Think back to your last trip to the doctor’s office. Do you remember the person who took your vitals and medical history? They were most likely a medical assistant.
A medical assistant is a versatile healthcare professional who works alongside physicians. Primarily, they work in outpatient or ambulatory care facilities, like medical offices and clinics. They are cross-trained to perform both clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Medical assistants are also instrumental in helping patients feel at ease in the physician’s office. They often help explain the physician's instructions and function as a vital member of the patient-centered medical home team.
How secure is the medical assisting profession?
The following figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and reflect the future of the medical assisting profession:
- In 2020 the medium pay for medical assistants was $35,850 per year
- The job outlook for medical assistants from 2019-2029 will be up by 19%
- Between 2019-2029 there will be approximately 139,200 new medical assistant positions waiting to be filled
What are the clinical duties of a medical assistant?
- Taking patient medical histories
- Explaining treatment procedures to patients
- Preparing patients for their examination
- Assisting the physician during patient exams
- Collecting, labeling and preparing laboratory specimens
- Performing basic lab tests
- Instructing patients regarding their medication and special diets
- Preparing and administering medications under the direction of a physician
- Removing sutures and changing dressings
What are the administrative duties of a medical assistant?
- Utilizing computer applications
- Answering office telephones
- Updating and filing medical records
- Filling out and coding insurance forms
- Scheduling patient appointments
- Arranging hospital admissions and laboratory services
- Managing correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping-related tasks
Where can I get a medical assistant degree?
Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio offers an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistant. Hocking's program prepares students for entry-level careers and provides them with a background sufficient for growth and advancement in the medical assisting profession.
For more information about Hocking College’s Medical Assisting program, contact the Program Manager Dawn Shingler by email at shinglerc@hocking.edu or by phone at 740-753-6421.
Students interested in enrolling at Hocking College can find more information here or by calling the Admissions Office at 740-753-7050.
