A Medical assistant works in a variety of medical office settings like general practitioners, podiatrists or chiropractors. Depending on the type of medical office, the duties vary but could include:
- Answering phones
- Greeting patients
- Processing patient medical records
- Scheduling appointments
- Coordinating with hospitals
- Coordinating with testing labs
- Medical billing
In addition to administrative functions, medical assistants have clinical duties that may include:
- Taking medical histories
- Recording vital signs
- Assisting physician during examination
- Collection/preparation of lab specimens
- Drawing blood
- Taking electrocardiograms
- Removing sutures
- Changing dressings
One of the fastest ways to begin a healthcare career is to become a medical assistant. The job provides a variety of medical and administrative duties and provides the educational stepping stone necessary to advance to other medical careers.
