Sanford Brown’s Medical Assistant Program

Sanford Brown’s medical assistant Program is a great way to get started in the medical field. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a medical assistant

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What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in ambulatory care settings performing administrative and clinical duties. Doctors’ offices, clinics, group practices, and other healthcare facilities employ medical assistants.

The roles of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on State law and the specific needs and policies of the healthcare facility. In small offices, medical assistants may be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks and clinical duties. In larger offices, medical assistants typically specialize in one area, such as billing and coding or medical transcription Some medical assistants also may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as ophthalmology or dermatology.

What does a medical assistant do?

A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who supports the work of physicians and other health care providers. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians and other health care providers running smoothly. Administrative tasks may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records taking and recording patient medical histories, scheduling appointments, filling out insurance forms and handling correspondence. Clinical tasks may include taking patients’ vital signs (height, weight, blood pressure, temperature), preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, administering medications and performing basic laboratory tests. Many medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate while others have completed a formal 2-year degree program. Most states do not require medical assistants to be licensed or certified; however, certification can demonstrate competence in the field to employers and patients alike. The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the Certified Medical Assistant credential. To earn this credential candidates must successfully complete a written exam that tests their knowledge of medical assisting.

What are the duties of a medical assistant?

The duties of a medical assistant are both administrative and clinical. Administrative duties may include answering phones, taking medical histories and scheduling appointments. Clinical duties may include taking vital signs, assisting with patient exams and drawing blood.

Medical assistants must be able to perform both sets of duties competently in order to support the smooth operation of a medical practice. They must be excellent communicators, have strong customer service skills and be able to work well under pressure. In addition, they must have a thorough understanding of Medical Terminology and insurance billing procedures.

What are the responsibilities of a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically trained to work in outpatient facilities such as medical offices and clinics. They perform both clinical and administrative tasks and often work side-by-side with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.

The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, but typically include taking and recording medical histories and vital signs, preparing patients for examination, performing routine laboratory tests, drawing blood, updating patient records, scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, transcribing doctors’ orders, authorizing insurance payments, and handling billing and collections.

What are the qualifications for a medical assistant?

In order to be a medical assistant, one must have completed a medical assisting program and have gained certification. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties, although their day-to-day tasks will vary depending on the size and type of facility they work in. Some medical assistants may be responsible for handling insurance forms and scheduling appointments, while others may perform tasks such as taking patient medical histories and recording vital signs. No matter what their specific duties entail, all medical assistants must be able to work effectively under pressure and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.

What are the skills of a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are specially trained to perform both administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, clinics and other healthcare settings. They are often the first point of contact between patients and medical staff, so they must be able to perform their duties with warmth, compassion and efficiency.

While the duties of a medical assistant vary depending on the employer, there are certain skills that are essential for all medical assistants. These include:

-Excellent communication skills: Medical assistants must be able to clearly communicate with patients, doctors and other medical staff. They often have to relay complex information and instructions, so it is important that they are able to do so in a way that is easy to understand.
-Strong organizational skills: Medical assistants have to keep track of a lot of different information, including patients’ medical histories, test results and appointments. They must be able to organize this information in a way that is easy to access and understand.
-Attention to detail: Medical assistants have to be very careful when they are recording or transmitting information. A small mistake can cause big problems, so it is important that they pay close attention to detail.
-Ability to work under pressure: Healthcare settings can be fast-paced and stressful. Medical assistants must be able to remain calm and efficient even when they are under pressure.

What are the educational requirements for a medical assistant?

To become a medical assistant, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. These programs typically last between one and two years and will prepare you for the various duties of a medical assistant. Upon completion of your medical assistant program, you will be eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

What is the job outlook for a medical assistant?

The job outlook for medical assistants is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the occupation will grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to several factors, including an aging population that will need more medical care, and a growing number of physicians who will need support staff.

What are the salary prospects for a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports the work of physicians and other medical staff. Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks, including taking patient histories, scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork, and assisting with minor medical procedures. With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation and the consequent increase in the number of Americans over the age of 65, the demand for medical assistants is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $31,540 in May 2016. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $45,850, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $22,300. Salaries vary somewhat by region of the country, with medical assistants in metropolitan areas generally earning more than those in rural areas. They also tend to be higher in states with a large number of healthcare facilities, such as California and Texas.

What are the career options for a medical assistant?

Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They perform a variety of tasks to support doctors and other medical professionals. Career options for medical assistants include working in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities.