Medical assisting a fast-growing profession
The last time you visited a doctor's office, you may have encountered a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Perhaps it was the person who had scheduled your appointment or who greeted you when you checked in.
Those who enter the medical assisting profession enjoy contact with patients, experience a wide variety of responsibilities and thrive in the fast-paced environment of a medical practice or clinic. Most CMAs work 40-hour weeks, while some work part-time, evenings, and weekends.
Responsibilities vary, depending on office location, size, and specialty. In small practices, CMAs usually perform both clinical and administrative functions, reporting to an office manager, physician or other health practitioners.
Certified Medical Assistants also answer phones, greet patients, update and file medical records, fill out insurance forms, schedule appointments. They are also able to take medical histories, explain treatment procedures to patients, prepare patients for medical exams. CMAs can instruct patients about medications and diets, authorize drug refills as needed, draw blood, and prepare patients for X-Rays.
Medical assisting is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. Each year more than 7,000 candidates earn the CMA credential.
CMAs enjoy a variety of job responsibilities in both clinical and administrative settings. CMAs work side by side with physicians and other skilled practitioners.
Most employers prefer to hire graduates of formal programs in medical assisting. Such programs are offered in postsecondary vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and in colleges and universities. Postsecondary programs usually last either in one year resulting a certificate or diploma or two years resulting in an associate degree. The students learn laboratory techniques, clinical and diagnostic procedures, pharmaceutical principles, medication administration and first aid.
Those who graduate from a program accredited by the commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Schools are eligible for the national CMA Certification Examination of the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants.
To learn more or to find an accredited medical assisting program in your area, contact the American Association of Medical Assistants at 1-800-228-2262 source
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