the best job opportunities."

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

career opportunities- medical assistants

Career Opportunities for medical assistants:
Medical asssistant can often seek entry level employment in a variety of settings including:
hospital, clinic
doctor’s office
nursing home
medical supply business,
home healthcare agency
insurance company
dialysis centers
laboratories

Clinical Medical Assistant

Clinical duties performed by medical assistants may include:
Taking medical histories and recording vital signs
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during the examination
Sterilizing medical instruments
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Instructing patients about medications and special diets
Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
Authorizing drug refills as directed
Phlebotomy
Administering EKG's
Removing sutures
Changing dressings

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Healthcare:: Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants: Career, Salary and Education Information
Career Profile: What do Medical Assistants do? Trusted to keep medical documents safe, medical assistants are an indispensable force in physicians' offices. In smaller offices, medical assistants do it all, taking on both administrative and clinical responsibilities. Medical assistants can specialize in ophthalmic, optometric, or podiatric capabilities, to name a few, or they can stick to general practice in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Strong organizational skills are essential for the job. Medical assistants must often work in a customer service capacity, handling correspondence and scheduling appointments. Because they often serve as a link between patients and medical personnel, assistants must have strong communication skills.
A Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant. The daily tasks of a medical assistant depend highly on their job description and location. Administrative tasks might include filing patient records, arranging for hospital admissions or laboratory services, or filling out insurance forms. The clinical duties of a medical assistant could include recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures, changing dressings, and preparing patients for x-rays and other procedures.
Regardless of their individual duties, most medical assistants work 40 hour work weeks in well-lighted, clean environments. Depending on the office hours and clinical scope, some may work part-time, evenings, or weekends.
Training and Education for Medical Assistants. Many medical assistants now complete formal online training programs, culminating in a certificate or associate's degree. Formal training is generally preferred but not always required, and all medical assistants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Volunteer experience in the health care field provides informal training that may prove valuable in the hiring process.
Typical coursework for medical assistants includes training in lab techniques, clinical procedures, medical terminology, and medical office procedures. Students must have a facility with medical terminology along with interpersonal skills in dealing with patients.

Medical Assistant Employment & OutlookAbout 417,000 medical assistants were employed nationwide in 2006, with most working in physicians' offices. Career opportunities for medical assistants are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. About 148,000 additional jobs are expected to be added to the field, thanks to an expanding health care industry, technological advances in medicine, and an aging population. Medical assistants who can handle both administrative and clinical duties are expected to have the best job prospects.
Advancement in the field typically requires more training and certification. Many medical assistants choose to become nurses or other health care workers through further study. Administrative positions provide another popular career path because an administrative medical assistant can rise to the position of office manager without additional education.
Typical Salary for Medical AssistantsMedical assistants earned mean annual wages of $28,270 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. State government facilities were the highest paying employer, with medical assistants earning annual mean wages of $36,430.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Is medical assisting for you?

Is Medical Assisting For You?
Are you looking for a meaningful job?
Do you like helping others?
Do you have an interest in health and medicine?
Are you a "people person"?
Are you good at multitasking - switching tasks throughout the workday?
Do you like variety in your job?
Would you like to enter a career in an expanding field?
If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions, then medical assisting might be the right career choice for you.
Medical assistants enjoy an exciting, challenging career that is essential to patient care in medical offices and clinics.
Medical assistants are in demand! Medical assisting is one of the nation's fastest growing careers through 2012, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be attributed to a predicted surge in the number of physicians' offices and outpatient care facilities. Technological advancements and the growing number of elderly Americans who need medical treatment are also factors for the increased demand for medical assistants.
So... what do medical assistants actually do?Medical assistants have a great amount of variety in their jobs and are cross-trained to perform many administrative and clinical duties. Of course, duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
Administrative duties may include...
Using computer applications
Answering telephones
Greeting patients
Updating and filing patient medical records
Coding and filling out insurance forms
Scheduling appointments
Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping
Clinical duties vary by state and include...
Taking medical histories
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during the exam
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Performing basic laboratory tests
Instructing patients about medication and special diets
Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
Authorizing prescription refills as directed
Drawing blood
Taking electrocardiograms
Removing sutures and changing dressings
Medical assistants are caringMedical assistants give health care a human touch, helping patients to feel at ease in the doctor's office and to understand physicians' instructions. If you have good communications skills and are often appreciated for your caring manner, then you might be well suited for a career in medical assisting.

Friday, October 06, 2006

medical assistant duties

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually do many different kinds of tasks, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.
Medical assistants who perform administrative tasks have many duties. They update and file patients’ medical records, fill out insurance forms, and arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services. They also perform tasks less specific to medical settings, such as answering telephones, greeting patients, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing and bookkeeping.
For clinical medical assistants, duties vary according to what is allowed by State law. Some common tasks include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians during examinations. Medical assistants collect and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory tests on the premises, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical instruments. They might instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.
Medical assistants also may arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.
Ophthalmic medical assistants, optometric assistants, and podiatric medical assistants are examples of specialized assistants who have additional duties. Ophthalmic medical assistants help ophthalmologists provide eye care. They conduct diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They also show patients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses, and they apply eye dressings. Under the direction of the physician, ophthalmic medical assistants may administer eye medications. They also maintain optical and surgical instruments and may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery. Optometric assistants also help provide eye care, working with optometrists. They provide chair-side assistance, instruct patients about contact lens use and care, conduct preliminary tests on patients, and otherwise provide assistance while working directly with an optometrist. Podiatric medical assistants make castings of feet, expose and develop x rays, and assist podiatrists in surgery.
Work environment. Medical assistants work in well-lighted, clean environments. They constantly interact with other people and may have to handle several responsibilities at once. Most full-time medical assistants work a regular 40-hour week. However, many medical assistants work part time, evenings, or weekends.

