Where Can a Medical Assistant Work?

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team. They work alongside physicians, assisting with patient care and performing administrative duties. But where can a medical assistant work?

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Hospitals

Medical assistants typically work in outpatient care facilities, such as physicians’ offices and clinics, but they also may find employment in hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 30% of medical assistants were employed in hospitals as of 2016 ().

The job duties of a hospital medical assistant may vary depending on the size and type of facility. In a small hospital, a medical assistant might be responsible for a range of tasks, such as greeting patients, answering phones, scheduling appointments, updating medical records and transcribing doctors’ orders. In a large hospital, medical assistants usually are assigned to specific departments, such as pediatrics or surgery. They also may have more defined roles, such as taking X-rays or preparing patients for exams.

Outpatient clinics

Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, physician’s offices, hospitals and other health care facilities. Outpatient clinics are a popular choice for medical assistants, as they offer a fast-paced environment and the opportunity to work with a variety of patients.

Urgent care centers

There are many different places that a medical assistant can work. One type of facility is an urgent care center. Urgent care centers are usually open 7 days a week and treat patients with non-life threatening injuries or illnesses. Some examples of urgent care centers are Concentra, FastMed, and Doctors Care.

Physicians’ offices

medical assistants play an important role in physicians’ offices by performing a variety of clinical and administrative tasks. Medical assistants can work in various types of physicians’ offices, including family practice, pediatric, OB-GYN, and internal medicine. In a typical work day, they may take patient vital signs, prepare blood specimens for laboratory testing, or give injections. They also may schedule appointments and collect patient information.

Nursing homes

nursing homes are places where people can live and receive nursing care and other health services when they can no longer live at home or take care of themselves. Most nursing homes have staff who are trained to provide care for people with dementia.

Home health agencies

Medical assistants can work in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and even home health agencies While the duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the workplace, they typically include taking patient vital signs, updating Medical records scheduling appointments, and assisting with minor office procedures.

Medical assistants who work in home health agencies provide direct patient care in the home setting. This can include performing basic medical tasks such as taking vital signs and blood pressure readings, as well as helping patients with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Home Health Medical assistants may also provide transportation to and from appointments and provide support to family caregivers.

Public health departments

Public health departments: Local, state, and federal public health departments employ medical assistants in a variety of capacities. You may work in an administrative role, helping to develop policy or budget. Alternatively, you may work directly with the public, providing them with information and resources on staying healthy.

Insurance companies

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, but they also work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, insurance companies, and other healthcare facilities. Some medical assistants specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as podiatry or ophthalmology.

Pharmaceutical companies

Working in a pharmaceutical company is one of the many options available to medical assistants. Pharmaceutical companies need medical assistants to work in a variety of roles, from conducting clinical trials to helping with the development of new drugs. Some medical assistants may even work directly with patients who are taking part in clinical trials.

Medical equipment companies

Medical assistants can find employment in a number of settings, but most commonly in medical offices and clinics. They may also find work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities. Additionally, medical assistants may be employed by medical equipment companies, pharmaceutical companies, or insurance companies. Some medical assistants are self-employed and work as independent contractors.