Medical Assistants at Ascension
Contents
- Who are medical assistants?
- What do medical assistants do?
- How do medical assistants help patients?
- What are the benefits of having a medical assistant?
- How does Ascension support medical assistants?
- What are some challenges medical assistants face?
- How can medical assistants improve their skills?
- What is the future of medical assistants?
- How can I become a medical assistant?
- Why choose Ascension for your medical assistant career?
Ascension Medical assistants are an important part of our care teams. They provide compassionate care and support to patients and families in our hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities.
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Who are medical assistants?
Medical Assistants are allied health professionals who support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks in a variety of healthcare settings.
Medical assistants typically have an Associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate, although some may have a Bachelor’s degree. Most programs include coursework in Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, transcription, recordkeeping, insurance processing, and scheduling. Many programs also include an externship or clinical component in which students gain hands-on experience working with patients.
Medical assistants are employed in a variety of settings, including medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours; however, some may work evenings or weekends to accommodate the needs of their patients.
What do medical assistants do?
Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory care settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on state law and site manager discretion, but usually include a combination of direct patient care, administrative tasks, and support functions. Medical assistants perform routine tasks and procedures such as measuring patients’ vital signs, administering medications and treatments, drawing blood, preparing patients for X-rays and other diagnostic tests, removing sutures and changing dressings.
In addition, medical assistants may also perform basic laboratory tests on site, dispose of contaminated supplies, sterilize equipment, educate patients about their health conditions, take X-rays, schedule appointments and provide follow-up instructions after visits. Many medical assistants also complete tasks related to billing and coding insurance forms. Ascension Medical Assistants are an integral part of our care teams.
How do medical assistants help patients?
Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks to help patients in Ascension medical facilities. They may schedule appointments, take and record medical histories and vital signs, prepare patients for examination, and assist the doctor or nurse during exams. They also may give patients instructions for special diets, collect laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory tests, prepare blood for transfusion, change dressings, administer medications prescribed by the doctor and provide other types of patient care.
What are the benefits of having a medical assistant?
There are many benefits to having a medical assistant Medical assistants are able to take on more responsibility in the medical office, which can help take some of the workload off of the doctor. In addition, medical assistants can help increase patient satisfaction by providing them with more one-on-one time and attention. Another benefit of having a medical assistant is that they can help to free up the doctor’s time so that he or she can see more patients.
How does Ascension support medical assistants?
A medical assistant is a vital member of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and nurses and administrative services. At Ascension, we recognize the important role medical assistants play in our organization, and we are committed to providing the resources and support they need to succeed.
We offer a variety of programs and resources specifically for medical assistants, including:
-An online learning portal with over 200 courses specifically for medical assistants
-A career development program that offers guidance and support for those interested in advancing their careers within Ascension
-A variety of discounts and perks specifically for our medical assistant employees, including discounts on health insurance child care, and more
What are some challenges medical assistants face?
While medical assistants perform a variety of tasks, they may face certain challenges in their work. These challenges include handling difficult patients, working long hours, and dealing with the stress of the job.
Medical assistants must be able to handle difficult patients. This involves being able to empathize with the patient while still being able to complete the tasks required. Medical assistants also need to be able to work long hours. This can be difficult because of the physical demands of the job and the mental demands of being on call.
Dealing with the stress of the job can also be a challenge for medical assistants. This includes being able to deal with emotional patients, working with deadlines, and having to deal with unexpected situations.
How can medical assistants improve their skills?
There are many ways medical assistants can improve their skills. Some ways include:
-Completing a medical assistant program from an accredited school
-Earning certification from a professional organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants
-Taking continuing education courses to keep up with new developments in the medical field
-Staying organized and efficient in their work
-Keeping a positive attitude
-Communicating effectively with patients and other members of the healthcare team
What is the future of medical assistants?
Medical assistants are a vital part of the healthcare team, providing support to doctors and other medical professionals. They perform a variety of tasks, from administrative duties to clinical tasks.
The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of medical assistants will grow 29 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
Ascension offers a variety of career paths for medical assistants. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a new opportunity, we can help you find the right role. We offer competitive pay and benefits, as well as training and development opportunities.
If you’re interested in a career as a medical assistant, contact Ascension today. We’d be happy to discuss our open positions and help you find the right fit for your skills and interests.
How can I become a medical assistant?
You can become a medical assistant in a number of ways. You can complete a formal education program at a community college or technical school, or you can receive on-the-job training from a healthcare provider. To become a certified medical assistant, you must pass an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
Why choose Ascension for your medical assistant career?
As the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system, Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension Medical Assistants provide vital support to our caregivers and patients as we fulfill our mission to provide quality, compassionate care for all.
If you are searching for a medical assistant career that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of others, Ascension is the place for you. We offer medical assistant training programs that will prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. We also offer competitive compensation and benefits, and a supportive working environment.
Come join us as we work together to build healthier communities!