Friday, September 15, 2006

medical assistant student blog

9.15.2008
by Bonz.
medical assistant schools...
being a medical graduate these days gives you more opportunities to work abroad, you'll just need to have a proper training from those certified medical training schools.that's why distance education are now available online and the most preferred way in training those who wants to take
medical assistant training courses.there are a lot of medical assistant schools i found online, but st. augustine school of medical assistant kinda give me a buzz...i think i saw one st. augustine school here in manila, phils.anyway, they offer best medical assistance certificate program designed by medical professionals, they are accredited and affordable for medical assistant training, they'll be training you and answer all your queries or problems through online support and you'll just be training at your own time for just 6-8 weeks!they offer different medical programs too... they're giving dental assistance program, nursing assistance program and pharmacy technician program.for more inquiries just visit st. augustine school of medical assistants at medassistant.org.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

medical assistant certification (CMA) AAMA

Discover the CMA (AAMA) Advantage
When you become a medical assistant, you will work in a challenging, changing, rewarding profession.
So, why go to the trouble of becoming certified?
Certification means a professional edge. It means greater prestige among peers and employers.
It means better job security and greater career advancement opportunities.
Managed care compels doctors to seek professionals, so many employers of allied health personnel insist that their medical assistants be Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) who have achieved certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Why?
To earn the CMA (AAMA) credential you must enroll in a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). You will attain academic and clinical training in a variety of areas, including?
Human anatomy, physiology and pathology
Medical terminology
Keyboarding and computer applications
Recordkeeping and accounting
Coding and insurance processing
Laboratory techniques
Clinical and diagnostic procedures
Pharmacology
Medication administration
First aid
Office practices
Patient relations
Medical law and ethics
Once you graduate from the program you must successfully complete the rigorous CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination.
Achieving the credential demonstrates two important things to your employer: First, you possess exceptionally broad, thorough knowledge of the field in which you're working. Second, you care enough about your profession to attain that knowledge.
You must renew the credential every five years. This means keeping abreast of new developments in the health care delivery field. You'll participate in continuing education workshops, read authoritative texts, and network with other medical assistants. Health care delivery is changing every day. As a CMA (AAMA), you will be changing with it.
Better job opportunities and pay
As one of the fastest growing allied health care careers, medical assisting offers terrific opportunities for advancement. Medical assistants with certification can advance to office manager, clinical supervisor or qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations. Some medical assistants choose to teach medical assisting. Others choose to obtain a bachelor's degree in human services, health promotion or health services management, to name a few.
Medical assistants with certification are paid competitive wages and can receive valuable benefits. More importantly, they have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping others and making a positive difference in people's lives.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Get stuck or be practical

get stuck or be practical
By Adi
Are you looking for a job yet your credentials doesn’t match with the qualifications of the positions that companies that are currently looking for? Well, you’re not alone, because there are millions of people out there who are experiencing the same thing. If you are currently employed, are you one of those who are tired of their current jobs and feel that they are not growing and earning enough in their current careers? If that is so, why don’t you consider becoming a
medical assistant? A lot of people have made their quick turns towards a medical assistant career and went abroad to land on a better paying job. Perhaps just like me, you’ve also noticed the growing numbers of medical assistant schools in your local area, or whatever country you are in right now. The reason behind that is pretty obvious, it’s the hot item in the labor industry right now. The need for medical assistants in the whole world is becoming higher and higher. So with the increasing demand, there is more room for employment. So why get stuck or be jobless? Why not get a proper education that would be a stepping stone towards a better career and life? Many kids don’t realize this situation right now, they just take their courses because it’s what they want, without thinking if they would land on a job right after graduating. I think it’s still better to be practical, after all, when you have enough money, you can take whatever course you want afterwards.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

medical assistant training programs online for medical assistants

Choosing a right career is a huge task and you must think a thousand times before deciding because your future will depend on it.Once you look for a job,employers are looking for someone who have lots of experience already with the chosen field.There are lots of school who offers training but sometimes you find a hard time on your schedules due to some personal activities.Getting a medical course is such a very big responsibility.You must be able to complete all necessary subjects before you get successful and get a very good job.With medical assistant training,They will help you become a very well trained medical assistant in just few weeks.It is very convenient because you can study at any time you are available and the best thing is you can do this all in your home.They also have support team experts like consulting educators,physicians,nurses and other health care provides who are always available to assist you with all your needs.It is easy as one-two-three,Register,complete online classes and take the exam.Once you pass the exam,A Medical assistant certificate and transcript will be mail in your home…As a medical assistant,you are a professional that performs clinical tasks to keep other co-workers run smoothly. It is accredited,affordable and accessible certificate program for Medical Assistants.They are offering formal training online with nationally accredited and certified medical assistant program.You can take as long as needed.there is no deadlines or time limits to help you become a professional one.Studying with them will help you find the best job that will help you grow professionally.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Medical Assistant School

Medical Assistant
Online medical assistant school review:
Because of high demand for the job, it is very promising to attend on medical career. Many institutes can be found around the internet, and St. Augustine is one of the Medical Assistant School available there. They provide us with a authentic Medical Assistant Certificate Program.They offer an easy way to learn and school, using an Online Medical Assistant training. By attend online classes, take up some medical assistant exam and you will earn the certificate in less than 8 weeks! You wouldn’t find it from another program ever. Hospital or treatment center are desperately finding a medical assistant whose qualified enough to take care the patients. This doesn't mean that newbie and fresh graduate wouldn't have a chance, but for treating a different type of patients one should has a appropriate training to overcome every possible worst case scenario. Mental and intelligence are required for this job, but the power of will and a call for helping other also the most important factor.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Medical Assistant: Online Medical Assistant Classes

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School offers online training classes for studnets entering the medical assistant profession. Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who perform a wide range of roles in physicians offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They are proficient in a multitude of administrative and clinical tasks. Medical assistants are widely employed by doctors as vital members of the healthcare delivery team.
Our Medical Assisting program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, medical insurance and coding, pharmacology, and medical office procedures.

Medical Assistant: Online Medical Assistant Classes

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School offers online training classes for studnets entering the medical assistant profession. Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who perform a wide range of roles in physicians offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They are proficient in a multitude of administrative and clinical tasks. Medical assistants are widely employed by doctors as vital members of the healthcare delivery team.
Our Medical Assisting program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, medical insurance and coding, pharmacology, and medical office procedures.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Medical Assistant FAQa

FAQs on Medical Assisting
For your convenience, here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the medical assisting profession.
Q. What responsibilities can be included in a medical assistant's job description?
A. Duties vary from office to office depending on location, size and specialty.
Administrative duties may include...
Using computer applications
Answering telephones
Greeting patients
Updating and filing patient medical records
Coding and filling out insurance forms
Scheduling appointments
Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
Handling correspondence, billing and bookkeeping Clinical duties vary by state, but may include...
Taking medical histories
Explaining treatment procedures to patients
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during the exam
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Performing basic laboratory tests
Instructing patients about medication and special diets
Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
Authorizing prescription refills as directed
Drawing blood
Taking electrocardiograms
Removing sutures and changing dressings

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

The Medical Assistant

Nature of Medical Assistants Job:

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants usually are generalists, handling both administrative and clinical duties and reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. Those in large practices tend to specialize in a particular area, under the supervision of department administrators.

