Medical assistants provide invaluable services to their patients while also aiding the administrative work done in the facility. As an entry-level medical assistant, you’ll be expected to carry out a variety of responsibilities, all of which you should be prepared for with the proper training. Here, Prism Career Institute describes the duties and responsibilities you’ll be expected to carry out as an entry-level medical assistant in the field.
Work Environment
The healthcare industry offers numerous opportunities for career paths, and medical assistants can work in a variety of settings. As part of a medical team, these healthcare professionals may work with patients of all ages in settings from pediatrics to hospice. They also may find themselves in highly specialized settings, such as drug rehabilitation facilities, cancer centers, and laboratories. As such, the duties of medical assistants can vary greatly and include several different tasks.
Clinical Responsibilities
A large part of the work you’ll perform as an entry-level medical assistant will be clinical and directly tied to patient treatment. Daily duties may include the following:
- Approving and sending prescription refills
- Collecting lab samples
- Describing treatments and procedures to patients
- Drawing blood
- Taking patient medical histories
- Performing electrocardiogram (EKG) tests
- Prepping collected lab samples
- Providing medication instructions
- Removing sutures and dressing wounds
- Supporting physicians during examinations
The immediate health and wellbeing of the patients is always priority number one, and the responsibilities you’ll carry out daily are integral to treatment and care. Depending on the facility, you can expect much of your day to be spent interacting with patients and performing these duties.
Administrative Tasks
The services you provide as a medical assistant don’t end when patients leave. In addition to clinical support, entry-level medical assistants are also expected to carry out many administrative tasks. These tasks ensure smooth day-to-day operations, so it’s important to have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Common administrative tasks include:
- Welcoming patients
- Answering phone calls
- Scheduling appoints and follow-ups
- Corresponding with healthcare providers
- Ensuring proper coding on insurance forms
- Processing claims
- Updating and filing medical records
- Billing and bookkeeping
Although these duties depend on the facility, your role, and other factors, the administrative tasks assigned to you are vital to the patient experience and the healthcare facility as a whole.
The Medical Assistant Training Program at Prism Career Institute
The knowledge and skills required to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant are obtained through an accredited training program. At Prism Career Institute, we offer a comprehensive medical assistant training program. Throughout this program, students receive the training necessary to execute a variety of essential duties. In addition to classes and practical training, students are also placed in an externship where they gain valuable first-hand experiences in the field.
With the right training, you can feel confident in your ability to effectively fulfill your role as an integral part of a medical team. For more information, contact Prism Career Institute in Cherry Hill or West Atlantic City, NJ today.