Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live our lives. AI powers tools like voice assistant technology, which helps with everyday tasks from checking the weather to looking up a recipe. But AI is also creating positive changes in the world of healthcare, as this technology can help automate some of the time-consuming processes medical assistants manage.
Prism Career Institute provides an outstanding Medical Assistant Program at campuses in Philadelphia, PA, and in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ. Here, we share some of the ways AI technology can affect medical assistant jobs.
What Do Medical Assistants Do?
Medical assistants fill a crucial role in healthcare facilities. They are responsible for managing a wide range of both clinical and administrative duties, and they support physicians and nurses. Typical responsibilities include:
- Greeting patients and showing them to exam rooms
- Recording patient histories and updating medical records
- Taking patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure or temperature
- Scheduling medical appointments
- Preparing medical instruments or equipment
- Communicating with insurance providers
- Calling patients and sending appointment reminders
These healthcare professionals complete medical assistant programs to develop the skills they need in their careers.
Medical Records and AI
Medical technology is already automating some of the routine tasks that historically had to be completed by hand. Just a generation ago, medical records required thousands of paper-based files. Today, however, everything is digital: healthcare practices use electronic medical records, which make it easier to streamline documentation and share information among a patient’s different providers. AI mimics the problem-solving capabilities of the human mind. Through machine learning processes, AI can be used to analyze large amounts of medical records data to identify patterns and insights. Through natural language processing, AI tools can isolate relevant data needed for medical claims or other purposes.
Chat Functions to Handle Patient Inquiries
Medical assistants are often responsible for covering the phones at healthcare practices, so they must take calls from patients throughout the day. AI can be used to power chat tools on healthcare facility websites, answering frequently asked questions about appointments, hours, services, and other key details. This means patients have a convenient way to access information without placing a phone call, freeing up medical assistants to focus on other administrative tasks.
Speech-to-Text Technology for Medical Appointments
Medical assistants may be tasked with entering patient information during appointments. They document medical histories, symptoms, and other physician notes. Speech-to-text tools allow providers to dictate notes instead of having them typed up.
With the support of AI-powered tools, medical assistants have more time to dedicate to patient care and one-on-one interactions. AI cannot replace the empathy and understanding that medical assistants and other healthcare professionals can offer their patients. Thus, technology might enhance healthcare, but it won’t replace the crucial role medical assistants fill.
The Medical Assisting Program at Prism Career Institute
Training at Prism Career Institute is dedicated to helping students prepare for the future of healthcare. The Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute can be completed in as little as ten months and offers 720 hours of training. With a well-rounded curriculum, coursework covers topics including:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Intro to Medical Assisting
- Patient Intake Procedures
- EKG (Electrocardiography)
- Pharmacology
- Phlebotomy
- Medical Office Procedures
- Electronic Health Records
- Certification Review
- Career Development
Career Development Students can learn the clinical and administrative skills medical assistants need to apply for healthcare jobs in settings such as hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities.
In addition to 420 lecture hours and 150 lab hours, students gain valuable hands-on experience through a 150-hour externship placement. Those who graduate from the program are eligible to take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a key certification for this occupation. Prism Career Institute is accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
Learn More About Becoming a Medical Assistant
If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare, consider the Medical Assisting Program at Prism Career Institute. With experienced faculty and dedicated career services, we provide a supportive environment where students can learn and thrive. Medical assistant courses are offered at Prism Career Institute’s campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, and Philadelphia, PA. Financial aid is available to students who qualify. To learn more about our career programs or get in touch with a member of our admissions team, contact us today.