Certified medical assistants most often work in a doctor's office, a nursing care center, or another medical facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or pharmacy. Their responsibilities include providing continuing patient care, working with doctors and nurses to meet the needs of patents, and performing administrative and clerical duties in an office environment. They greet and assist patients with paperwork, show patients to their exam rooms, and take patients' vitals and drawing blood. Their typical work week usually includes a full-time schedule during regular business hours, although they may be hired for night shifts.
Certified medical assistants must have a high-school diploma or GED, as well as an associate's degree in medical assisting or equivalent training/job experience (usually two to five years), and certification by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Certified medical assistants also usually possess at least a year of experience in the field or a related profession. They must also have CPR certification and experience working within HIPAA and other patient privacy laws. Other traits a medical assistant must possess include attention to detail, computer competency, and good interpersonal communication skills.
Medical Assistant (Certified) Tasks
- Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
- Interview and record patients' medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Collect, prepare and log blood, tissue or other laboratory specimens.
- Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
- May assist with administrative duties including scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding for insurance purposes.