What Does a Float Medical Assistant Do?

A float medical assistant is a medical assistant who is not assigned to a specific doctor or area of the medical office. They “float” around to wherever they are needed that day.

Must Have Keywords: ‘How to Become a Medical Assistant’
Blog Description: A medical assistant plays a vital role in helping physicians and other medical professionals provide care to patients. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, here’s what you need to know.

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Job Description

The float medical assistant is responsible for a range of clinical and administrative tasks in a medical office. They may be asked to work in any area of the office, depending on the needs of the practice.

Clinical duties for a float medical assistant may include taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician with procedures, and giving patients instructions on follow-up care. Float Medical assistants may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, verifying insurance coverage, and handling billing and coding.

The float medical assistant must be able to work independently and have excellent time management skills. They must also be able to take direction from multiple supervisors and be able to adapt to changing situations.

Duties and Responsibilities

A float medical assistant is a trained professional who works in a medical office and provides support to the doctors and staff. They may be asked to work in different areas of the office, depending on the needs of the patients and the doctor.

The duties and responsibilities of a float medical assistant include but are not limited to:
– greeting patients and scheduling appointments
– updating patient records and charting
– taking vitals and patient histories
– assisting with exams and procedures
– administering injections and medications
– sterilizing instruments
– preparing lab specimens
– instructing patients on home care

Skills and Qualifications

In order to work as a float medical assistant, there are certain skills and qualifications that you will need. First and foremost, you should be a certified medical assistant. This means that you have completed an accredited training program and passed the required exams. Furthermore, it is beneficial to have experience working in a medical office or clinic. Ideally, you should have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in order to be able to effectively float between different medical practices.

Education and Training

Most states regulate medical assisting, and most employers prefer to hire certified Medical Assistants Although certification is not required, continuing education is necessary to maintain certification and keep up with changes in the medical field.

There are several ways to become a certified medical assistant. One option is to graduate from an accredited postsecondary institution with a certificate or diploma in medical assisting. Alternatively, you can complete a one-year program at a community college or vocational school. Some online programs are also available, although most include an externship component that must be completed in person.

Once you have completed your education and training, you will need to pass a certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The AAMA offers two levels of certification: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). To be eligible for the CMA exam, you must have graduated from an accredited program, while the RMA credential is available to those who have completed a non-accredited program or who have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant.

Salary and Job Outlook

The role of a float medical assistant is to fill in for other medical assistants as needed. They provide the same patient care and administrative support as regular medical assistants but may work in a variety of healthcare settings. Because they are not tied to one location, float medical assistants typically earn a higher salary than their counterparts.

The job outlook for medical assistants is positive, with a projected growth rate of 29% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, so will the demand for medical assistants.

If you are considering a career as a float medical assistant, you can expect to earn a median salary of $33,610 per year. The top 10% of earners in this field make more than $48,720, and the bottom 10% earn less than $23,840. Your exact salary will depend on factors like your experience level, geographic location, and the type of employer you work for.

Working Conditions

Floater medical assistants work in clinic settings. They travel to different clinics within a certain geographical area to fill in for absent medical assistants or to help out when the clinic is short-staffed. In some cases, they also work in hospitals.

Floater medical assistants may work full time or part time. Those who work full time usually work about 40 hours per week, although some clinics are open during evening and weekend hours and may require their medical assistants to work those hours as well. Part-time floaters usually work less than 40 hours per week.

Career Path

The field of medical assisting is growing rapidly. A float medical assistant is a medical assistant who works in a variety of settings, providing assistance to patients and healthcare providers alike. A float medical assistant may work in a clinic, hospital, or private practice setting.

A float medical assistant typically is responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking patient histories, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, maintaining medical records and providing general administrative support to the healthcare team. In addition, a float medical assistant may be responsible for assisting with minor surgical procedures, taking X-rays and laboratory specimens, and providing vital signs information to the physician.

A float medical assistant must be able to adapt to new situations quickly and have strong multitasking skills. He or she must also be able to think on his or her feet and make decisions in a fast-paced environment. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a float medical assistant, it is important to complete an accredited Medical Assistant program.

Pros and Cons

One of the questions you might have if you are considering a career as a medical assistant is what does a float medical assistant do? In this role, you would provide support to multiple medical practices or clinics, filling in where needed. This can be a good option for those who want flexibility and variety in their work. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

-You can learn about different medical practices and how they operate.
-You have the opportunity to work with a variety of people, including medical staff, patients, and office staff.
-You can build up your skills and experience in multiple areas.
-You may have more flexible hours than working in one medical practice.

Cons:

-You may have to travel between practices, which can take up time and money.
-You may not be able to build close relationships with coworkers or patients.
-Your work may be less stable than working in one medical practice.

FAQs

At FLOAT, our certified medical assistants (CMAs) are an integral part of the care team. These highly-skilled professionals work alongside our physicians and physician assistants to provide quality patient care.

Q: What does a Float medical assistant do?

A: The duties of a Float medical assistant vary depending on the needs of the patient and the clinical setting. In general, CMAs provide basic patient care, take vital signs, collect lab specimens, administer injections and immunizations, prepare patients for exams, assist with office surgeries and procedures, maintain Medical records and schedule appointments.

Q: How do I become a Float medical assistant?

A: To become a Float medical assistant, you must first complete an accredited training program. Once you have completed your training, you must then pass a national certification exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Once you have passed the exam, you will be credentialed as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a float medical assistant is a vital member of any healthcare team. They provide support to doctors and nurses by performing clinical and administrative tasks. They are often the first point of contact for patients and their families, and play an important role in helping to ensure the smooth running of a healthcare facility.