The healthcare field is full of diverse opportunities for people who have a passion for helping others. If you are drawn towards caring for children, then working as a pediatric medical assistant could be the right path to choose. Individuals in this career help deliver care to people under the age of 18, from infants to teenagers. There are a variety of duties that come with this position, and Prism Career Institute’s Medical Assistant Program will help you strengthen your skills in order to excel.
Clinical Responsibilities
There are many ways in which a pediatric medical assistant will provide hands-on care. They will do much of the preparation before the doctor arrives in the exam room, such as recording the patient’s vitals, including height, weight, blood pressure and more. A medical assistant will also collect the medical history of the patient, discuss why they are visiting the doctor and take down any symptoms they are experiencing. Excellent communication skills are required as a pediatric medical assistant in order to explain instructions carefully to children and be able to interpret the information they are giving if it is unclear.
In addition, there are some more in-depth tasks that pediatric medical assistants may participate in. If a doctor needs a sample from a patient, the medical assistant can facilitate collection and prepare the sample for laboratory testing. They may also deliver a vaccination to a patient, or administer certain medications. These procedures can be scary to a young child, so pediatric medical assistants must maintain a helpful and compassionate attitude in order to diminish any concerns and help kids stay calm.
Administrative Responsibilities
If you are more detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills, then working more on the administrative side as a pediatric medical assistant may better fit your strengths. Working in the front office of a medical practice comes with an entirely different set of duties to perform, including:
- Checking in patients: As the first person a child and his or her parent sees when they enter the office, you provide the friendly and caring atmosphere that the practice strives to maintain.
- Collecting insurance information: This involves filling out insurance forms and verifying the information provided, usually by a parent, with insurance companies to make sure they are accurate.
- Organizing and maintaining patient medical records: Doctor’s offices are home to a large amount of essential information that must be kept in order and updated to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the patients.
- Answering phones: A pediatric medical assistant must be knowledgeable of the office’s operations in order to answer questions that people may have when they call. Because many parents will feel stressed when a child is sick, a calm, friendly demeanor is essential.
- Scheduling appointments: Either at the end of their appointment or through the phone, you will find the best time for patients to come into the office for their visit. Patience is key during these interactions, especially when parents and children must navigate busy schedules.
Working in a pediatric office, you will most likely be dealing with the parents or legal guardians of the patients when performing these tasks. However, teens may arrive for appointments on their own and need additional help managing insurance cards and other information. No matter what, your ultimate goal should be to make the process as easy as possible on every visit and communication.
Get the Education You Need
To excel in the role of a pediatric medical assistant, you need a strong foundation of knowledge that combines practical learning and expert classroom instruction. The Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute offers specialized training, as well as an externship program that will prepare you for a fulfilling career in the medical field. If you have decided that this is the path for you, contact us to learn more about the program and how to enroll.