MA - MEDICAL ASSISTANT
A classmate from UST – Behavioral Science called me last night upon learning that I have a magicjack. She’s now based in the US and has been working as a Medical Assistant, she enrolled last year at St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants, and now reaping the fruits of her labor. After talking for almost an hour, we were able to update each other with our lives, we talk mostly about family, motherhood and career. She’s been encouraging me to enroll at St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants so I could work as MA too. 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 state law and include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations. MAs 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 electocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings. Last but not least they serve as direct link and communicator between patient and other health care professionals whenever there is a need. MA is indeed one of the fastest growing occupations.