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 bookkeeping.

Clinical duties of a medical assistant vary according to State law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination.

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 by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for x rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings.

Medical assistants also may arrange examining room instruments and equipment, purchase and maintain supplies and equipment, and keep waiting and examining rooms neat and clean.

Medical Assistant distance education programs are now helping to train medical assistants for successful and very rewarding careers in the healthcare profession.

Medical Assistant Blogs

Medical Assistant Blogs:
Additional Blog information about medical assistant careers and training is also available at: http://medicalassistantblog.blogspot.com

Click here to return to St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Online.

Medical Assistant

Top: Health: Professions: Medical Assistant

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Medical Assistant Emploment

The health care industry consists of the following nine segments:
Hospitals. Hospitals provide complete medical care, ranging from diagnostic services, to surgery, to continuous nursing care. Some hospitals specialize in treatment of the mentally ill, cancer patients, or children. Hospital-based care may be on an inpatient (overnight) or outpatient basis. The mix of workers needed varies, depending on the size, geographic location, goals, philosophy, funding, organization, and management style of the institution. As hospitals work to improve efficiency, care continues to shift from an inpatient to outpatient basis whenever possible. Many hospitals have expanded into long-term and home health care services, providing a wide range of care for the communities they serve.
Nursing and residential care facilities. Nursing care facilities provide inpatient nursing, rehabilitation, and health-related personal care to those who need continuous nursing care, but do not require hospital services. Nursing aides provide the vast majority of direct care. Other facilities, such as convalescent homes, help patients who need less assistance. Residential care facilities provide around-the-clock social and personal care to children, the elderly, and others who have limited ability to care for themselves. Workers care for residents of assisted-living facilities, alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers, group homes, and halfway houses. Nursing and medical care, however, are not the main functions of establishments
Offices of physicians. About 37 percent of all health care establishments fall into this industry segment. Physicians and surgeons practice privately or in groups of practitioners who have the same or different specialties. Many Physicians and surgeons prefer to join group practices because they afford backup coverage, reduce overhead expenses, and facilitate consultation with peers. Physicians and surgeons are increasingly working as salaried employees of group medical practices, clinics, or integrated health systems. Most medical assistants work in doctors offices.
Offices of dentists. About 1 out of every 5 health care establishments is a dentist’s office. Most employ only a few workers, who provide general or specialized dental care, including dental surgery.
Home health care services. Skilled nursing or medical care is sometimes provided in the home, under a physician’s supervision. Home health care services are provided mainly to the elderly. The development of in-home medical technologies, substantial cost savings, and patients’ preference for care in the home have helped change this once-small segment of the industry into one of the fastest growing parts of the economy.
Offices of other health practitioners. This segment of the industry includes the offices of chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other health practitioners. Demand for the services of this segment is related to the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health insurance. Hospitals and nursing facilities may contract out for these services. This segment also includes the offices of practitioners of alternative medicine, such as acupuncturists, homeopaths, hypnotherapists, and naturopaths.
Outpatient care centers. The diverse establishments in this group include kidney dialysis centers, outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, health maintenance organization medical centers, and freestanding ambulatory surgical and emergency centers.
Other ambulatory health care services. This relatively small industry segment includes ambulance and helicopter transport services, blood and organ banks, and other ambulatory health care services, such as pacemaker monitoring services and smoking cessation programs.
Medical and diagnostic laboratories. Medical and diagnostic laboratories provide analytic or diagnostic services to the medical profession or directly to patients following a physician’s prescription. Workers may analyze blood, take x rays and computerized tomography scans, or perform other clinical tests. Medical and diagnostic laboratories provide the fewest number of jobs in the health care industry.
In the rapidly changing health care industry, technological advances have made many new procedures and methods of diagnosis and treatment possible. Clinical developments, such as organ transplants, less invasive surgical techniques, skin grafts, and gene therapy for cancer treatment, continue to increase the longevity and improve the quality of life of many Americans. Advances in medical technology also have improved the survival rates of trauma victims and the severely ill, who need extensive care from therapists and social workers as well as other support personnel.
In addition, advances in information technology continue to improve patient care and worker efficiency with devices such as hand-held computers that record notes on each patient. Information on vital signs and orders for tests are transferred electronically to a main database; this process eliminates the need for paper and reduces recordkeeping errors.
Cost containment also is shaping the health care industry, as shown by the growing emphasis on providing services on an outpatient, ambulatory basis; limiting unnecessary or low-priority services; and stressing preventive care, which reduces the potential cost of undiagnosed, untreated medical conditions. Enrollment in managed care programs—predominantly preferred provider organizations, health maintenance organizations, and hybrid plans such as point-of-service programs—continues to grow. These prepaid plans provide comprehensive coverage to members and control health insurance costs by emphasizing preventive care. Cost effectiveness also is improved with the increased use of integrated delivery systems, which combine two or more segments of the industry to increase efficiency through the streamlining of functions, primarily financial and managerial. These changes will continue to reshape not only the nature of the health care workforce, but also the manner in which health care is provided.

Medical Assistant Links:
Medical Assistant Education
Medical Assistant School

Health Care: Jobs: Medical Assistant

Heathcare: Jobs: Medical Assistant
As the largest industry in 2004, health care provided 13.5 million jobs—13.1 million jobs for wage and salary workers and about 411,000 jobs for the self-employed.
8 out of 20 occupations projected to grow the fastest are in health care.
More new wage and salary jobs—about 19 percent, or 3.6 million—created between 2004 and 2014 will be in health care than in any other industry.
Most workers have jobs that require less than 4 years of college education, but health diagnosing and treating practitioners are among the most educated workers. Combining medical technology and the human touch, the health care industry administers care around the clock, responding to the needs of millions of people—from newborns to the critically ill. Also working in the healthcare system are medical assistant that work in medical offices and other settings.
About 545,000 establishments make up the health care industry; they vary greatly in terms of size, staffing patterns, and organizational structures. About 76 percent of health care establishments are offices of physicians, dentists, or other health practitioners. Although hospitals constitute only 2 percent of all health care establishments, they employ 40 percent of all workers.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Medical Assistant Employment

Medical Assistant Employment
In 2002, there were about 365,000 medical assistants in the United States. Almost 60% of medical assistants work in physicians offices. About 14% work in private or public hospitals. 10% work in the offices of other health practitioners. The remainder worked in outpatient care centers, public and private educational services, other ambulatory healthcare services, state and local government agencies, medical and diagnostic laboratories, nursing care facilities, and employment services.

