As medical assisting continues to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the world with a predicted growth rate of 29% in the coming years, medical assistants with formal training as well as certified and experienced individuals are the best for job prospects. Basically, medical assisting entails performing different routines, clinical and administrative tasks in order for the offices and clinics of podiatrists, chiropractors, physicians, and optometrists to run smoothly.They are even starting to work in hospitals.

The Main Administrative Duties

Also, medical assisting vary from office to office depending on the specialty, size, and office location. Generally, the practice comprises of reporting to the supervising physician and handling both clinical and administrative duties such as: 

• Scheduling of appointments,
• Answering telephone calls
• Updating and filing of patient medical records,
• Filling out insurance forms,
• Greeting patients,  
• Bookkeeping and billing services
• Arrangements for hospital admission and
• Laboratory services.

When it comes to the clinical duties in medical assisting, they vary according to state and local laws. This is done under supervised conditions - and they include everything from recording to taking vital signs from patients, preparation of patients for x-rays, removing sutures, draw blood and also authorize drug refills.

The Specialization and Skills Needed

Medical assisting requires specialization - but also constant interaction with other people. As such, it involves handling several responsibilities all at once. The following are some of the main features of this emerging practice: 

• Individuals in the medical assisting profession need to find a way to interact with co-workers, families, patients and individuals from various emotional, intellectual and cultural backgrounds.
• The practice involves a quick thinking ability. This is necessary in order to give a good clinical judgement. Individuals involved in medical assisting should be able to identify the cause and effect relationship in actual and simulated clinical situations. They should also be able to make use of basic mathematical skills.
• Use of physical abilities which are sufficient enough to maneuver in small spaces, move around and within an exam room. Administer CPR, Transfer patients from examination tables to stretchers and wheelchairs.
• The professionals must be able to assess and monitor the health needs of the patients, hear patients, cries of distress and also monitor and record vital signs.
• The practitioners must also be able to observe client responses which is necessary for physical assessment, and also to give a clear assessment and performance of medical procedures.
• Medical assistants must have a tactile ability which is necessary to able to perform palpation techniques.
• The ability to be stable emotionally and also at alert mentally in situations of high pressure/stress with staff, colleagues and supervisors
• Individuals in the medical assisting profession must be able to distinguish drugs and chemicals that are required for both medical office/clinical operations.

The Benefits of Becoming Certified In Medical Assisting

Just like many medical professions, medical assistants (MA’s) require proper training and education. Many of them get their education from educational programs online - and some get required training from technical institutes and vocational schools that are postsecondary institutions. 

After graduation, many healthcare organizations prefer Medical Assistants to be certified.  One of the most broadly recognized is the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) which is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Below are some of the reasons why medical assisting is a beneficial job. 

• One of the wonderful benefits of being a certified medical assistant is the attractive salary but also the attractive schedule – normally you are working daytimes, allowing you to have evenings and weekends with your family.
• Patients are reassured of the skills of a medical assistant - and are confident that what they are doing is the best for them throughout their recovery process.
• Due to the fierce competition for jobs as medical assistants, there is an increased chance of being invited for an interview and greater chances of getting employed.
• As a certified medical assistant, one has more chances in getting a job in the field that they are comfortable with
• Many series of training undergone by medical assistants can only be done if you are certified. The CCMA, for example, has to be renewed every two years. As a certified medical assistant, you would be able to partake in continuous education giving you an in-depth knowledge of your field.
• Certification for medical assisting has become increasingly important nowadays  - one may not be able to retain your  job as a medical assistant without the required certification
• Medical assisting based on the State and Local laws may require certification for clinical operations especially for responsibilities such as the drawing of blood from patients, suturing wounds and prescribing medicine.
• Certified medical assistants are able to work with a range of professional physicians such as pediatricians, orthopedics, podiatrists and many others - however, a certain amount of specialization is required for some of these fields.

A Final Word

In the years to come, medical assisting will gain more prominent. Currently, the industry has a growth rate of 29%. 

Therefore, becoming a certified medical assistant has a benefit which is self-fulfilling. As such, not only will you be earning a good income for your services - but you will also be able to make a difference in the life of every person.