Medical assistants help nurses, physicians, and other professionals provide effective healthcare. Their role is vital to keep the healthcare industry running smoothly. But what is a medical assistant’s workday like? Prism Career Institute provides a Medical Assistant training program near you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. Here, we explore what a medical assistant does, including their working environment, hours, and the duties they handle every day.
What Are the Core Duties of a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants handle both administrative and clinical tasks daily, and they may need to transition quickly from one to the other. Appointment schedules at healthcare facilities are usually packed. Medical assistants are constantly on the move, fulfilling many responsibilities and working with many different patients during a shift. Here is what an average day might look like for an MA at a doctor’s office:
- 8:00 a.m.: Arrive at the doctor’s office or clinic.
- 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.: Review the day’s schedule and prepare examination rooms for patients.
- 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.: Take vitals, review medical histories, and schedule follow-up appointments for the morning patients.
- 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Morning break.
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Handle payments with insurance companies, send and receive records, and coordinate care with other healthcare facilities.
- 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Lunch break.
- 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.: Take vitals, record medical histories, and coordinate follow-up appointments for the afternoon patients.
- 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon break.
- 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Work with insurance companies and other healthcare providers, and update patient charts for the day.
- 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Debrief with coworkers, clean exam rooms, and take stock of supplies.
- 5:00 p.m.: Finish the shift.
This daily schedule requires efficiency and the ability to stay organized while juggling multiple tasks at once. It requires flexibility, especially when an emergency situation forces you to drop everything. It also requires stamina. Without endurance, you may find it difficult to keep up with the fast-paced working environment without tiring. If you have what it takes, however, then becoming a medical assistant might be a rewarding career path for you.
The Work Environment
Medical assistants are in high demand across the healthcare industry. In fact, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a rapid 12% growth in MA employment between 2024 and 2034. This demand is due to the role’s importance. Medical assistants perform a necessary role in all types of healthcare settings, including:
- Physician’s offices
- Hospitals
- Community clinics
- Urgent care facilities
- Outpatient care centers
- Medical research centers
- Insurance companies
- Nursing homes
MAs work in a variety of environments, and the job itself can vary just as widely. Where you work impacts your schedule, your duties, the types of patients you see, and the size of the medical team you are part of.
The Work Week
Part-time medical assistant MA positions exist. Most MAs, however, work full-time schedules with a work week of 40 hours or more. The specific schedule depends on your place of employment. Some medical assistants work five 8-hour shifts. Others might work three 12-hour shifts. You may arrive early to get everything in order before your shift begins. You might also stay late to restock supplies, finish a patient’s report, or get ready for the next day. Many MAs enjoy good overtime pay.
Shifts take place whenever the hospital, clinic, or other facility is open. In the healthcare industry, this could mean always. Depending on what type of facility you work in, you may work only during standard business hours. You may also work evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
Is Working as a Medical Assistant Stressful?
Working as a medical assistant can be stressful. Between the constant multitasking, the rare breaks, and the chance of an emergency throwing the day into disarray at any moment, many people find healthcare jobs to be challenging.
As demanding as it may be, however, being a medical assistant is also rewarding. MAs play an essential role in the healthcare system, making it possible for patients to receive the lifesaving care they need. They work with patients daily, meeting all kinds of people and making a positive impact on their lives. The emotional rewards often outweigh the stress, inspiring MAs to keep trying their best.
Envision Your Future and Start Your Training at Prism Career Institute
Does a day in the life of a medical assistant sound like the right fit for you? Prism Career Institute can prepare you for the dynamic, hands-on, and rewarding responsibilities of this role. Our program is available near you in Philadelphia, PA, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, giving students the skills and confidence they need. Contact us to learn more about what a medical assistant does, or apply online today.