Medical Assistant Job Outlook
The need for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over most of the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is projected to be the fastest growing of all occupations through 2012. Job growth will be driven by the growth of the healthcare industry. Job prospects will be best for individuals with formal training, certification, and experience.

Medical Assistant Career

Become A Medical Assistant
This article provides an overview of medical assistant careers and the requirements to become a medical assistant. This article will outline medical assistant job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, as well as discuss the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and certification requirements.
Medical Assistant Job Duties
Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of medical practitioners. Their duties will vary depending on the size, type, and location of a medical practice. In smaller practices, medical assistants tend to be generalists with both clinical and administrative duties, reporting either to an office administrator or physician. In larger practices, medical assistants tend to specialize and report to a supervisor or department administrator. The administrative duties of a medical assistant may include:
Answering telephones
Greeting patients
Updating and filing patient's medical records
Filling out insurance forms
Correspondence
Scheduling appointments
Arranging for hospital admission
Handling billing and bookkeeping
The clinical duties of a medical assistant vary according to individual state law. Clinical duties can include:
Taking medical histories
Recording vital signs
Explaining treatment procedures or instructing patients about medications and special diets
Preparing patients for examination
Assisting the physician during the examinations
Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
Performing basic laboratory tests on the premises
Disposing of contaminated supplies
Sterilizing medical instruments
Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
Authorizing drug refills as directed
Telephoning prescriptions to a pharmacy
Drawing blood
Preparing patients for x rays
Taking electrocardiograms
Removing sutures
Changing dressings
Arrange examining-room instruments and equipment
Maintaining supplies and equipment
Medical assistants should not be confused with physicians assistants, who typically have broader clinical duties. Some medical assistants in specialist's offices may have additional specialized clinical duties.
Medical assistants typically work a 40-hour work week. Some work nights and weekends. Some work part-time.
Medical Assistant Job Skills
Medical assistant skills include:
Courteous and pleasant manner to effectively deal with the public and to be able to put patients at ease
Manual dexterity and visual acuity to perform certain clinical duties
Strong attention to detail to perform clinical duties accurately and efficiently
Excellent verbal communication skills to be able to explain physician's instructions
Strong ethical and confidentiality standards because of confidential patient medical information that they handle
Good organizational skills to effectively deal with patient records and other administrative tasks
Medical Assistant Income
Salaries for medical assistants vary depending on experience, skill level, and location. As of 2002, salaries for medical assistants were around $23,940, with the top 10% earning more than $34,130. Earnings for medical assistants vary by industry segment with the median annual incomes for the industries employing the largest number of medical assistants being:

General medical and surgical hospitals
$24,460
Physicians offices
$24,260
Outpatient care centers
$23,980
Other health care services
$23,440
Offices of other practitioners
$21,620

Also, see related careers such as: Nursing Assistant

Friday, July 07, 2006

Medical Assistant Education

Medical Assistant education and medical assistant classes are available online at the St. Augustine Medical Assistant School. Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician.

Medical assistants may be able to advance to office manager. They may qualify for a variety of administrative support occupations or may teach medical assisting. With additional education, some enter other health occupations, such as nursing and medical technology.

Medical Assistant Employment:
Medical assistants held about 387,000 jobs in 2004. About 6 out of 10 worked in offices of physicians; about 14 percent worked in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and 11 percent worked in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists. The rest worked mostly in outpatient care centers, public and private educational services, other ambulatory health care services, State and local government agencies, employment services, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and nursing care facilities.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Friday, June 30, 2006

Medical Assistant


St. Augustine Medical Assistant School offers a comprehensive online distance education program for medical assistants. You can view details at www.medassistant.org

Our program is designed by physicians, nurses, medical assistants and other health care professionals to give you the best possible Medical Assistant education available anywhere. With our program you can study at your own pace and finish at your convenience. Most students complete our online Medical Assistant program in 6-8 weeks!

Our innovate online web-based Medical Assistant program is designed to offer our students a diverse and comprehensive Medical Assistant education so they will feel comfortable working in any health care setting. Our online Medical Assistant distance education program consists of Internet based assignments, CD/ROM instruction, online videos and virtual labs. After completing our online classes and Medical Assistant exam students will receive their Medical Assistant certificate and transcripts from the St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants, so they can enter the profession as a well trained Medical Assistant.

Reasons to earn your Medical Assistant Certificate online from St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants:Save Time and Money! Earn your Medical Assistant certificate in 6 weeks (since this is distance education you finish much quicker then the older traditional classroom models). Study at your own pace and convenience (all material is presented online so there is not need to commute to far away schools at inconvenient times). Perfect for today’s busy Medical Assistant students! No traditional classrooms to attend, the entire program is online Our program is fully accredited, you can begin work with our Medical Assistant certificate after you finish the program. Very affordable tuition fees (since this is a distance education program you can save thousands of dollars on tuition fees). We teach the most practical and latest information need to succeed as a Medical Assistant.

New: Medical Assistant Jobs Blog



Sunday, June 25, 2006

Emergency in the Emergency Rooms

The nation's emergency rooms have been stretched thin for at least a decade or more, but a new analysis suggests that they have reached a breaking point. Their plight underscores how dreadfully unprepared we are to cope with a major disaster like pandemic influenza or mass casualties from a terrorism attack.

The crisis in emergency medical care was laid bare in three reports issued last week by the Institute of Medicine, a unit of the National Academy of Sciences. Half a million times a year ambulances are diverted from emergency rooms that are full and sent to others farther away. Emergency room patients who need admission to the hospital often spend eight hours or more — sometimes even two days or more — on gurneys in the hallways, waiting for a hospital bed to open up.

