Medical assistants play a vital role in maintaining their facility’s day-to-day operations. They find work in a variety of environments, including specialized locations such as cancer treatment centers. These workplaces are uniquely demanding, but also highly rewarding with a strong combination of clinical and administrative experience. With Prism Career Institute, discover what everyday responsibilities may look like for an oncology medical assistant.
What Is a Cancer Treatment Center?
As the name suggests, a cancer treatment center is a healthcare facility that specializes in serving patients with cancer. Their primary focus is on preventing, diagnosing, and treating various forms of cancer. A cancer treatment center may use blood work, endoscopy, computed tomography (CT) imaging, and MRI scans to identify and monitor a tumor. They also deal with specialized procedures, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, for treating cancer.
Cancer treatment centers are staffed by oncologists or doctors who are specially qualified to treat cancer. Different team members may specialize in different forms of cancer, such as thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, or melanoma. They may also have expertise in various kinds of treatments. With a diverse array of skills, the treatment center is better equipped to serve all its patients.
What Is an Oncology Medical Assistant?
Oncology medical assistants are trained individuals who support a team of oncologists and nurses. They assist with administration and everyday clinical tasks to help the center run smoothly. They also play a valuable role in coordinating patient care. Medical assistants bring the entire team’s expertise together to ensure that every patient receives the care they need.
Because cancer treatment is so specialized, it requires a unique skill set. Cancer treatment can be scary for patients. Many patients are stressed, and others are processing feelings of grief about a terminal diagnosis. Medical assistants need patience and compassion when handling patients who are struggling. They also juggle many different duties, and even minor details can be vital to a patient’s well-being. Attentiveness is essential to stay organized and ensure that nothing important is missed.
Medical Assistant Responsibilities
Medical assistants help run their facility on a day-to-day basis. Their responsibilities can be divided into three categories: clinical, administrative, and interacting with patients.
Clinical Duties
An oncologist medical assistant’s first area of responsibility is in the clinic. Here, they assist nurses and oncologists through a variety of tasks. Medical assistants are only qualified to perform certain tasks while supervised by a physician. While limited, however, their work is no less essential. Everyday duties may include:
- Sterilizing instruments and equipment
- Cleaning and stocking exam rooms
- Maintaining medical supply inventory
- Assisting during physical examinations
- Performing electrocardiograms (ECGs)
- Administering injections
- Ordering and performing lab tests
- Operating medical machinery
- Documenting a patient’s treatment
Administrative Duties
When not working in the clinic, medical assistants are making sure the cancer treatment center is operating efficiently. They handle a range of administrative responsibilities to ensure that the facility runs smoothly and that patients receive the appropriate medical attention. These duties include:
- Receiving and returning patient calls
- Scheduling appointments
- Reviewing and delivering lab reports
- Inputting information into medical charts
- Maintaining electronic records
- Managing patient referrals
- Handling billing and payments
Interacting With Patients
While supporting the team through clinical and administrative duties, oncology medical assistants frequently interact with patients. Their role in patient communication is vital to ensuring the patient’s comfort and follow-through on the doctor’s instructions, which in turn guarantees better treatment outcomes. Patient-facing responsibilities include:
- Providing emotional support to patients and families
- Creating a safe and comfortable environment
- Educating patients about procedures and treatments
- Maintaining formal and informal correspondence
Becoming a Medical Assistant
To become a medical assistant, you must first complete an accredited medical assistant program, such as the one at Prism Career Institute. Through this program, you will develop skills and knowledge to help you succeed in the medical field. A combination of classroom and hands-on learning provides a comprehensive education. You will also need to complete a medical assistant externship to gain real-world workplace experience.
After completing the program, which takes less than one year at Prism Career Institute, you will be ready to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. This exam will test everything you’ve learned to determine whether you are prepared to become a medical assistant. If you pass, you will receive your certification and take your first steps into a brand-new career.
Become a Medical Assistant at Prism Career Institute
If you think a career as an oncologist medical assistant sounds right for you, start learning today at Prism Career Institute. Our medical assistant program is available at campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cherry Hill, and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. Contact us to learn more about financial aid opportunities for students who qualify or to get started with admissions and enrollment.