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.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Medical Assistant Distance Education
Medical Assistant
Details about online distance education training for medical assistants is avialable at www.medassistant.org
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