Some emergency rooms lack the services of key specialists, such as neurosurgeons, who shy away from emergency room duty because many uninsured patients can't pay and their malpractice premiums would skyrocket because of the risky nature of emergency cases. What is not known is how many people die as a result of delays in treatment or inadequate care under chaotic conditions. No measurement system tracks such data.
The emergency room crisis has many causes, none of them easily or cheaply resolved. The number of people seeking treatment in emergency rooms has jumped sharply over the past decade or so, from 90 million in 1993 to 114 million in 2003. Over the same period, cost pressures forced the closing of some 700 hospitals, almost 200,000 hospital beds and 425 emergency departments. The result is severe crowding, exacerbated by a huge influx of poor people seeking routine care who are either uninsured or on Medicaid but unable to find doctors willing to treat them. By law, emergency rooms must accept all patients, whether they have insurance or not.

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The institute's experts have many proposals for easing the situation, ranging from new regional systems to improve the flow of patients to the most appropriate and least crowded emergency rooms to an infusion of money to cover unpaid emergency care and to bolster preparedness for large-scale disasters. The most important change would be to stop diverting seriously ill ambulance patients and divert instead the poor patients who clog emergency rooms seeking routine care. That would require extending health coverage to the uninsured and providing more primary care clinics and doctors in poor neighborhoods.

Nurse practitioners filling care void

Nurse practitioners filling care void
By JOANN LOVIGLIO

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. - Marguerite Harris and her staff of eight provide prenatal care and child immunizations, write prescriptions, and diagnose and treat ailments from diabetes to the sniffles.

Though it may sound like a typical doctor's office, no one on staff at Project Salud is a doctor. The medical center is run by nurse practitioners — registered nurses with specialized training and advanced degrees — whose numbers have risen from 30,000 in 1990 to 115,000 today.
Increasingly, patients are being treated by health care professionals with N.P. after their name instead of M.D. or D.O. Nurse-managed primary care centers such as Project Salud have increased to about 250 nationwide today, from a small handful 15 years ago.
"We've come a long way since the early days, the knockdown drag-outs with doctors who thought we were overstepping our roles," said Harris, a nurse practitioner at the Philadelphia-area medical center since 1974.
The change is attributed to factors that include a drop in the number of doctors choosing primary care as their specialty, a falloff expected to continue.
According to the American College of Physicians, medical school surveys showed that from 1998 to 2005, the percentage of third-year residents intending to pursue careers in general internal medicine dropped from 54 percent to 20 percent. Many new doctors, saddled with high student loans, are choosing more lucrative specialties.
The supply of general practice physicians is falling just as the baby boomer population is aging and in greater need of medical care, and nurse-run medical centers are helping to bridge the gap.
Nurse practitioners first appeared about 40 years ago in pediatrics, and quickly expanded into obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, and adult primary care.
They can perform many of the duties of primary care doctors such as performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating common health problems, prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting X-rays, and providing family planning services.
However, some physicians' groups are concerned about the trend.
The American Medical Association is against giving full autonomy to nurse practitioners, stating as its official policy position that a physician should be supervising nurse practitioners at all times and in all settings. An AMA spokeswoman said the association would not provide additional comment on its position.
"There is an element within the physician community that gets a little antsy. ... They think it's going to take away revenue and business from them," said Dr. Jan Towers, director of health policy for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. "Really, there's more than enough for everybody."
Some patients say they're more satisfied with the less rushed, more holistic style of care they receive from nurse practitioners.
"It got to the point where my doctor was in such a hurry, he wouldn't even look me in the face," said Diane Gass, a North Philadelphia resident who has been a patient at her neighborhood nurse-run health center since it opened about a decade ago.
Gass, 61, said her nurse practitioner took four hours during the first visit taking her medical history and getting to know her.
"For years the doctor was treating me for ulcers, but I was in such pain," she recalled. "The nurse kept asking me questions about the pain and about my medical history, and we got to the bottom of what was really going on: I had a gallstone."
One outpatient procedure later, Gass' gallstone — and her chronic pain — were gone for good.
A 2000 study in the
Journal of the American Medical Association' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that patients who receive primary care from nurse practitioners fare just as well as those treated by doctors and report similar levels of satisfaction with their care.
Nurse practitioners also have steadily been gaining greater acceptance by insurers and in most states. In about half of the states, nurse practitioners — who frequently have lower fees for office visits than doctors — are now recognized by insurance carriers as primary care physicians.
In all but seven states, they can practice either independently or with remote collaboration with doctors. In all states except Georgia, they have some level of independent authority to prescribe medications; some states do prohibit nurse practitioners from prescribing narcotics.
"One of the statistics that stands out is that we (nurse practitioners) see our patients twice as often as similar practices of physicians," said Tine Hansen-Turton, executive director of the National Nursing Centers Consortium, a Philadelphia-based industry group. "Doing primary care well is the foundation for saving health care dollars — working on improving health early instead of, for example, paying for coronary surgery and bypasses later."

Helpful Links:
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners: http://www.aanp.org
American Medical Association: http://www.ama-assn.org
National Nursing Centers Consortium: http://www.nncc.us

Medical Assistant Education Now Online


Our innovate online web-based Medical Assistant program is designed to offer our students a diverse and comprehensive Medical Assistant education so they will feel comfortable working in any health care setting. Our online Medical Assistant distance education program consists of Internet based assignments, CD/ROM instruction, online videos and virtual labs. After completing our online classes and Medical Assistant exam students will receive their Medical Assistant certificate and transcripts from the St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants, so they can enter the profession as a well trained Medical Assistant.


Online Degree Programs by Directory of Schools earn online degrees from accredited universities, colleges, academies and institutions.

Medical Assistant School


Medical Assistant School

Online Distance Education Program
St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants Online:
Now You can Study Online to become a Medical Assistant! We utilize the latest technology to offer a convenient, affordable and fully accredited Medical Assistant program online. With our accredited online Medical Assistant distance education program you can study at your own pace and finish at your convenience. Most students complete our online Medical Assistant program in 6-8 weeks. Our program is designed by physicians, nurses, medical assistant and other healthcare professionals to give you the best Medical Assistant education available anywhere!
We now offer an Accredited, Convenient & Affordable Online Distance Education ProgramWe are now providing students with a unique opportunity to conveniently study online to become a Medical Assistant. Our innovative online home study program is designed to met the needs of the new generation of Medical Assistants.

