Medical Assistants: Providing Encouragement to Patients
Date: July 15, 2022
Medical Assistants are the multitasking professionals necessary to keep hospitals and clinics running smoothly. They are a valuable resource for any medical team and make up an essential role within the healthcare industry. A Medical Assistant is “a professional who performs administrative and routine clinical tasks within medical settings.”1
A Medical Assistant manages the front office and supports back office patient care through diagnostic testing, gathering and documenting symptoms, and educating patients. In some health environments, a Medical Assistant’s role is separated into two independent positions: a) an Administrative Medical Assistant conducting front office tasks and management exclusively, or b) a Clinical Medical Assistant singularly functioning as a medical care support person. There are also specialty Medical Assistants who serve distinct roles in specific fields, such as in a Cardiologist practice, where a Medical Assistant may utilize the EKG training and certification and work as a Certified EKG Technician (CET, NHA).
Healthcare Services Medical Assistants Perform Typically Include
- Taking Patients’ Vital Signs
- Obtaining Medical History
- Utilizing Electronic Health Records Systems
- Drawing Blood
- Preparing the Examination Room
- Educating Patients Regarding Medical Procedures
- Giving Injections.2
Administrative Tasks Medical Assistants Typically Perform Include
- Greeting Patients
- Bookkeeping
- Scheduling Appointments
- Managing Electronic Health Records
- Coordinating Hospital Admissions or Laboratory Services
- Filling Out Medical Insurance forms
- Processing Patient Billing.2
Medical Assistant Program Goals
To provide quality and comprehensive Medical Assistant education. The training develops each student’s potential to become a productive and professional member of the skilled Medical Assisting workforce. The Medical Assistant Program includes preparation and testing for National certification: Clinical Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA, NHA). Medical Assistant training includes theoretical and practical skills aspects.
Applying is as Easy as 1-2-3
Step 1: Meet with our Admissions and Financial Aid Teams
Step 2: Complete and Pass an Entrance Exam
Step 3: Provide Required Documentation.
We offer the Medical Assisting program at our Concord, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, San Mateo, and Van Nuys campuses.
*Medical Assistants should not be confused with physician assistants, who examine, diagnose, and treat patients under a physician’s supervision.3