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.