Job Search: Instructional Designer (Medical Assistant)

We are looking for Instructional Designer for:
Medical Assistant Program

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants: has an opening for a full-time instructional designer to work in its Distance Learning Center to support online course production and design for credit offerings. To learn more about the Distance Learning program, please visit: www.medassistant.org

This position is responsible for consulting with faculty to produce and deliver quality online courses. The instructional designer participates in all aspects of faculty support for online course design and development, including incorporation of multi-media elements. This position will share responsibility for quality control of online courses and the identification of individual faculty training needs. The position provides ongoing guidance to support instructors' continuous improvement of online course design and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications:
. Bachelor's degree required in relevant field.
·Two years' experience in the design and development of technology-based instructional materials or relevant course work.
·Working knowledge of teaching, curriculum development, and instructional design.·Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, set and meet deadlines and work in a team environment.
·Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills required.·Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
·Demonstrated proficiency in areas such as website development and one or more of the following: computer graphic design and production, digital video editing and production, or computer animation.

Application:
Please send resume and/or CV to "Faculty Search" at studentservices@medassistant.org


Pharmacyhealth.net
Online Prescription Drug Resources - PharmacyHealth.net provides resources and information on prescriptions and online pharmacy fulfillment, drug information, and more.

Distance Education: Keeping Up With Exploding Demand

Distance Education: Keeping Up With Exploding Demand
By DAN CARNEVALE

The recent explosion in distance-education enrollments is likely to continue over the next 10 years, forcing many institutions to seek outside help to manage rising student populations and demands for the latest technology."The biggest issue is that distance learning, from an industry perspective, is going to continue to grow by leaps and bounds," says John G. Flores, executive director of the United States Distance Learning Association, a nonprofit group that promotes distance education. "You're going to see more and more students not only accessing more distance learning, but also expecting it."

Medical Assistant: Online Medical Assistant Classes
Now you can study online to be a medical assistant at St. Augustine Medical Assistant School with our innovative distance education programs.

Medical Assistant School Accreditation

What is School Accreditation?

Generally, accreditation is the process by which a facility becomes officially certified as providing services of a reasonably good quality, so that the public can trust in the quality of its services.

The purpase of school accrediation is to use standards of evaluation to ensure quality education, encourage institutions to improve quality of education, ensure the accountability of educational institutions and to provide public confidence in educational institutions.Often there is some confusion as to what accreditation is an why it is important for a medical assistant and other related career professions to seek accredited training.

Some personal blogs and what appear to be authoritative websites are written by individuals or companies with little or no professional training and experience in higher education. So these websites may be filled with much confusing and incorrect information about school accreditation and why it is important to you the medical assistant student. Theses non-school sites often have non-current and out dated information about what is the importance of school accreditation and may confuse students out of ignorance or often in a deceptive attempt to sell some other product. Hopefully his blog will help to clarify the often confusing mater of school accreditation and why it is important to the student and medical assistant.

Accreditation is a process of voluntary, non-governmental review of educational institutions and programs. Institutional accreditation reviews entire schools, colleges and universities. Specialized agencies award accreditation for professional programs and academic units in particular fields of study. Accreditation provides a way of distinguishing reputable education from less credible education in the post secondary sector and on a global international basis.

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School is Fully Accredited!
St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is nationally and fully accredited by the National Accreditation and Certification Board of the United States. In addition we are have accreditation by the National Association of Healthcare providers and international accreditation of by HON. The National Accreditation Board of United States. The National Accreditation Board is "a business and professional health accreditation organization accrediting only the best schools and training programs.

The purpose of Accreditation is to ensure excellence in education by holding schools accountable to rigorous standards and a process of continuous improvement.The purpase of school accrediation is to use standards of evaluation to ensure quality education, encourage institutions to improve quality of education, ensure the accountability of educational institutions and to provide public confidence in educational institutions. Accreditation status is provided by accrediting bodies, which are private, nongovernmental organizations that have been created specifically to review higher education institutions and programs. The accreditation process ensures the review of a school's faculty, recruiting practices, admissions procedures, course content, and more. Influenced and affected by the role of accreditors, schools are accountable for continually working to improve the quality and results of the education they provide. Employers often look for proof that their job applicants have received their education from an academic program with accreditation. In the United States, accreditation organizations are private and not affiliated with the government. Accreditation organizations exist to review schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education for standards of quality and improvement efforts. Accreditation is the tool we use to monitor, assess, and evaluate the standards and quality of the education a student receives at a college, university, or other institution of higher learning. Because of the process of accreditation, students, returning students, and families can trust that the education they are paying for is valuable and worthwhile.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Nursing Assistant

Nursing Assistant :: Nursing Assistant School
Nursing assistants, sometimes called nurse aides, orderlies, and geriatric aides, assist in the care of patients. They work under the direction and supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other medical staff. Nursing assistants have a great deal of contact with patients and provide personal care such as bathing, feeding, and dressing. They also perform support functions such as transporting patients, taking vital signs, making beds, helping patients become ambulatory, and answering patient calls. They might also be called upon to set up equipment such as X-ray machines and overhead irrigation bottles. Nursing assistants are often responsible for observing and reporting how patients respond to the care that is being given. Nursing assistants employed in nursing homes are called geriatric aides. These nurses have far more contact with residents than any of the other staff, and are therefore expected to develop ongoing relationships with the patients and treat them in a positive, caring way. To be a successful nursing assistant, an individual must be a team player who is able to take orders well. They must also be emotionally stable and have a great deal of patience.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Medical Assistant on YouTube

YouTube medical assitant videos and online classes for the medical assistant.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Medical Assistant Links

Helpful Links fro Medical Assistant:


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Medical Assistant Certification

Medical Assistants are now eligible for certificaiton by the The National Association of Healthcare Providers.

The National Association of Healthcare Providers:
The NAHP is a comprehensive professional agency who's mission is to improve the quality of health care by assisting healthcare providers in their education and professional development. The National Association of healthcare providers was created to advance the education and quality of health care delivered by its members and provide a comprehensive umbrella organization of the integration of all certified healthcare providers.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT, DENTAL ASSISTANT AND MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION: Requirements for Certification: Certification is open to all Medical Assistants, Dental Assistants, Chiropracic Assistants and Medical Office Employees. Applicants must have an earned a certificate or degree in their field or a minimum of 6 months employment as a Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant or Medical Office employee.Certification level: Certified members are Certified Healthcare Practioners and may use “CHP” to denote their certification.Experience: A minimum of six months employment as a healthcare provider is requires unless the applicant has formal training as a Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant or Medical Techician.Education: Applicants must have an atleast an earned high school dipoma or GED.

