What Does a Medical Assistant Do in Canada?
Contents
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports the work of physicians and other health professionals.
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Job Description
A medical assistant is an allied health professional who supports the work of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals in clinics, hospitals and other medical settings. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office or clinic running smoothly. In Canada, Medical Assistants may be certified through one of several organizations, such as the Canadian Society of Medical Assistants or the National Alliance of Healthcare Assistants.
The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the size and type of facility, but may include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, taking patient histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with procedures and tests, giving injections and assisting with follow-up care. Medical assistants also perform basic laboratory tests and handle laboratory specimens. In some cases, they may also dispense medication and provide instruction on taking medication correctly.
Duties
Although the duties of a medical assistant in Canada may vary depending on the employer, there are certain tasks that are commonly performed. Medical assistants may be responsible for scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork and billing, taking patient medical histories and vital signs, and assisting with exams and minor procedures. In some cases, medical assistants may also administer injections and perform basic lab tests. Most medical assistants work in doctor’s offices, clinics or hospitals.
Work Settings
Medical assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities. They may also work in research laboratories or pharmaceutical companies. No matter where they work, medical assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks.
Employment Outlook
Medical assistants are in high demand across Canada. The increase in the aging population and the general trend toward shorter hospital stays has resulted in a greater need for medical assistants in both hospitals and clinics.
The number of job openings for medical assistants is expected to grow by 10% over the next ten years, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment prospects are expected to be good, especially in rural and urban areas.
Salary
The average salary for a Medical Assistant is $16.24 per hour in Canada. Salary estimates are based on 447 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Medical Assistant employees.
Education and Training
Education and Training
In order to work as a medical assistant in Canada, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs are typically two years in length and will prepare you for the various tasks you will be performing on a daily basis. During your studies, you will take courses such as human anatomy, medical office procedures, Medical Terminology and pharmacology. Many programs also include an internship component, which will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in a medical office setting.
Certification
In order to work as a medical assistant in Canada, you must be certified by the Canadian Medical Assistants Certification Board (CMACB). CMACB is the only body that offers certification for medical assistants in Canada. To be eligible for certification, you must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have passed the CMACB exam. Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every three years by taking the CMACB exam again.
Skills
Medical assistants in Canada work in both administrative and clinical capacities in physician offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Duties vary depending on the size and type of facility, but may include answering telephones, scheduling appointments, taking medical histories and recording vital signs, preparing patients for examination, assisting with medical procedures, performing laboratory tests, handling correspondence, billing and coding insurance forms. Some medical assistants also teach patients how to manage their conditions by providing instructions on diet, exercise and medication.
Related Professions
Medical assistants in Canada work in outpatient care facilities, such as medical clinics and doctor’s offices. Their duties vary depending on the size and type of facility, but they typically consist of administrative tasks and patient care.
Administering medications, scheduling appointments, updating patient medical records and handling billing are some of the most common administrative tasks that medical assistants perform. They may also be responsible for answering phones, greeting patients and providing information about the facility’s services.
When it comes to patient care, medical assistants may take blood pressure readings, remove sutures, apply bandages, administer injectable medications and perform other routine tasks. They often work closely with patients to answer their questions and provide instructions on follow-up care.
While most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program. These programs typically last 1-2 years and cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and communication.
Job Search Tips
Are you thinking about becoming a medical assistant in Canada? If so, you’re probably wondering what the job entails. In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the duties of a medical assistant in Canada and provide some tips on how to find a job in this field.
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who provides support to doctors and other medical staff. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, such as taking patient histories and scheduling appointments. They may also assist with patient examinations, prepare patients for surgery, and help with laboratory procedures.
The duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the type of practice they work in. For example, those who work in clinics or hospitals may have different duties than those who work in private practices. However, all medical assistants must be able to perform basic tasks such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, and administering injections.
Medical assistants must be able to work well under pressure and be comfortable working with people of all ages. They must also have excellent communication skills and be able to follow instructions accurately.
If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant in Canada, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired. First, it’s important to have a strong command of the English language. Many medical assistants in Canada are required to speak English fluently. Second, consider pursuing a medical assisting program at a college or university. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed formal training programs. Finally, be sure to list any relevant experience you have on your resume or CV. Employers will often give preference to candidates who have previous experience working in healthcare or customer service positions.
Medical assisting is a rewarding career that offers opportunities for growth and advancement. If you’re interested in helping others and working in the healthcare industry, consider becoming a medical assistant in Canada today!