CERTIFICATION FOR ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS: Requirements for Certification:Allied Healthcare Provider certification is open to all healthcare providers and who have an earned degree in an allied healthcare field. Applicants must have an earned a allied healthcare degree.Certification is open to: Physician Assistants, Pharmacists, Phlebotomists, EKG Technicians, Anesthesiologist Technicians, Athletic Trainers, Opticians, Dietitians, Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technologists, Pharmacy Technicians, Medical Lab, Dental Hygienists, Dental Laboratory Technicians, Nutritionists, Electroneurodiagnostic Technicians, Cardiovascular Technicians, Blood Bank Technology Specialists, Cytotechnologists, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Home Health Aides, Pathologist Assistants, Home Care Aides, Surgical Assistants, Social Workers, Social Services Occupations, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacy Aides, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Medical Illustrators, Genetic Counselors, Histologic Technicians, Non-PhD Biomedical Engineers, Radiology (X-Ray) Technicians, Healthcare Educators, Medical Billing Specialists, Allied Health Instructors, Massage Therapists, Surgical Technicians, Holistic Healthcare Providers, Prosthetic Providers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Durable Medical Equipment Providers, Hospice Care Providers, Hospital Administrators, Pharmaceutical Company Representatives, Chemists, Medical Librarians, Non-PhD Medical Researchers and all other Allied Healthcare Providers. Certification level: Certified allied healthcare provider members are Certified Healhcare Practioners and may use “CHP” to denote their certification.Experience: Must be currently employed as a healthcare provider. A minimum of six months healthcare experience is required.Education: Applicants must have an earned degree in an allied healthcare field.Membership: All certified members must maintain active membership in the NAHP. This requires an annual fee of $85 (the first year‘s membership fee is included in your application fee).Examination: All current members will be “grandfathered” and exempt from future NAHP certification exams. This is contingent on the member maintaining active membership in the National Association of Healthcare Providers. If a member does not maintain active membership in the NAHP this will result in loss of certification and the past member may be required to take all future exams for re-certification

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Online Medical Assistant Classes

Are Online Medical Assistant Classes For You?
Online classes are often very different than traditional face-to-face classes in terms of how the material is presented, the nature of the interaction among class members, and the overall learning experience. Many students report that they actually learn more in online classes than in face-to-face classes and find the experience more rewarding. But online classes aren't right for everyone. Even if you are an excellent student, you may find that online classes are not compatible with your learning style. So, before enrolling in your first online class, give some thought to whether online learning is right for you. Answering the following questions may help you with this process:
Do you have self-discipline and motivation?Unlike traditional courses in which the students and instructor meet face-to-face once or several times a week, most of the learning activities and communication in an online course are asynchronous, meaning that class members participate and complete their assignments at different times throughout the day and week. This arrangement can make it possible for you to do your class work when it's most convenient for you. However, with this increased freedom and flexibility comes responsibility. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it will be up to you to pace yourself and keep up with assignments.
Are you able to commit time each day or week to your online course(s)?Online courses often require at least as much, if not more time and commitment than traditional courses. Completing course assignments and other learning activities can take from five to fifteen hours or more per week. And you may find that you need to be online almost every day. So before enrolling, be sure you can set aside enough time to keep up with your daily or weekly assignments.
Do you have good communication skills and enjoy expressing your ideas in writing?In online courses, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that you feel comfortable expressing yourself in writing. If you feel that you are weak in this area, try to brush up on your writing skills and find out how much writing is required for the course before enrolling.
Do you feel comfortable discussing problems with your instructors?If you are having problems with the technology or the course content, you need to let your instructor know as soon as possible. Without this feedback, your instructor will never know what is wrong. Remember that many of the nonverbal cues that you use in the classroom to show frustration, boredom, or confusion (such as a yawn or a look of bewilderment) are not possible in an online class.
Will you miss the experience of sitting in a medical assistant classroom?While the level of interaction can be very high in online courses, it is not the same face-to-face interaction. Some online students miss having the opportunity to see and listen to their instructor and classmates. If you feel that a traditional classroom is essential for learning or you want to experience campus and dorm life, online classes may not be right for you.
Are you comfortable using computers?The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. You don't need to be a computer guru or a geek to succeed, but you do need to have some basic technology skills, such as word processing and using a Web browser. Needless to say, you will also need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. If you find computers scary or intimidating, you may want to get some computer training at a local community college before taking an online course.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

What does a medical assistant do? What is the role of the medical assistant?

The Medical Assistant Professional. What does a medical assistant do? The medical assistant plays an important role in the medical office or clinic setting. Medical assistants are regarded as knowledgeable medical office generalists and respected for their excellent multitasking skills. There is always something to do, from taking patient's vital signs, to seating them in the examination room, to running simple screening tests in a simple back office lab room, to pulling medical charts whenever neededWhat is the Medical Assistant's Role?
Medical assistants are unlicensed health service professionals in a medical office. A physician, or licensed healthcare practitioner must be present in the facility whenever the medical assistant performs hands-on patient procedures. They handle front office clerical and administrative tasks such checking in patients that arrive for their appointment, maintaining patient records and appointment books, and also assist with clinical tasks in the back office, such as during patient examinations and treatments.Medical assistants are respected members of the healthcare teamCertain states mandate that medical assistants to take a test or a course before they can perform certain tasks, such as taking x-rays, ultra sound treatments, or performing venipunctures. It is highly recommended that individuals seeking medical assistant training sign up for programs that are both legitimate and fully accredited so that they will receive the right diplomas and credentials. Therefore training is a job better left to the watchful eyes of instructors with experience in the field.
Medical assisting skills such as drawing up injections, administering ear lavage or instilling drops, collecting specimens, preparing slides, incubating Petri-dishes, changing wound dressings and wrapping bandages are best learned under the guidance of a clinical instructor. Prospective medical assistant students must realize that in this career mastery of clinical tasks with proper technique and controls are essential. Ideally it should take place in a traditional classroom where students can focus on interactive learning, feedback, and criticism. The direct supervision and hands-on practice in a safe supervised setting assures that the student will be competent and well prepared for the job. in clinical, and/or administrative roles in a medical office. The medical assisting career is perfect for those who want to help people of all ages and walks of life, and go home satisfied and fulfilled after a busy day. After all, they understand that they are the human face and caring touch of the medical office.One of the leading occupational choices for both male and females is a career as a medical assistant. Although certification is voluntary for medical assistants in the USA, it is gaining momentum, because of it's impact on a person's career! Certification shows that the holder possesses the knowledge, experience and skills to succeed in their chosen occupation.Medical assistant certification exams, and other related healthcare professional certification exams, can be taken online, or at designated testing centers. NHA also offers their home study certification program, where experienced healthcare workers that are not yet certified can challenge the national certification exam if they meet the eligibility requirements. Passing these comprehensive certification exams is a valid statement of the person's excellence and qualifications in the medical assistant field, and regarded as such by recruiters, and employers who hire. Certified medical assistants are seen as serious professionals, since they have taken the time and effort to prepare, and document their education, training, and job related skills.Medical assistants are health care workers who perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. They should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the direct supervision of a physician. The term Medical Assistant may have legal status in some nations, whereas elsewhere they may be a loosely defined group.Medical assistants are not licensed professionals and they are always required by law to work under the direct supervision of a licensed health care provider such as a registered nurse or physician whenever they provide direct (hands-on) patient care procedures.
In several states unlicensed health care providers, including medical assistants, are required to have an authorization by the state in which they reside to perform needle injections; such as allergy testing, purified protein derivative (PPD) or Mantoux skin tests, and venipuncture.[6] Some states require that medical assistants who draw blood for lab tests are certified, and have passed a practical examination as part of their phlebotomy training. In other states MAs need permission from the state to expose patients to X-rays.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 bookkeeping.
Clinical duties vary according to state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician during the examination. 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 by a physician, authorize drug refills as directed, telephone prescriptions to a pharmacy, draw blood, prepare patients for X-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Last but not least they serve as direct link and communicator between patient, physician, and other health care professionals whenever there is a need. New technical and medical developments and discoveries have a direct influence on the medical assistant's professional duties and responsibilities. Medical assistants, whether male or female function as major contributors in the modern health care industry, in particular the medical office, clinics, and other areas. The common goal of all medical assistants is the support and care of the doctor's patients.Medical assistants function in an administrative capacity in the front office area, or in a clinical role in the so-called back office area. Medical assistants held about 329,000 jobs in the year 2000. Sixty percent worked in physicians' offices; 15 percent worked in hospitals, including in- and outpatient facilities. The rest were employed in nursing homes, offices of other health practitioners and other healthcare facilitiesAbout 6 out of 10 medical assistants work in offices of physicians
Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but many complete 1- or 2-year programs in vocational-technical high schools, postsecondary vocational schools, and community and junior colleges
Medical assistants is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2004-2014 period
Job prospects should be best for medical assistants with formal training or experience, particularly those with certification. The Medical Assistant must provide proper care and appropriate counsel to patients who come to medical offices or ambulatory clinics, treatment facilities and hospitals, while exhibiting courtesy, conscientiousness, and a general businesslike manner at all times. Nowhere is the need for personal integrity as great as in the medical and health care field where doctors, nurses and medical assistants continually deal with people in need, their illnesses and personal problems. NHA offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified EKG Technician (CET), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Medical Lab Assistant (CMLA), Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT), Certified Nurse Technician (CNT), and Certified Healthcare Instructor (CHI) credentials.
AMT offers the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS), Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT), Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Certified Office Laboratory Technician (COLT), Certified Laboratory Consultant (CLC), and Allied Health Instructor (AHI). Medical Assistant Conduct
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was introduced to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets; to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery; to promote the use of medical savings accounts; to improve access to long-term care services and coverage; to simplify the administration of health insurance; and for other purposes.
Another important commitment that all members of the professional health care team have, which includes medical assistants, is the obligation respect the law, never to abuse patients, and never to abuse controlled substances that they have access to; or to tolerate abuse by others. These substances are kept under key and lock at the medical office or clinic.
Controlled substances are used only for patients under a physician’s supervision and any other use is illegal. Certain state's laws mandate that persons who provide services that involve direct contact with patients and residents at a licensed health care facility have their background checked and possibly undergo a pre-employment drug screening test.*
One such state, for example, is Minnesota, where an individual who is disqualified from having direct patient contact as a result of the background study and will not be permitted to work with patients in a licensed medical or health care facility. Another such state is Wisconsin, where heath professionals must meet guidelines established by state statutes regarding caregiver background check information prior to participating in any clinical placement.The Reasons Behind this High Demand for Medical Assistants
Medical care, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical services play an important role in our nation's economy and welfare.
Driven by the TREMENDOUS need for health care services in major cities to rural areas, recruiters and employers everywhere are in constant need for more staff.
Opportunities in healthcare occupations are not limited by location, gender, race, religion, or even disabilities. Where there are people there is a need for medical services and care; and medical office managers and recruiters are ready to hire.Medical Assistant Employment:
Careers are unique to each person and dynamic; unfolding as a person matures. Medical assistants held about 387,000 jobs in 2004. About 6 out of 10 worked in offices of physicians; about 14 percent worked in public and private hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient facilities; and 11 percent worked in offices of other health practitioners, such as chiropractors, optometrists, and podiatrists. The medical assisting profession has become indispensable to many areas in the health care field, especially medical offices headed by one or a group of practicing physicians, physician assistants (PA's) or licensed nurse practitioners. Unfortunately, turnover is high for medical assistants because of the relatively high workload and comparatively low pay raises offered. Therefore many working medical assistants will eventually elect to leave their jobs for better contracts and positions with higher potential for career advancement and pay.Employment growth will be driven by the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other health care facilities that need a high proportion of support personnel, particularly the flexible medical assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties.Medical Assistant's Cross-Training
Other experienced medical assistants may cross-train into related health care occupations such as medical secretary, medical coder and biller, X-ray or EKG technician, dental assistant, ophthalmic or podiatric assistant, and phlebotomist. Some become audiology assistants under the direction of audiologists.
They use audiometers and other testing devices to measure people's ability to hear and the nature and extent of hearing loss. The tests are then interpreted by the supervising audiologist. Yet, others may go back to college to become radiation or nuclear or surgical technologists, or registered nurses. Also there is the possibility to apply their talents and skills as medical illustrators, freelance technical writers, or medical language interpreters. You name it! With additional education anything is possible. Medical Assistant Jobs.

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